Power Rankings never cease to spark outrage. But here at Backheeled? We’re not here to cause anger. No, we’re here to dissect the latest performances, trends, tactics, and news for each of MLS’s 30 clubs. Every week during the MLS season, Ben Wright will guide you through the Eastern Conference teams and Joe Lowery will do the same for the West.
Okay, fine. We’re also here to spark some outrage, because we’re ranking all 30 teams, too. Power Rankings are based on each club’s average position across Ben and Joe’s individual rankings. Onwards.
1. Vancouver Whitecaps
Trending: No change
From this point forward, the Vancouver Whitecaps must be referred to as the ‘We Resoundingly Beat Inter Miami Over Two Legs And Are Now Concacaf Champions Cup Finalists Vancouver Whitecaps’. I don’t make the rules, I just enforce them.
Alright, fine, you called my bluff. Ain’t no way I’m typing all that again. But the Whitecaps’ magical season just keeps getting more magical.
They beat and outplayed Inter Miami in Florida on Wednesday to book a date with Cruz Azul in the CCC Final on June 1st, then traveled back to Vancouver, changed five starters, and still ran right over Real Salt Lake in a 2-1 home victory. Jesper Sorensen’s team is leading the Supporters’ Shield race while playing at an absurd 80-point pace. Everyone is producing. Everyone is playing well. Well, except Ryan Gauld who isn’t playing at all because he’s injured.
In Gauld’s stead on the left wing on Saturday was Jayden Nelson, who scored a goal and continues to be a problem for opposing defenders. As judged by the social media comp-makers, Nelson put in a comp-worthy performance this past weekend:
Jayden Nelson vs Real Salt Lake
— Juni🇨🇦🇸🇦 (@WasWizinho) May 4, 2025
6 G/A in 7 games now.
Baller😮💨#CanMNT #VWFC
pic.twitter.com/wo4pOyUcjL
Vancouver? Hot knife. The rest of North America? Butter. - Joe Lowery
