We've never understood Power Rankings, especially when you can just look at the standings for an official, unarguable list of who's the best and who's the worst. So, with a desire to not do something so unnecessary and redundant, but rather create a new list that makes very little sense, we present: The MLS Rankings of Power.
Every week, we'll update this monstrosity in the hope of finding the most powerful person, place or thing in the most major of major soccer leagues. Let us begin.
Just add water... #PORvMIN | 2-1 | @Chris_Ramirez17 pic.twitter.com/OXN4F8reGe
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) March 4, 2017
The question: can Christian Ramirez, the two-time NASL Golden Boot winner and focal point of Minnesota’s attack in the second division, make the jump to MLS? After starting on the bench in Friday night’s match against Portland, Ramirez came on in the 69th minute and notched Minnesota’s first MLS goal only ten minutes later.
But Ramirez could not score five more to lift Minnesota over Portland, so he starts out at the bottom of our rankings.
Peter Vermes talks about his tough tactical decisions in the match against DC United.
Sporting Kansas City manager Peter Vermes made the ultimate power move on Saturday by telling his entire bench to f**k off. He made absolutely zero substitutions against DC United in a match that finished 0-0. Future USMNT manager? We sure hope so.
Atlanta United opened the scoring but ultimately lost to RBNY.
First goal in Atlanta United history was a Meg... pic.twitter.com/jvp07YijzL
— C A L E B (@CalebMeininger) March 6, 2017
The pressure is on Atlanta United to not suck after everyone predicted they would defeat Real Madrid at the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup Final. Their inagural match drew a sellout crowd of over 55,000 and over 375,000 tuned in on FS1 to watch them lose to New York Red Bulls.
The guttural noise that accompanied their first goal was unlike anything else in the American sporting landscape. But, as Atlanta hip hop duo OutKast would say, do they need to hush that fuss and play behind closed doors? Just an idea, you know. Too much pressure there...I'm just a really envious Minnesota United supporter.
Is it going to be hard for this entry to stay on our MLS List of Power? Yes. But there was still a very strong showing from SlowMo technology and Alphonso Davies in week one. Wouldn't it be great if Davies and Orlando's Cyle Larin fired Canada to their first World Cup since 1986? Especially so since it would be Canada at the 2022 World Cup in the sweltering heat of Qatar?
VOTE!@a_godoy03 started the season off right with a delicious chip & it's up for @MLS Goal of the Week! https://t.co/nesrEBrLgh pic.twitter.com/1ut6SqhEpx
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) March 6, 2017
These boys are going to sneak up on some people this year. Head coach Dominic Kinnear? Sneaky. 2014 World Cup legend Chris Wondolowski? Sneaky asf. Avaya Stadium advantage? Very sneaky.
Atlanta fans throwing beer at Mark Geiger. That usually takes an MLS fan base at least a season
— Total MLS (@TotalMLS) March 6, 2017
The closest thing MLS has to a referee of Mike Dean or Mark Clattenburg standing, Geiger was powerful in week one, whistling for 28 fouls and handing out three yellow cards and one red card.
This is @clint_dempsey's first goal since Aug. 21, 2016. pic.twitter.com/uoE2urRj3u
— Sounder At Heart (@sounderatheart) March 5, 2017
Clint is back and he's better than ever and he's going to lead us to the World Cup. Very powerful display from Deuce.
Either Pablo Mastroeni or a guy looking to tie you to some train tracks.
The most miserly defense of 2016, allowing only 32 goals in 34 games, was back at it opening weekend, keeping a clean sheet against New England with Zac MacMath deputizing for the injured Tim Howard. Once again, the attack did just enough to seal a 1-0 victory, scoring off a set piece in the 52nd minute. It's gonna be gutsy out in Commerce City, Colorado.
The people of Commerce City are excited for some gritty footie. Photo: Wikipedia Commons
Plano's own Kellyn Acosta gets the second goal of the match and ultimately lead the team to a 2-1 victory. WATCH. pic.twitter.com/3yFCvpEWLd
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) March 5, 2017
FC Dallas are the best team in MLS, and Kellyn Acosta is going to be the best player. You will not stop hearing this from me.
After guiding Dallas to the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals, Acosta scored in the opener to defeat LA Galaxy in California.
A Gift From The Gods. #TheWall pic.twitter.com/VraHaiFWSN
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 5, 2017
The Orlando City Stadium is a gorgeous thing, and their standing room only section is a gift from the gods. Kaka’s injury put a slight damper on the proceedings, but Orlando are a safe bet to make their first playoff appearance this year.
