MLS Power Rankings: LAFC begins season with unprecedented success
It’s Monday, and MLS action returns, marking the time for ESPN’s Power Rankings.
Which teams appear the strongest? Which ones may face challenges this season? Our writers analyzed the events from Matchday 4 to establish this week’s rankings. Let’s take a closer look.
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1. Vancouver Whitecaps
Previous ranking: 1
Victories don’t get much more commanding than the Whitecaps’ 6-0 triumph over Minnesota. Even with a partially rotated squad, Vancouver overwhelmed the Loons, scoring through both open play and set pieces. Currently, no team in the league is as well-rounded as the Caps.
2. LAFC
Previous ranking: 2
After a 2-0 victory against St. Louis, LAFC made history as the first team in MLS to achieve four consecutive shutouts at the start of a season. While the hosts didn’t generate numerous chances, a brace from Mathieu Choinière in the second half secured the win.
3. Nashville SC
Previous ranking: 5
When Cristian Espinoza joined Nashville as a free agent this winter, assists like the one he provided for Hany Mukhtar’s game-winning goal against the Crew were exactly what fans in Music City envisioned. The Argentine’s elegant play ensured a 1-0 victory for the visitors on Saturday.
4. San Diego FC
Previous ranking: 3
Although they may be disappointed about relinquishing a lead against FC Dallas, San Diego can take comfort in the fact that their 3-3 draw still represents a valuable road point. These points are crucial amid lineup adjustments for the Concacaf Champions Cup.
5. Inter Miami CF
Previous ranking: 4
In the absence of Lionel Messi ahead of a Concacaf Champions Cup matchup with Nashville later this week, Miami’s offense was understandably subdued in a 0-0 draw with Charlotte on Saturday. While the result is hard to interpret for Miami, it highlighted their desire to succeed in the Champions Cup.
play1:12Charlotte FC vs. Inter Miami CF – Game Highlights
Watch the Game Highlights from Charlotte FC vs. Inter Miami CF, 03/14/2026
6. Seattle Sounders
Previous ranking: 7
The Sounders took an early lead in San Jose with a goal from Paul Rothrock in the 20th minute and maintained control throughout. They faced some pressure but ultimately secured a 1-0 victory, even with several key players resting.
7. San Jose Earthquakes
Previous ranking: 6
After winning three consecutive matches to start the season, San Jose experienced their first defeat in a 1-0 loss to Seattle. Nevertheless, the debut of Timo Werner as an Earthquake, where he appeared threatening, should excite fans in San Jose.
8. Real Salt Lake
Previous ranking: 10
Real Salt Lake may be on the rise. Following their 2-1 victory over Austin FC on Saturday, RSL has now won three consecutive matches, with their only loss this year coming against Vancouver. As they gradually regain full fitness, Pablo Mastroeni’s squad is becoming a challenging opponent.
9. New York City FC
Previous ranking: 9
No traditional No. 9? No issue for NYCFC. Winger-turned-emergency-striker Nicolás Fernández once again started at the top and scored twice in a 3-1 win over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday. Outside of New York City, only four other teams remain unbeaten at this point.
10. Red Bull New York
Previous ranking: 11
Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Toronto was tense for RBNY. Despite good buildup play and several threatening shots, it took a last-minute equalizer from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to salvage a point for the visitors.
11. FC Dallas
Previous ranking: 14
After falling behind by two goals, Petar Musa’s hat trick salvaged a 3-3 draw for Dallas against a rotated San Diego team focused on the Concacaf Champions Cup. Musa continues to be one of the standout players in the league.
12. Minnesota United
Previous ranking: 8
There’s no denying it: Minnesota faced a humiliating defeat against Vancouver on Saturday. The 6-0 loss overshadowed James Rodríguez’s MLS debut, as his entry in the second half came too late to make an impact.
13. LA Galaxy
Previous ranking: 12
The Galaxy became the first team to lose to Sporting Kansas City in 2026, suffering a 2-1 defeat on Saturday. It’s evident that LA missed their designated player wingers, with Gabriel Pec suspended and Joseph Paintsil sidelined due to injury.
14. FC Cincinnati
Previous ranking: 13
Just days after defeating Tigres 3-0 in Concacaf play, FC Cincinnati experienced a 6-1 loss to the New England Revolution in MLS action. This stark contrast highlights their defensive struggles and a second-half red card that contributed to a disastrous outing for Pat Noonan and his team on Sunday.
play1:14New England Revolution vs. FC Cincinnati – Game Highlights
Watch the Game Highlights from New England Revolution vs. FC Cincinnati, 03/15/2026
15. Chicago Fire
Previous ranking: 15
Despite taking the lead at home in the 81st minute, Chicago lost 2-1 to D.C. United after conceding two late goals. A deflected shot that turned into a goal and a penalty awarded for a handball shifted the match’s momentum for a Fire team still searching for consistency.
16. Houston Dynamo
Previous ranking: 17
In the 15th minute of second-half stoppage time (yes, that is correct), new designated player Mateusz Bogusz scored the decisive goal for the Dynamo in a 3-2 victory over the Portland Timbers. After a week off, this win is particularly satisfying.
17. Charlotte FC
Previous ranking: 19
Typically, preventing Inter Miami from scoring is commendable. However, with Messi and several other key players absent ahead of a Concacaf Champions Cup match later this week, Charlotte doesn’t receive as much credit for their 0-0 draw. Nonetheless, the point is still valuable.
18. St. Louis City SC
Previous ranking: 18
St. Louis City has had a challenging week, suffering a 2-0 defeat to LAFC on Saturday. Midfielder Eduard Löwen’s wife, Ilona, passed away on March 9th after a two-year battle with cancer. There are far more significant matters than soccer.
19. Toronto FC
Previous ranking: 22
Josh Sargent’s MLS debut nearly featured a goal shortly after he entered in the second half against Red Bull New York on Saturday. However, the striker was unable to find the net, and Toronto couldn’t maintain their lead, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
20. Colorado Rapids
Previous ranking: 21
The Rapids performed decently on the road in New York City, but they were outmatched in a 3-1 loss to the Pigeons. A positive takeaway for Matt Wells’ team is that 21-year-old forward Darren Yapi has found new life as a winger.
21. Columbus Crew
Previous ranking: 16
Although former FC Barcelona midfielder André Gomes made his debut and impressed with his ball control in front of the center backs for Columbus, the Crew still appeared out of sync in a 1-0 loss to Nashville. It seems there is still much work ahead for Henrik Rydstrom.
22. D.C. United
Previous ranking: 24
D.C. United has shown inconsistency in 2026, but they have managed to secure some gritty wins. Their 2-1 comeback victory over the Chicago Fire on Saturday certainly falls into that category. A late deflected equalizer and an even later penalty winner from Tai Baribo allowed the visitors to earn three points.
23. Orlando City
Previous ranking: 28
In their first match this decade without Oscar Pareja as the club’s manager, Orlando achieved a straightforward 2-1 victory over CF Montreal. While there is still work to be done, this win provides a much-needed boost.
24. Austin FC
Previous ranking: 25
Austin FC struggled to create opportunities for much of last season, and this issue has resurfaced this year. After taking an early lead against Real Salt Lake, Austin failed to capitalize and ultimately lost 2-1 on the road.
25. Philadelphia Union
Previous ranking: 20
Concerns are rising for the Union at this moment. Following a 3-1 defeat to Atlanta, Philadelphia finds itself winless through four matches in MLS play. In their last outing, it was the Union’s inability to create chances that let them down. Against Atlanta, it was poor defending. Issues continue to arise for coach Bradley Carnell.
26. New England Revolution
Previous ranking: 30
Sunday’s 6-1 victory over FC Cincinnati must have been satisfying for New England. The first win of the Marko Mitrović era was a decisive one. Will this mark the beginning of a positive trend?
27. Sporting Kansas City
Previous ranking: 27
New defensive midfield signing Lasse Berg Johnsen quickly made an impact for Kansas City. The 26-year-old, who recently transferred from Malmo, scored Sporting’s second goal in a 2-1 victory over the LA Galaxy. While there is still work to be done, progress is beginning to take shape for SKC.
28. Atlanta United
Previous ranking: 29
No team needed a win more than Atlanta this past weekend. Finally securing all three points at home with a 3-1 victory over the Union, Tata Martino’s squad appears to be finding their rhythm.
29. Portland Timbers
Previous ranking: 23
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