MLS Power Rankings: LAFC’s initial defeat of 2026 drops them from the top position
It’s Monday, and MLS action returns, marking the latest edition of ESPN’s Power Rankings.
Which team stands out as the strongest? Which one faces a challenging season ahead? Our writers analyzed the events from Matchday 7 to establish this week’s rankings. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Vancouver Whitecaps
Previous ranking: 3
The Whitecaps showcased their dominance against NYCFC, securing a 2-0 win on Saturday. They created numerous scoring opportunities early on, and with the top xG differential in MLS according to American Soccer Analysis’ statistics, Vancouver appears to be the team to watch.
2. LAFC
Previous ranking: 1
With an eye on Tuesday’s clash against Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Marc Dos Santos made significant changes to his lineup, resulting in a 2-1 defeat on the road to Portland. LAFC’s first loss of the MLS season won’t be too painful, provided they progress in continental competition.
3. Nashville SC
Previous ranking: 2
While Nashville would have preferred to defeat Charlotte without conceding two penalties, a crucial save from Brian Schwake and effective finishing led to a 2-1 victory. The ability of B.J. Callaghan to rotate his squad and still secure wins highlights the depth of the Music City team.
4. San Jose Earthquakes
Previous ranking: 4
Still missing the injured Timo Werner, San Jose managed a 3-1 victory in Kansas City. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder Niko Tsakiris continued to impress, providing an assist for the Earthquakes’ equalizer.
5. Inter Miami CF
Previous ranking: 5
After a 2-2 draw with the Red Bulls, Inter Miami is still on the hunt for their first win at Nu Stadium. The fact that GermΓ‘n Berterame scored his first MLS goal is a positive development, but the team continues to struggle with consistency following last year’s MLS Cup triumph.
play1:00Inter Miami vs. Red Bull New York: Game Highlights
Inter Miami vs. Red Bull New York: Game Highlights
6. Seattle Sounders
Previous ranking: 6
Initially set to play Salt Lake on Saturday, the Sounders enjoyed a bye weekend after that match was postponed. They will be fully focused on finding a way to rebound against Tigres in Concacaf competition on Wednesday.
7. Real Salt Lake
Previous ranking: 9
Due to the postponement of their match with Seattle, Salt Lake had a bye weekend. They will have had the opportunity to reflect on their unexpectedly strong start to 2026.
8. Chicago Fire
Previous ranking: 13
Even in the absence of injured star striker Hugo Cuypers, the Fire secured another victory on Saturday, defeating Atlanta 1-0. Maren Haile-Selassie, stepping in as the No. 9 in Cuypers’ absence, scored the decisive goal in the first half, extending the team’s winning streak to three.
9. San Diego FC
Previous ranking: 7
San Diego continues to hinder its own progress. Christopher McVey’s red card in a 2-1 defeat to Minnesota marked the fourth consecutive match in which SDFC finished with fewer than 11 players. Consistently playing shorthanded, the second-year team is complicating their situation unnecessarily.
10. Red Bull New York
Previous ranking: 12
The young talents continue to shine for New York: striker Julian Hall provided two assists, and defensive midfielder Adri Mehmeti scored in a 2-2 draw in Miami on Saturday. The teenagers were not intimidated even when facing MLS’s most decorated team.
11. Minnesota United
Previous ranking: 11
Returning to a familiar 3-4-3 formation, Minnesota capitalized on its physical advantage over San Diego in a 2-1 victory. Both goals for the Loons came directly from crosses into the box, as Minnesota United continues to create more threats from those deliveries than nearly any other team in MLS.
12. FC Dallas
Previous ranking: 8
Employing a defense-first strategy reminiscent of Eric Quill’s approach at the end of 2025, Dallas was unable to maintain its lead despite having only 41% possession against St. Louis. Consequently, FCD conceded a second-half equalizer and had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home.
13. New York City FC
Previous ranking: 10
NYCFC traveled across the country for Saturday’s match against Vancouver, and it appeared as though the visitors never fully arrived. New York City was outperformed from the outset and was fortunate to leave with only a 2-0 defeat.
14. Colorado Rapids
Previous ranking: 22
The Rapids achieved a remarkable 6-2 victory over Houston, forcing the visitors into a state of panic and easily controlling possession. Matt Wells’ team continues to impress as a potential surprise contender in the 2026 season.
15. LA Galaxy
Previous ranking: 16
The excitement from Galaxy’s 2-1 win over Austin was somewhat dampened after Marco Reus exited the match with an injury in the second half. If Reus is unavailable for the Concacaf Champions Cup against Toluca on Wednesday, it may be challenging for L.A. to overcome their two-goal deficit.
play1:08Austin FC vs. LA Galaxy – Game Highlights
Watch the Game Highlights from Austin FC vs. LA Galaxy, 04/11/2026
16. Charlotte FC
Previous ranking: 14
If not for a missed penalty by Idan Toklomati, Charlotte might have secured a point at home against a heavily rotated Nashville squad. Instead, they lost 2-1 to their Eastern Conference rivals and managed only six non-penalty shots. It was not an ideal outing for Dean Smith’s team.
17. Toronto FC
Previous ranking: 15
Without playmaker Djordje Mihailovic due to a pelvic stress fracture, Toronto struggled to generate opportunities in their 1-1 draw with Cincinnati on Saturday. Robin Fraser has work ahead to optimize Josh Sargent and the rest of his attacking unit in Mihailovic’s absence.
18. St. Louis City SC
Previous ranking: 17
St. Louis managed a controlled 1-1 draw at Dallas. Yoann Damet’s squad did not create a multitude of chances, but they also were not particularly vulnerable defensively. Saturday’s result serves as another foundational step for St. Louis City.
19. Portland Timbers
Previous ranking: 21
The Timbers secured their first win since the opening day on Saturday, defeating a rotated LAFC team 2-1. Thanks to Kevin Kelsy’s last-minute goal, Phil Neville and Portland can enjoy a much-needed morale boost as the club’s strongest lineup begins to take shape.
20. Austin FC
Previous ranking: 19
Still with only one victory this season, Austin lost all three points at home to the Galaxy in a 2-1 defeat. Their offense continues to appear ineffective in the absence of genuine creative talent, raising concerns that 2026 may already be slipping away from this team.
21. FC Cincinnati
Previous ranking: 17
Cincinnati has now seen a player sent off in four consecutive matches, appearing lackluster in a 1-1 draw in Toronto. A late equalizer from Kenji Mboma Dem helped overshadow KΓ©vin Denkey’s double yellow cards, but lingering questions remain about this team.
22. Houston Dynamo
Previous ranking: 20
After suffering a 6-2 defeat to the Rapids, the Dynamo have allowed at least four goals in two of their last three matches. This is a significant concern. With a press that is easily bypassed and inconsistent box defending, Houston’s defensive issues are evident.
23. New England Revolution
Previous ranking: 25
While it wasn’t a stylish performance, the Revs managed to grind out a 1-0 victory at home against D.C. After taking the lead in the first half, New England worked hard to defend it and secured all three points as a result.
24. Columbus Crew
Previous ranking: 23
The positive aspect? Columbus earned a point in a 1-1 draw with Orlando on Sunday. The downside? They lost star Wessam Abou Ali to a suspected knee injury during the match. The striker was stretchered off in the first half and will leave a significant gap in an already struggling attack if he is sidelined for an extended period.
25. D.C. United
Previous ranking: 24
Without their two Designated Player forwards to start the match due to injuries, D.C.’s offense struggled to find rhythm in a 1-0 defeat in New England. Issues with ball progression and chance creation remain significant challenges for RenΓ© Weiler’s squad.
26. Philadelphia Union
Previous ranking: 29
The Union finally secured a result for the first time in the 2026 regular season, defeating MontrΓ©al 2-1 on Saturday. With a favorable schedule ahead, this victory could potentially spark a winning streak.
27. Orlando City
Previous ranking: 26
After allowing at least four goals in four of their last five matches leading up to Sunday’s game against the Crew, a 1-1 draw in Columbus was a welcome change for Orlando. While there is still much work to be done, a solid defensive performance is at least a positive takeaway.
28. Atlanta United
Previous ranking: 27
Defensive inconsistencies plagued Atlanta in a 1-0 loss in Chicago. Although the score was close, the visitors allowed 13 shots from within Lucas Hoyos’ box and must find a way to improve their defensive solidity.
29. Sporting Kansas City
Previous ranking: 28
Despite taking an early lead, SKC conceded three unanswered goals, resulting in a 3-1 home loss to San Jose. With two defeats to the Quakes already this season, Kansas City will be relieved not to face the California team again on their schedule.
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