Soccer <\/p>\n
The FIFA World Cup<\/a> break is over and therefore, the Power Rankings break is over. We know you missed it.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n As always: The Power Rankings are voted on by, give or take, 15 people associated with MLSsoccer.com. The author does not decide the rankings, but he does get a little rush out of moving your team in particular down a few spots when he can.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Nashville SC<\/a> picked up pretty much right where they left off.\u00a0<\/p>\n Despite being outplayed by Atlanta United<\/a> for much of the match last Friday, they found a way to get the job done in a 1-0 win. Shakur Mohammed<\/a> headed home the winner late in the second half. Even when their main match-winners aren\u2019t firing on all cylinders, they seem to just know how to win.<\/p>\n With 19 games remaining for Nashville, they’re on pace for a league-record 81 points during the regular season.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u2014 Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n The Whitecaps<\/a> lead the Western Conference with elite underlying numbers. Like, one of the best teams of all time kind of underlying numbers. There\u2019s no reason to think they won\u2019t just pick up right where they left off.<\/p>\n Previous: at CHI, PPD | Next:\u00a07\/22 at CIN<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Lionel Messi<\/a> and Rodrigo De Paul<\/a> couldn\u2019t quite win a second-straight World Cup with Argentina. They\u2019ll take a moment to regroup and then rejoin a team still in the hunt to win a second Supporters\u2019 Shield, a second Leagues Cup<\/a>, and a second-straight MLS Cup.<\/p>\n Reportedly, the Herons will get a major boost when former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro joins the squad. The 34-year-old Brazilian is coming off his most productive attacking season ever.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Leo & Rodri: What a run. \ud83d\udc4f pic.twitter.com\/QzYvLYwcO5<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 19, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Previous: Bye | Next: 7\/22 vs. CHI<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Earthquakes<\/a> began to suffer a bit towards the end of the first half of the year. Still, despite a handful of key injuries, they found a way to stay step for step in the Supporters\u2019 Shield standings.<\/p>\n San Jose should be ready to keep pace, especially with Timo Werner<\/a> set to return from injury soon. Still, without injured No. 10 Niko Tsakiris<\/a>, the second half of the season will bring some challenges.<\/p>\n Previous: Bye | Next:\u00a07\/22 vs. ORL<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Robert Lewandowski<\/a> era got delayed for a few days, but it will kick off in earnest on Wednesday in Miami.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Polish striker is Chicago<\/a>\u2019s biggest-ever signing by some margin, but there is some risk involved. His arrival means that Hugo Cuypers<\/a>, their Golden Boot presented by Audi race-leading striker, is reportedly off to CF Monterrey in LIGA MX.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Robert’s first day in Chicago, but make it BTS \ud83c\udfa5 pic.twitter.com\/Z8S5aKLjvI<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) July 15, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Previous: vs. VAN, PPD | Next: 7\/22 at MIA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n LAFC<\/a> sputtered down the stretch heading into the World Cup break. Some time off might have done them a lot of good. They were in total control against the Galaxy<\/a> over the weekend in a 3-0 El Tr\u00e1fico win. And Son Heung-Min<\/a> found the back of the net for his first goal of the season.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u2014 Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n The summer transfer window is open and, so far, RSL<\/a>\u2019s squad hasn\u2019t changed much other than acquiring winger Saba Lobjanidze<\/a> from Atlanta United.\u00a0<\/p>\n That means Zavier Gozo<\/a> hasn\u2019t found a new home yet and RSL are still a contender in the West. Maybe a big-money move is still on the way. But, for now, RSL can still utilize one of the most talented young players in the league.<\/p>\n Previous: Bye | Next:\u00a07\/22 at LAFC<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Dallas<\/a> sent up to $1 million in General Allocation Money (GAM) to San Jose for their goalkeeper, Daniel<\/a>. He has been one of the best shot-stoppers in the league this year and should provide an instant boost to an already solid team that features World Cup goalscorer Petar Musa<\/a> at striker.<\/p>\n Previous: Bye | Next:\u00a07\/22 at POR<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Revs<\/a> very, very quietly earned 25 points in 14 matches before the World Cup break. That\u2019s good for fourth in the Eastern Conference as things start back up.<\/p>\n As long as Matt Turner<\/a> continues to put up elite numbers in goal, they should be able to hang on near the top of the conference.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n New Turner edit just dropped \ud83d\udd25 More of this to come \ud83e\udde4 pic.twitter.com\/RL0v6ktXRh<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 New England Revolution (@NERevolution) July 13, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Previous: Bye | Next:\u00a07\/22 vs. TOR<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n It\u2019s been a moment since Duncan McGuire<\/a> consistently found the back of the net, but Houston made an intriguing move to take a flyer on the former Orlando striker.<\/p>\n They sent $1.25 million<\/a> to Orlando<\/a> to get the deal done. Houston will look to him to elevate an attack that\u2019s scored 19 goals in 14 matches, all while leaning heavily on Guilherme<\/a>.<\/p>\n Previous: Bye | Next:\u00a07\/22 vs. DC<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n No major moves to note during the break for Red Bull New York<\/a>. You have to think a few of the guys who are already there spent the pause thinking about when it will be their turn at the World Cup.\u00a0Julian Hall<\/a> and Adri Mehmeti<\/a> probably have the summer of 2030 circled on their calendar.<\/p>\n Previous: Bye | Next:\u00a07\/22 at PHI<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Sounders<\/a>\u2026 well, maybe it\u2019s best not to talk about it. Fortunately for them, they have a chance to bounce back this week with matches against Austin<\/a> and Philadelphia<\/a>. That might reset them just in time to face\u2026 well, Portland<\/a> again.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Former Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin<\/a> is Charlotte\u2019s newest DP. The winger is a permanent replacement<\/a> for Wilfried Zaha, whose loan expired this summer. The Frenchman is under contract through the 2028-29 season.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n to the \ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc17\ud835\udc08mum \u26a1\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/nDDrR5FoaZ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) July 13, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Previous: Bye | Next: 7\/22 vs. ATL<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n It was a quiet break for FC Cincinnati<\/a>. They likely spent most of it focusing on solving their defensive issues. Cincy allowed 37 goals over their first 15 matches. Among Eastern Conference teams, only Orlando City conceded more.<\/p>\n Previous: Bye | Next:\u00a07\/22 vs. VAN<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Galaxy came out flat in El Tr\u00e1fico as LAFC cruised to a 3-0 win. They put two shots on target in the loss.<\/p>\n It\u2019s going to be a moment before LA figure out how to replace Gabriel Pec. He’s joined Cruzeiro<\/a> for a club-record fee that could reportedly reach $13.5 million. Knowing the Galaxy, a big-money replacement is likely on the way soon.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Loons<\/a> have a chance to get off on the right foot when they face Sporting KC<\/a> midweek. It\u2019s a nice warm-up before they try to handle Vancouver on Saturday. A good start may go a long way toward getting them out of the middle of the pack in the West.<\/p>\n Previous: Bye | Next:\u00a07\/22 at SKC<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n St. Louis<\/a> kicked off the second half of the year with a rivalry win over Sporting KC. They weren\u2019t spectacular by any means, but they were clearly the better side in a 3-2 win, even if they surrendered a 2-0 lead to get there.<\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to forget, but St. Louis are on a somewhat delayed hot streak right now. They\u2019ve taken 13 of 15 points from their last five matches. Their only head-turning win in that stretch is LAFC, but you can only play who\u2019s in front of you, right?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n B\u00e9nie Traor\u00e9<\/a> is NYCFC<\/a>\u2019s newest Designated Player. The Ivorian winger arrives<\/a> from Swiss side FC Basel after scoring 25 goals in 80 appearances. He seems like your typical high-upside signing from NYCFC. He\u2019ll be asked to make an already good attack great.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n B\u00e9nie’s first words For The City \ud83d\udde3\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/WZnhdC6nSu<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) June 29, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Previous: Bye | Next: 7\/22 at CLB<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Former Leicester City manager Mart\u00ed Cifuentes has officially taken over<\/a> the Timbers. But interim manager Jack Cassidy deserves his flowers as he vacates the role.<\/p>\n Cassidy oversaw Portland curb-stomping the Sounders 5-1 last Thursday. Even if his time in charge was short-lived, he\u2019ll live on in Timbers lore forever for that. Portland were unexpectedly fantastic against their archrival.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Crew<\/a> will be a very different side during the second half of the season.<\/p>\n In addition to interim head coach Laurent Courtois getting a few weeks off to institute his ideas, Columbus sent<\/a> Diego Rossi to LIGA MX’s Monterrey and brought in Brais M\u00e9ndez<\/a> from LaLiga’s Real Sociedad.<\/p>\n They also added former Manchester United center back Eric Bailly<\/a>, brought in Lautaro Giaccone<\/a> on loan from Argentinos Juniors, and signed longtime MLSer Brooks Lennon<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Net finder. Chance creator \ud83d\udca5 pic.twitter.com\/5DwjtvFmTx<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) July 2, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Previous: Bye | Next:\u00a07\/22 vs. NYC<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n San Diego<\/a> sent up to $1 million in GAM to acquire Gabriel Pirani<\/a> from D.C. United<\/a>. We’ll see if the Brazilian midfielder can provide a boost in a new setting.<\/p>\n They’re also reportedly set to add a DP winger: Tunisian international Elias Achouri from FC Copenhagen. How will he fit alongside Anders Dreyer<\/a>?<\/p>\n Previous: Bye | Next:\u00a07\/22 at COL<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n After they traded Gabriel Pirani to San Diego, D.C. turned around and spent some real cash to bring in Nathan Ordaz<\/a> from LAFC for up to $2.875 million<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ordaz had stagnated somewhat at LAFC, and now gets a chance to really find his stride alongside Tai Baribo<\/a> and Louis Munteanu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n D.C., meet Nathan Ordaz \ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\uddfb\ud83e\udee1 pic.twitter.com\/mXXBFTBbqY<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 D.C. United (@dcunited) July 13, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Previous: Bye | Next:\u00a07\/22 at HOU<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Rapids<\/a> were struggling<\/em> before the break. After a 6-2 win<\/a> over Houston on April 11, they won just once over their next eight matches. Injuries played a role there and will continue to affect them going forward. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen<\/a> underwent shoulder surgery in June and will be out long-term.<\/p>\n Previous: Bye | Next:\u00a07\/22 vs. SD<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Montr\u00e9al<\/a> grabbed longtime Austin FC midfielder Dani Pereira<\/a> in a trade<\/a> earlier this month. They got a little better with the move. They\u2019ll need to be more than a little better to make the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, though.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Antoine Griezmann<\/a> is here and will very likely debut on Wednesday night at San Jose.<\/p>\n He makes Orlando City much, much, much better going forward. And the return<\/a> of striker Daryl Dike<\/a> from West Brom probably gives them a boost as well.<\/p>\n Though I will point out how neither signing fixes the defense. If the first half of the year is any indication, Griezmann & Co. are going to have to find the back of the net early and often for the Lions to get results. Orlando allowed 44 goals in their first 15 games, five more than anyone else in MLS.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u2014 Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 9, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Previous: Bye | Next: 7\/22 at SJ<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Toronto<\/a>, perhaps more than anybody, welcomed the World Cup break and a chance to get healthy. They\u2019re entering the second half right on the fringes of a playoff spot, and now just need to stay off the injury table.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Austin won the race to sign former Union head coach Jim Curtin. Several teams across the league checked in on him after he left Philly. It\u2019s a big get for Austin. But it won\u2019t start really paying off until Curtin takes over after this season ends.\u00a0<\/p>\n Previous: Bye | Next:\u00a07\/22 vs. SEA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n It\u2019s better late than never to add key pieces to your roster. And Sporting KC, to their credit, seem to be aiming high.<\/p>\n They\u2019ve been reported to be at least in the conversation to sign former Liverpool winger Mo Salah. That news came a few years after being connected to Cristiano Ronaldo.<\/p>\n Maybe one day one of these massive swings will connect. But even if that isn\u2019t this window, SKC fans can assume that a DP attacker will be on the way at some point soon.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Atlanta were actually the better side in Friday\u2019s loss at Nashville. But, as head coach Tata Martino put it recently, they\u2019d be a pretty great team if they didn\u2019t have to play in either 18-yard box.<\/p>\n The Five Stripes couldn\u2019t finish their chances and gave up an avoidable one to Nashville. That\u2019s all it took to earn a 1-0 loss. Maybe new center backs J\u00fanior Alonso<\/a> and Paulo D\u00edaz<\/a> can help solve one part of that problem.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The first 15 matches did not go well. They\u2019ve re-acquired<\/a> left back Kai Wagner<\/a> on a DP deal to try and fix that. And they’re getting Quinn Sullivan<\/a> back from his ACL injury soon.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 3x MLS All-Star, 2x Supporters’ Shield Winner, 1x Eastern Conference Champion. <\/p>\n Our all-time assist leader is BACK. pic.twitter.com\/GCFgNy1MZF<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u2014 Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 17, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Previous: Bye | Next:\u00a07\/22 vs. RBNY<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
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