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The push for MLS Cup playoff spots is in full swing, even as the September-October international break continues to disrupt squads throughout the league.
Despite the depleted rosters, the regular season pressed forward with Matchday 28 this week, bringing weather delays, standout goals from marquee players, continued struggles from Inter Miami, and a stunning high-scoring clash between Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps and Eastern Conference stragglers D.C. United.
With another matchday complete and most teams staring down just seven remaining regular season fixtures, the pressure is mounting. Here's Sports Illustrated's breakdown of where every team stands following Matchday 28.
MLS Power Rankings Matchday 28: Clubs 30–11
30. CF Montréal (Previous: 30)
29. Atlanta United (Previous: 29)
28. Sporting Kansas City (Previous: 28)
27. D.C. United (Previous: 26)
26. Colorado Rapids (Previous: 24)
25. Austin FC (Previous: 22)
24. Columbus Crew (Previous: 26)
23. Red Bull New York (Previous: 23)
22. Minnesota United (Previous: 19)
21. L.A. Galaxy (Previous: 25)
20. Toronto FC (Previous: 18)
19. San Diego FC (Previous: 20)
18. Orlando City (Previous: 17)
17. Real Salt Lake (Previous: 16)
16. Portland Timbers (Previous: 12)
15. Seattle Sounders (Previous: 21)
14. FC Cincinnati (Previous: 14)
13. New York City FC (Previous: 13)
12. LAFC (Previous: 11)
11. Houston Dynamo (Previous: 6)
10. San Jose Earthquakes (Previous: 15)
The San Jose Earthquakes appear to have rediscovered their early-season momentum. Bruce Arena's side are unbeaten across six matches and received a brace from Preston Judd in their latest victory over the Portland Timbers. It may require a fully fit and firing Niko Tsakiris and Timo Werner to mount a title challenge, but they are far from a comfortable opponent in the MLS Cup playoffs.
9. Charlotte FC (Previous: 8)
A 1–0 defeat to the Chicago Fire was a tough result, but Charlotte FC were without Idan Toklomati and Liel Abada, both away on international duty with Israel. Missing two key attacking contributors made scoring a difficult task, even with Allan Saint-Maximin's relentless energy in the lineup.
8. FC Dallas (Previous: 7)
FC Dallas have claimed four wins from their last five outings and have established themselves as a genuine threat, even in the occasional absence of Petar Musa. Center back Osaze Urhoghide delivered a late winner against LAFC, a result that prompted the club to dismiss manager Marc Dos Santos. Sitting just three points off the Western Conference summit, they are well-positioned to challenge the Vancouver Whitecaps for top spot.
7. Chicago Fire (Previous: 5)
The absences of Robert Lewandowski, Chris Brady, and Noah Allen proved no obstacle for the Chicago Fire, who ground out a 1–0 victory over Charlotte FC in their last outing. However, a demanding run of fixtures now awaits. After facing Inter Miami, the New England Revolution, and Charlotte FC in their previous three games, they now take on Vancouver Whitecaps, New York City FC, the Philadelphia Union, and the Revs again in their next four.
6. Inter Miami (Previous: 4)
New coach, same old issues. Lionel Messi padded his advantage at the top of the MLS Golden Boot standings with a stunning free-kick against the Columbus Crew, yet Miami still couldn't secure three points. There has been no new-manager bounce under Kily González, and the Campeones Cup triumph did little to lift spirits.
The Herons have now managed just one win in their last 10 MLS matches and look like longshots for MLS Cup contention at best.
5. Philadelphia Union (Previous: 10)
Even without Cavan Sullivan, Neil Pierre, and Frankie Westfield, the Philadelphia Union had little trouble posting a 4–2 victory over Orlando City, fueled by a Milan Iloski hat trick. New head coach Ryan Richter appears to have the Midas touch right now, with the club collecting 32 of a possible 36 points since the World Cup break. They are now legitimate MLS Cup contenders.
4. St. Louis CITY SC (Previous: 9)
St. Louis CITY SC had their weekend fixture postponed due to weather but returned to action on Wednesday against Red Bull New York. A victory would draw them level with FC Dallas in second place in the Western Conference, just three points adrift of Vancouver. At the very least, Yoann Damet's squad will be eager to extend their impressive 16-game unbeaten streak.
3. New England Revolution (Previous: 3)
A depleted New England Revolution side missing Ilay Feingold, Peyton Miller, Brooklyn Raines, and Dor Turgeman struggled on the road, falling 3–0 to Real Salt Lake. They won't be too disheartened, however, as they remain third in the Eastern Conference and have a winnable home fixture against a poor-form Seattle Sounders side coming up next.
2. Vancouver Whitecaps (Previous: 2)
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The Vancouver Whitecaps have rediscovered their attacking flair, posting a 3–0 win over Real Salt Lake and a 3–3 draw with D.C. United in their last two outings. While dropping points against D.C. was a frustrating result, they have reached 50 points, remain on course for their finest regular season to date, and have secured a BC Place lease that ensures they won't be relocating for at least the 2027 14-game sprint season. On top of that, they have confirmed Thomas Müller's return for the sprint campaign.
1. Nashville SC (Previous: 1)
Nashville SC rebuilt their 10-point cushion at the top of the Supporters' Shield standings with a 2–0 win over Toronto FC, aided by D.C. United's draw with Vancouver. At this stage, no one can realistically reel in the Coyotes, meaning the final stretch of the season is all about keeping their star quartet of Hany Mukhtar, Cristian Espinoza, Sam Surridge, and Elias Saad fit and healthy.