{"id":13555,"date":"2026-04-21T19:19:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T19:19:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/13555\/"},"modified":"2026-04-21T19:19:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T19:19:20","slug":"power-rankings-vancouver-whitecaps-take-top-spot-from-lafc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/13555\/","title":{"rendered":"Power Rankings: Vancouver Whitecaps take top spot from LAFC"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lionel Messi<\/a> scored a brace in front of a massive crowd, Toronto FC<\/a> played a wild home game, CF Montr\u00e9al<\/a> pummeled Red Bull New York<\/a>, and Petar Musa<\/a> found the back of the net for FC Dallas<\/a>. It was truly a week unlike any other.\u00a0<\/p>\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 order, but he does get a little rush from moving your team down a few spots when he can.<\/p>\n

The Whitecaps<\/a> put three past Sporting KC<\/a> in the first 28 minutes and then pulled off the gas in an easy win.<\/p>\n

Early days, but it\u2019s worth highlighting what this Vancouver side has accomplished so far. The underlying numbers show them putting up performances similar to \u2013 and even beyond \u2013 2019\u00a0LAFC<\/a>. We\u2019re talking best MLS performance of all-time stuff.<\/p>\n

It might be a long while before they\u2019re knocked off their perch at the top of these rankings.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a03-0 win vs. SKC<\/a> | Next: 4\/25 vs. COL<\/a><\/p>\n

If you didn\u2019t believe in the Earthquakes<\/a> yet, you should now.<\/p>\n

In the span of five minutes at LAFC, San Jose cemented themselves as one of the best teams in MLS.\u00a0Ousseni Bouda<\/a> put the Quakes up 1-0,\u00a0Timo Werner<\/a> opened his MLS account three minutes later and an LAFC own goal shortly thereafter sealed the biggest Quakes win in\u2026 well, a really, really long time.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The underlying numbers love them, too. Per American Soccer Analysis, they\u2019re second in MLS in expected goal differential. They\u2019re playing outstanding ball, and there\u2019s nothing gimmicky or fluky about it.<\/p>\n

Nashville<\/a> messed around last week and pulled off one of the most impressive wins by an MLS team in recent memory.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Boys in Gold went down to Mexico City and earned a 1-0 victory over Club Am\u00e9rica to advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup<\/a> semifinals and become the first team in MLS history to win at Estadio Azteca.<\/p>\n

Tigres UANL are up next, and Nashville have a genuine shot at becoming the second team in MLS history to win the CCC (modern era).<\/p>\n

LAFC got the job done against Cruz Azul in the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal series. But San Jose posed a different challenge on Sunday night, inflicting a 4-1 defeat at BMO Stadium.<\/p>\n

They’re probably alright with that exchange, and have a massive CCC semifinal series with Toluca on the horizon. Still, that\u2019s back-to-back MLS losses after a near-perfect start. It seems fair to wonder if being in multiple competitions is taking a toll.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a04-1 loss vs. SJ<\/a> | Next: 4\/22 vs. COL<\/a><\/p>\n

The Sounders<\/a> came up just short in a genuinely valiant CCC quarterfinal effort against Tigres UANL, falling on away goals despite being level 3-3 on aggregate.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s a tough way to go out, but maybe it woke up Seattle\u2019s attack? They followed up the midweek exit by whomping St. Louis<\/a>, 4-1, on Saturday.<\/p>\n

American Soccer Analysis still has Seattle’s (small sample size) xG-per-game rate as the 25th-best in the league, though they definitely took a step in the right direction.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a04-1 win vs. STL<\/a> | Next: 4\/25 vs. DAL<\/a><\/p>\n

Real Salt Lake<\/a> and Diego Luna<\/a> were gifted \u2013 like,\u00a0gifted \u2013 an early lead against San Diego<\/a> and didn\u2019t look back. By the end of the first half, striker Sergi Solans<\/a> had a brace and RSL were up 4-1. At every turn, they keep proving themselves. And they\u2019re doing it with guys like Solans, who joined in January as a SuperDraft pick.<\/p>\n

On a related note: RSL are up to 16 points through just seven games.<\/p>\n

Uhhhhh, new manager bounce?<\/p>\n

Despite two defensive mistakes that allowed the Rapids<\/a> back into the game, Inter Miami<\/a> still pulled out a 3-2 win in front of a historic crowd<\/a> at Denver’s Empower Field at Mile High.<\/p>\n

That followed one of the more stunning moves in recent MLS history. Last week, head coach Javier Mascherano<\/a> abruptly left the Herons just five months after he steered the club to an MLS Cup presented by Audi title.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For now, Miami will rely on interim(ish) coach Guillermo Hoyos to help stabilize things.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a03-2 win at COL<\/a> | Next: 4\/22 at RSL<\/a><\/p>\n

Following a string of solid defensive performances, Chicago<\/a> got back into some bad habits against FC Cincinnati<\/a>. After taking a 3-1 lead early in the second half, Cincy piled on chances until they equalized in the 86th minute.<\/p>\n

A road point is a good point, but they\u2019ll have a bad taste in their mouth after that draw.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a03-3 draw at CIN<\/a> | Next: 4\/25 vs. SKC<\/a><\/p>\n

Golden Boot presented by Audi leader\u00a0Petar Musa scored twice. However, Dallas relinquished an early 2-0 lead over the Galaxy<\/a> by the end of the first half.<\/p>\n

It goes without saying, but\u2026 these are the kinds of matches Dallas really need to win if they\u2019re going to compete with the Western Conference elite.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a02-2 draw vs. LA<\/a> | Next: 4\/22 vs. MIN<\/a><\/p>\n

Even when you play well, it\u2019s nearly impossible to hold off Lionel Messi forever.<\/p>\n

The Rapids became the latest team to put forth an impressive performance against Inter Miami and come up short because Messi said so. In front of a club-record 75,824 fans \u2013 good for the second-highest single-game attendance in MLS history \u2013 the Rapids allowed a 79th-minute winner to the reigning Landon Donovan MLS MVP.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a lot to appreciate from their play in this game and the season overall, though. They were unlucky not to get a result over the weekend.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking out the sunny side of the bus, you\u2019re enjoying a 2-1 road win over a solid New York City FC<\/a> side in one of the toughest road trips in the league, thanks in part to another great performance from Kristijan Kahlina<\/a>. If you\u2019re looking at the shady side, you\u2019re pointing out that Charlotte got outshot 23-8 and allowed five big chances.<\/p>\n

Either way, Charlotte<\/a> kept NYCFC from breaking through until stoppage time. And now they\u2019re third in the Eastern Conference on 14 points.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a02-1 win at NYC<\/a> | Next: 4\/22 at ORL<\/a><\/p>\n

The Loons<\/a> cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over the Timbers<\/a>. Suddenly, they\u2019ve won three in a row.<\/p>\n

That 6-0 loss at Vancouver feels pretty far away these days. They\u2019ve earned 10 points in the four matches since.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a02-0 win vs. POR<\/a> | Next: 4\/22 at DAL<\/a><\/p>\n

NYCFC will feel that the final score in their 2-1 loss to Charlotte didn\u2019t reflect their performance. That, unfortunately, doesn\u2019t change the fact that they\u2019ve lost three of their last four.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a02-1 loss vs. CLT<\/a> | Next: 4\/22 vs. CIN<\/a><\/p>\n

The Revs<\/a> fought back from a 1-0 deficit to earn a 2-1 win over Columbus<\/a>. They\u2019ve quietly won three in a row and are equal on wins with second-place Inter Miami despite playing one less game.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a02-1 win vs. CLB<\/a> | Next: 4\/22 at ATL<\/a><\/p>\n

By most measures, Toronto are having a solid season. But things have been chaotic lately. Very chaotic. Last weekend, they needed an 88th-minute equalizer to pull out a 3-3 draw against\u00a0Austin<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a03-3 draw vs. ATX<\/a> | Next: 4\/22 vs\/ PHI<\/a><\/p>\n

If you want to win soccer games, it’s best to avoid this:<\/p>\n

Week after week, it seems like San Diego hit themselves in the face with a whiffle ball bat.<\/p>\n

They\u2019re shortly removed from a historic expansion season, and there’s still a good team in here somewhere. But they’re winless in five, and some of that early-season luster is fading.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a04-2 loss at RSL<\/a> | Next: 4\/22 at HOU<\/a><\/p>\n

The Galaxy went down 2-0 in the first half at Dallas, then made up for it quickly. It was 2-2 by halftime, and Joseph Paintsil<\/a> was back doing Joseph Paintsil things.<\/p>\n

Red Bull New York apparently can’t solve CF Montr\u00e9al. Saturday’s 4-1 road defeat was their second three-goal loss against the Canadian side this season, the only two games Montr\u00e9al have won all year.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a04-1 loss at MTL<\/a> | Next: 4\/22 vs. DC<\/a><\/p>\n

Cincy scored three times and created tons of chances, but had to claw back from 3-1 down to draw Chicago. Defensive issues remain a major concern.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a03-3 draw vs. CHI<\/a> | Next: 4\/22 at NYC<\/a><\/p>\n

The Timbers were outplayed in a 2-0 loss at Minnesota. Back to the drawing board.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a02-0 loss at MIN<\/a> | Next: 4\/25 at SD<\/a><\/p>\n

Austin drew 3-3 with Toronto in a chaotic, wild match that leaves them with just one win across all competitions this year.<\/p>\n

The good news: Facundo Torres<\/a> opened his account for the Verde & Black.<\/p>\n

The Crew got devastating news last week: Wessam Abou Ali<\/a> is out for the season with a torn ACL and meniscus damage in his right knee. That impact showed in a 2-1 loss at New England.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a02-1 loss at NE<\/a> | Next: 4\/22 vs. LA<\/a><\/p>\n

A visit to Seattle did not go well. St. Louis now have one win, six points and a -6 goal differential.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a04-1 loss at SEA<\/a> | Next: 4\/25 vs. SJ<\/a><\/p>\n

Say it with me: CF Montr\u00e9al are the best team in the world.^<\/p>\n

^When playing Red Bull New York.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a04-1 win vs. RBNY<\/a> | Next: 4\/25 vs. NYC<\/a><\/p>\n

We’ll look at the positive side: After losing their first six games of the year, the defending Supporters’ Shield champions have taken four points from their last two games.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a00-0 draw vs. DC<\/a> | Next: 4\/22 at TOR<\/a><\/p>\n

Make it six losses from the first eight games of Tata Martino’s second stint in charge.<\/p>\n

“Not even in my worst nightmares could I have imagined that we\u2019d have this start,” Martino said after last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Nashville.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a02-0 loss vs. NSH<\/a> | Next: 4\/22 vs. NE<\/a><\/p>\n

Vancouver held a 4.3-0.3 xG margin over Sporting KC in Friday’s match. It really was that one-sided.<\/p>\n

Previous:\u00a03-0 loss at VAN<\/a> | Next: 4\/25 at CHI<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Lionel Messi scored a brace in front of a massive crowd, Toronto FC played a wild home game,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":13556,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[7303,7341,7328,5309,1104,7304,7305,7329,7339,2580,7306,7327,324,7332,7342,360,7307,7308,7343,7312,7310,7344,7338,7311,7313,7337,7326,7314,7330,7315,7317,7340,7331,7318,7345,7333,317,7334,7319,7301,7346,7320,7316,7347,7335,7321,7322,7323,7336,1072,7348,7309,7324,330,7325,7293,95,1069,5035,7302],"class_list":{"0":"post-13555","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-vancouver","8":"tag-atlanta-united","9":"tag-atlvsne-04-22-2026","10":"tag-atlvsnsh-04-18-2026","11":"tag-austin-fc","12":"tag-cf-montreal","13":"tag-charlotte-fc","14":"tag-chicago-fire-fc","15":"tag-cinvschi-04-18-2026","16":"tag-clbvsla-04-22-2026","17":"tag-colorado-rapids","18":"tag-columbus-crew","19":"tag-colvsmia-04-18-2026","20":"tag-d-c-united","21":"tag-dalvsla-04-18-2026","22":"tag-dalvsmin-04-22-2026","23":"tag-fc-cincinnati","24":"tag-fc-dallas","25":"tag-houston-dynamo-fc","26":"tag-houvssd-04-22-2026","27":"tag-inter-miami-cf","28":"tag-la-galaxy","29":"tag-lafcvscol-04-22-2026","30":"tag-lafcvssj-04-19-2026","31":"tag-los-angeles-football-club","32":"tag-minnesota-united-fc","33":"tag-minvspor-04-18-2026","34":"tag-mtlvsrbny-04-18-2026","35":"tag-nashville-sc","36":"tag-nevsclb-04-18-2026","37":"tag-new-england-revolution","38":"tag-new-york-city-football-club","39":"tag-nycvscin-04-22-2026","40":"tag-nycvsclt-04-18-2026","41":"tag-orlando-city-sc","42":"tag-orlvsclt-04-22-2026","43":"tag-orlvshou-04-18-2026","44":"tag-philadelphia-union","45":"tag-phivsdc-04-18-2026","46":"tag-portland-timbers","47":"tag-power-rankings","48":"tag-rbnyvsdc-04-22-2026","49":"tag-real-salt-lake","50":"tag-red-bull-new-york","51":"tag-rslvsmia-04-22-2026","52":"tag-rslvssd-04-18-2026","53":"tag-san-diego-fc","54":"tag-san-jose-earthquakes","55":"tag-seattle-sounders-fc","56":"tag-seavsstl-04-18-2026","57":"tag-sendtonews","58":"tag-sjvsatx-04-22-2026","59":"tag-sporting-kansas-city","60":"tag-st-louis-city-sc","61":"tag-toronto-fc","62":"tag-torvsatx-04-18-2026","63":"tag-torvsphi-04-22-2026","64":"tag-vancouver","65":"tag-vancouver-whitecaps-fc","66":"tag-vanvsskc-04-17-2026","67":"tag-voices-sam-jones"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13555","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13555"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13555\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13556"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13555"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13555"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13555"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}