It’s Monday again, and MLS action is back! Welcome to ESPN’s Power Rankings.
Which teams are on top, and who might be in for a challenging season? Our writers analyzed the matches from Matchday 4 to compile this week’s rankings. Let’s get started.
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Previous ranking: 1
The Whitecaps showcased their dominance with a stunning 6-0 win against Minnesota. Even with a partially rotated squad, Vancouver exploited every opportunity, gaining goals in open play and on set pieces. Currently, they are the most well-rounded team in the league.
Previous ranking: 2
LAFC followed their 2-0 triumph over St. Louis by becoming the first team in MLS history to open a season with four consecutive shutouts. The home side could have created more chances, but a brace from Mathieu Choinière midway through the second half secured the win.
Previous ranking: 5
After Cristian Espinoza joined Nashville as a free agent, his impressive play, including an assist for Hany Mukhtar’s game-winning goal over the Crew, has made a significant impact. This classy contribution earned Nashville a 1-0 win against the Crew.
Previous ranking: 3
San Diego may be disappointed with losing a lead against FC Dallas, but they gained a valuable point in their 3-3 draw. Given their upcoming commitment to the Concacaf Champions Cup, every point counts.
Previous ranking: 4
Without Lionel Messi in the lineup, Inter Miami’s attack was subdued in a 0-0 draw against Charlotte. It’s tough to gauge much from this game, but it highlighted their determination to succeed in the upcoming Champions Cup.
1:12
Charlotte FC vs. Inter Miami CF – Game Highlights
Watch highlights from the match on March 14, 2026.
Previous ranking: 7
Seattle Sounders took an early lead with a goal from Paul Rothrock and maintained their advantage for a 1-0 win against San Jose, even while giving some key players a break.
Previous ranking: 6
San Jose’s three-game winning streak came to an abrupt end in a 1-0 loss to Seattle. Despite the setback, Timo Werner’s first start with the Earthquakes and his threatening performance will excite the club’s supporters.
Previous ranking: 10
Real Salt Lake is starting to show promise with their third consecutive victory, a 2-1 defeat of Austin FC. Their only loss this season came from a match against Vancouver, and they are steadily regaining their strength, making them a challenging opponent.
Previous ranking: 9
Despite lacking a classic No. 9 striker, NYCFC’s winger-turned-emergency-striker Nicolás Fernández stepped up, scoring twice in a 3-1 win against the Colorado Rapids. Only four other teams remain undefeated at this point in the season.
Previous ranking: 11
Red Bull New York’s match against Toronto was tense, culminating in a 1-1 draw thanks to a last-minute equalizer from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, saving the visitors from defeat despite numerous attempts.
Previous ranking: 14
FC Dallas was able to salvage a 3-3 draw against San Diego thanks to Petar Musa’s hat trick after being behind by two goals. He continues to impress as one of the league’s standout players.
Previous ranking: 8
It was a tough weekend for Minnesota, suffering a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Vancouver. James Rodríguez’s MLS debut was overshadowed by the team’s poor performance, making his entry in the second half feel inconsequential.
Previous ranking: 12
LA Galaxy had the unfortunate honor of being the first team to lose to Sporting Kansas City in 2026, falling 2-1 on Saturday. With Gabriel Pec suspended and Joseph Paintsil injured, LA struggled significantly.
Previous ranking: 13
FC Cincinnati experienced a drastic reversal in form, winning against Tigres 3-0 before stumbling to a 6-1 loss against New England Revolution in MLS. Defensive errors and a second-half red card contributed to a dire performance.
1:14
New England Revolution vs. FC Cincinnati – Game Highlights
Catch the highlights from the match on March 15, 2026.
Previous ranking: 15
Chicago took the lead in their match against D.C. United but squandered it, losing 2-1 after conceding two late goals, one from a deflected shot that changed the match’s dynamic and another from a penalty kick.
Previous ranking: 17
In a dramatic finish, new designated player Mateusz Bogusz scored the decisive goal in second-half stoppage time, securing a 3-2 win for the Dynamo over the Portland Timbers following a week off.
Previous ranking: 19
Charlotte deserves some credit for holding Inter Miami scoreless; however, with key players absent prior to the Concacaf Champions Cup game, the draw doesn’t carry as much weight for them. Nevertheless, the point is still valuable.
Previous ranking: 18
St. Louis City had a challenging week, losing 2-0 to LAFC. The team’s midfielder Eduard Löwen is dealing with a personal loss as his wife Ilona passed away after a long illness, highlighting that some things are far more important than soccer.
Previous ranking: 22
Josh Sargent nearly scored in his first MLS match for Toronto after coming off the bench, but ultimately the team settled for a 1-1 draw against Red Bull New York after failing to secure their lead.
Previous ranking: 21
The Colorado Rapids put forth a spirited effort on the road against NYCFC but ended up losing 3-1. A bright spot for the team was the emergence of 21-year-old Darren Yapi, who seems to be thriving as a winger.
Previous ranking: 16
Columbus Crew’s new signing, André Gomes, made a notable debut, showing promise in midfield. However, the team struggled to keep up, ultimately losing 1-0 to Nashville.
Previous ranking: 24
D.C. United’s inconsistency continued as they secured a come-from-behind 2-1 win against Chicago Fire, thanks to a late equalizer and a penalty from Tai Baribo, showcasing their ability to win even when not at their best.
Previous ranking: 28
Orlando City kicked off the decade without their long-time manager, Oscar Pareja, with a solid 2-1 victory over CF Montreal. Although improvements are still needed, this win is a positive step forward.
Previous ranking: 25
Austin FC’s struggles continued, as their failure to create chances returned to haunt them in a 2-1 defeat to Real Salt Lake after initially taking an early lead.
Previous ranking: 20
The alarm bells are ringing for the Union, now winless in their first four matches after a 3-1 loss to Atlanta. Poor defending and a lack of creativity have proven problematic for coach Bradley Carnell.
Previous ranking: 30
New England Revolution recorded a morale-boosting 6-1 victory over FC Cincinnati, marking the first win under Marko Mitrović’s leadership. Will this mark a turning point for the team?
Previous ranking: 27
Sporting Kansas City saw new signing Lasse Berg Johnsen make an immediate impact, scoring in their 2-1 win against LA Galaxy. While there is still work to do, progress is underway for SKC.
Previous ranking: 29
Atlanta desperately needed a win, and they managed to secure one with a 3-1 victory over the Union, suggesting that the team is starting to find its rhythm.
Previous ranking: 23
The return of David Da Costa couldn’t save Portland from defeat. Despite having a man advantage, they fell 3-2, illustrating their struggles in maintaining the upper hand in matches.
Previous ranking: 26
CF Montreal faced Orlando City, losing 2-1 and failing to pose serious threats, aside from a solitary goal from Prince Owusu. This could suggest that their recent win over Red Bull New York was an anomaly.