It’s that time of year. The kids are going back to school, the leaves are just beginning to show the first signs of autumn, and MLS teams are clinching playoff spots. Pumpkin spice-flavored everything is here.
We knew LAFC was in, but Week 26 added two more teams to the list and the first to lock up berths in the Eastern Conference. NYCFC and Philadelphia still have work to do in terms of seeding (not so much of LAFC), but at least they know they’ll get a chance to play for the Cup.
– ESPN Major…
Rivalry Week has come and gone and here we are to pick up the pieces.
There are many candidates for when the stretch run of the season begins in Major League Soccer.
The MLS secondary transfer window slammed shut last Wednesday, ending a brief and intense barrage of moves as clubs worked to solidify their rosters for the stretch run of the season. The Galaxy finally got their man, Cristian Pavon, LAFC added a young star in Brian Fernandez, and a handful of teams feverishly worked the trade market in a bid to get better.
It was a weekend of statements made across Major League Soccer, and the Power Rankings are taking note.
Welcome to the All-Star edition of ESPN’s Major League Soccer Power Rankings.
ESPN’s Jon Champion and Taylor Twellman discuss Seattle’s quality and Atlanta’s continued struggles to find consistency under Frank de Boer. 
The first El Trafico of 2019 is set for Friday night at Dignity Health Sports Park, reigniting Major League Soccer’s newest, but perhaps most fascinating rivalry.
The theme of the rankings this week is communication. It’s important to be clear with your message when conducting the very important business of soccer: Miscommunication can lead to a host of problems and result in numerous aggrieved parties. No one wants angry middle-aged men stalking referees and screaming obscenities. Think of the children.
A schedule filled with midweek games stretched the resources of teams across Major League Soccer this round, leading to silly mistakes that really shouldn’t happen.