It's Monday, another week of MLS action is in the books, which means it's time for ESPN's Power Rankings. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Our Power Rankings are derived from a combination of key season statistics (points per game, goal differential, expected goal (xG) differential), recent performance, the Opta computer ratings, and the observations of our writers. So, who's climbing the table? Who's in free fall? We've ranked all 29 clubs in the league after Matchday 2. Let's dive in.
2. Inter Miami CFPrevious ranking: 5 After much speculation regarding his fitness, Luis Suárez tore into the Florida Derby with a reminder of why he's elite (and entertaining). The legendary Uruguayan was selfless and savvy, collecting a brace by the eleventh minute and adding two assists to a 5-0 Miami performance that flummoxed Orlando. Robert Taylor collected his second goal of the year, and Lionel Messi clocked in for a second-half brace. 4. FC CincinnatiPrevious ranking: 4 Replacing the productivity of Brandon Vázquez at striker is among the key questions for Pat Noonan's 2023 Supporters Shield winners. Aaron Boupendza collected a goal to open Saturday's scoring, adding to his midweek goal in the Concacaf Champions Cup last week. After scoring six goals in 14 appearances since signing for Cincinnati last summer, early-season signs of a second-year boost bode well for the Orange and Blue. Miles Robinson collected his first club goal to secure Saturday's win. 6. LAFCPrevious ranking: 2 At face value, a 3-0 loss to RSL might point toward warning signs. But beyond the fun of a thundersnow extravaganza, Saturday's snowfight likely doesn't point toward longer-term issues. Spare a thought, though, for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris' introduction to Utah in winter. 8. CF MontréalPrevious ranking: 24 An early-match injury to Kwadwo Opoku (already an injury replacement for Dominik Yankov) had Montreal rotating deep at Toyota Stadium. But 21-year-old Montreal native Jules-Anthony Vilsaint (not even on the match day roster the previous week) scored within 10 minutes of subbing in. Laurent Courtois' side showed resilience to collect three points, heading home with four from two tough road games. 10. Minnesota UnitedPrevious ranking: 10 Hosting the reigning Champions with an interim manager is a daunting task. Still, Minnesota showed bravery as they took on the Crew with high pressure, wrestling a point from the affair thanks to a stoppage-time stunner from Tani Oluwaseyi. 12. FC DallasPrevious ranking: 7 Dallas lost at home to Montreal but showed signs of a team building toward something decent. Jesús Ferreira and Paxton Pomykal are re-emerging. Petar Musa also notched his first goal for the Toros. 14. St. Louis City SCPrevious ranking: 19 Bradley Carnell's squad knows how to punish teams in quick transition, which is what they did against a struggling NYCFC, collecting two goals and keeping a nearly uncontested clean sheet. 15. Orlando CityPrevious ranking: 6 The talent in this squad still seems capable of challenging in a competitive conference. But Orlando ran a clinic on how not to play Inter Miami in the Florida Derby, giving time and space to world-famous talents and all but forfeiting as frustration settled. 16. Houston DynamoPrevious ranking: 14 Houston lost at home to an ascendant Red Bulls side while straddling Champions Cup in the midweek. Still, they showed signs of promise for the new season. They're missing Héctor Herrera due to injury. Coco Carrasquila will be their lynchpin as long as they can keep him. 18. Atlanta United FCPrevious ranking: 13 A bye week for Atlanta keeps them where they settled last weekend. 19. Seattle SoundersPrevious ranking: 12 Drawing at home to one of the least convincing teams in the league (Austin FC) is concerning, especially after losing on the road in their first game. Still, it's early days, and their early-season injury list is lengthy. Club legend Nico Lodeiro has been replaced by new Argentine addition, Pedro de la Vega, whose entry to the league looks promising. 21. Portland TimbersPrevious ranking: 15 Something similar could be said for Portland, who have six goals and four points from two games (though with less compelling underlying numbers). They'll rue dropping points at home against DC United after taking a 2-0 lead in the 61st minute. 23. Vancouver WhitecapsPrevious ranking: 21 Vancouver's first game of the season was mediocre, but Yohei Takaoka's quality in goal could give them courage. 25. Chicago FirePrevious ranking: 25 After a strong showing in week one, Chicago lost at home thanks to a poor defensive mistake, then getting beat on a set piece. 27. San Jose EarthquakesPrevious ranking: 26 Losing to a rival is a tough way to start the year. San Jose are one of three teams to take zero points from their first two games this season. 29. Austin FCPrevious ranking: 28 Josh Wolff can be proud of a draw in Seattle but they'll need new ideas to take more from this season.
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