MLS Power Rankings – Wayne Rooney’s D.C. debut lifts league’s bottom side off the foot of the table

Two 4-4 games? Major League Soccer was on one this weekend.

Hidden behind those eight-goal affairs was a two-goal stoppage-time comeback, an MVP candidate staking his claim, the league leaders mounting an impressive come-from-behind victory and Mother Nature’s fury. Oh, and there are three days before the transfer window slams shut.

You’ve got goals, you’ve got comebacks, you’ve got stars and you’ve got a league that can still be flipped upside down by a new signing. You’ve got it all, except for the opportunity to take a deep breath, so buckle up because you’ve also got Power Rankings.

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Previous ranking: 1

Next MLS match: Aug. 6 at Real Salt Lake, 10 p.m. ET

Maybe the most impressive thing about LAFC — and there are many impressive things about the best team in the league, shockingly — is the way they absolutely squeeze the life out of opponents. Even after conceding an own-goal to start the game against Seattle, they took the lead before halftime and then absolutely took the life out of the Sounders all second half. Score first, concede first, whatever form the match takes, the Black and Gold eventually get control and leave you for dead.

Previous ranking: 3

Next MLS match: Aug. 3 at FC Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Not that the Union needed more help, or more bright young talent, but here comes Jack McGlynn. A goal and assist in Philly’s 6-0 thrashing of Houston was the latest step for the 19-year-old, who has started three in a row now, all Union wins. The rich get (or, more accurately, develop) richer.

Previous ranking: 2

Next MLS match: Aug. 6 at Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+

How did NYCFC look in their first game without Valentin Castellanos? Like a team missing the reigning MVP. That they played Montreal even for a 0-0 draw north of the border showed how much quality they have, but it is impossible to not notice the quality that…