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With Matchday 32 of Major League Soccer now fully behind us, it’s time to take a look at the biggest players in our Power Rankings.

Let’s get started right away.

10. Real Salt Lake (👎 last rank: 7)

Real Salt Lake’s bubble appears to have burst. Pablo Mastroeni’s team have only won one of their last six games, but their outstanding form over the first few months of the season keeps them within touching distance of second place in the Western Conference and in our top 10 – at least for now.

9. Seattle Sounders (no movement)

You just can’t write off a Seattle team led by Brian Schmetzer, but after comfortably sweeping reigning champions Columbus Crew, albeit under extenuating circumstances, and Sporting KC in their last two games, the Sounders have shown they are still capable of playing the solid, controlled football that has won them major trophies in recent memory.

8. Vancouver Whitecaps (🆕)

September 7, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Stuart Armstrong (26) looks on during the second half against FC Dallas at BC Place. Mandatory Photo Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images

The Whitecaps have flirted with the top 10 all season, but now they may not look back. After easily defeating San Jose at the weekend thanks to a superb debut from Stuart Armstrong, Vancouver moved to within three points of second place in the conference, but still has as many as two games less of a lead than some of its rivals.

7. Orlando City (🆕)

With six wins in their last eight games, Orlando City is officially a surprise contender in the East. Óscar Pareja’s team has won its last three MLS games by a combined score of 9-0 and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

6. Colorado Rapids (No movement)

There are no changes in the Rapids’ standings this week, but that doesn’t mean we’re not showing them some love. Chris Armas’s team evaded Portland a few times over the weekend, but winning games against the odds has become a guiding principle for the Commerce City team. Second place in the Western Conference is more than up for grabs, and there’s no reason the Rapids can’t get there.

5. Houston Dynamo (👍 last rank: 8)

September 14, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Dynamo FC head coach Ben Olsen after the match against Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium. Mandatory Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Dynamo have quickly become safe underdogs in the Western Conference after picking up seven points in three games against LAFC, LAFC again and Real Salt Lake. Ben Olsen’s men seem to have rediscovered the recipe that took them far in several competitions last season.

4. FC Cincinnati (👎 last rank: 2)

Cincinnati had its ups and downs in late summer, but showed tremendous resolve as they knocked off a Columbus side that has excelled in big games under the lights this season. With more depth up front and in defense coming out of the summer transfer window, Cincinnati should have a good chance of keeping their second-place Ohio rivals at bay — but the Crew will play a role in that race.

3. Columbus Crew (No Movement)

The Crew remain in the top three despite a draw with Cincinnati over the weekend. Cucho and his pals will head into the playoffs with a confidence that is perhaps only matched by Inter Miami in the division. Their summer additions have only given Wilfried Nancy more strength in numbers, and that depth should secure them second place in the Eastern Conference before all is said and done.

2. LA Galaxy (👍 last rank: 4)

The Galaxy have reached their highest point in our rankings this season, coming off a stunning comeback win over LAFC on derby day. With Marco Reus adding midfield support, Greg Vanney’s side are brimming with attacking weapons and will be a formidable opponent for anyone in the Western Conference come playoff time.

1 Inter Miami (no movement)

With or without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami is simply unstoppable when things are going south. They have the Supporters Shield all but in the bag and enter the playoffs as clear favorites to win the MLS Cup. If you can get Messi back in the team after a four-game winning streak, who’s going to stop you?