All nine Eastern Conference postseason places are decided, and there are only a couple spots left up for grabs in the West. But the MLS Power Rankings race never ends. Here’s our we have the sides sorted out heading into the final two weekends of the MLS regular season.
1
Philadelphia Union
Last edition: 1st (unchanged)
Last result: 1-0 win vs. New York City FC
Up next: Saturday, Oct. 18 at Charlotte FC (6 pm ET)
The Philadelphia Union sealed the Supporters’ Shield with a match to spare, and did so while playing a more difficult Eastern Conference schedule. Doing the double will be no easy feat, but this may be the most balanced Philadelphia team yet entering the postseason.
2
LAFC
Last edition: 3rd (+1)
Last result: 1-0 win vs. Atlanta United
Up Next: Wednesday, Oct. 8 vs. Toronto FC (10:30 pm ET)
Winners of five straight, Los Angeles FC have a chace to finish atop the Western Conference since they still have two matches in hand on the sides above them. But they’ll be missing Golden Boot contender Denis Bouanga for the next two.
3
Vancouver Whitecaps
Last edition: 4th (+1)
Last result: 4-1 win vs. San Jose Earthquakes
Up next: Saturday, Oct. 11 at Orlando City (7:30 pm ET)
The Vancouver Whitecaps got back in their grove by romping past a San Jose side playing for its playoff life. And unlike earlier this season, international call-ups shouldn’t take too much of a toll for their weekend trip to Central Florida.
4
San Diego FC
Last edition: 5th (+1)
Last result: 4-2 win at Houston Dynamo
Up next: Saturday, Oct. 18 at Portland Timbers (9 pm ET)
San Diego FC was another team that got back into good form against a desperate opponent, although Houston’s playoff hopes were already dwindling. They’ll spend the next 10 days watching how LAFC and Vancouver before determining how to approach Decision Day.
5
Inter Miami
Last edition: 5th (-3)
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Last result: 4-1 win vs. New England Revolution
Up next: Saturday, Oct. 11 vs. Atlanta United (7:30 pm ET)
Inter Miami CF bounced back over the weekend against New England, but their 5-3 midweek loss at home to Chicago asked the question yet again of whether their defense is good enough to sustain an MLS Cup Playoff run.
6
FC Cincinnati
Last edition: 6th (unchanged)
Last result: 1-0 win at New York Red Bulls
Up next: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. CF Montreal (6 pm ET)
Kevin Denkey’s early goal was enough for FC Cincinnati to see off an already eliminated Red Bulls side. The analytics are underwhelming, but Pat Noonan’s group defends well and have two elite playmakers in Denkey and Evander, a good postseason recipe.
7
Minnesota United
Last edition: 8th (+1)
Last result: 3-0 victory vs. Sporting Kansas City
Up next: Saturday, Oct. 18 at LA Galaxy (9 pm ET)
Anthony Markanich’s brace helped Minnesota United defeat a Sporting Kansas City side that looked checked out during a period of club transformation. Even so, the Loons have weathered Tani Oluwaseyi’s departure for Europe better than some expected.
8
Seattle Sounders
Last edition: 11th (+3)
Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Last result: 1-0 win vs. Portland Timbers
Up next: Saturday, Oct. 11 vs. Real Salt Lake (10:30 pm ET)
The Seattle Sounders halted a four-game winless run while beating an arch rival, but they can no longer finish any higher than fifth in the West. Their upward movement here is a lot more about the underwhelming recent results of others.
9
Orlando City
Last edition: 8th (-1)
Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire is congratulated by midfielder Facundo Torres, midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro and midfielder Ivan Angulo after he scored a goal against the New England Revolution during the first half at Inter&Co Stadium on Sept. 14, 2024.Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Last result: 1-1 draw vs. Columbus Crew
Up next: Saturday, Oct. 4 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (7:30 pm ET)
Orlando City SC were downright fortunate to scrape out a draw against a Columbus Crew side that finally got Diego Rossi back in the fold. That said, they’re still awfully tough to beat even when they’re not playing very well.
10
Chicago Fire
Last edition: 12th (+2)
Amber Searls | Imagn Images
Last result: 2-2 draw vs. Toronto FC
Up next: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. New England Revolution (6 pm ET)
Gregg Berhalter’s Chicago Fire FC had five different goalscorers in their 5-3 midweek win at Miami to secure the club’s first playoff spot since 2017. Following that with a draw to middling Toronto is forgivable given the likely emotional hangover and TFC’s recent improvement.
Vibrant in blue, Rangers have one of the most vocal followings in British football.
The Glasgow side’s supporters follow their boys in blue through thick and thin — and for good reason. Rangers are Scotland’s most decorated football team. Whether it’s a European night or an Old Firm derby, expect to find Ibrox in full voice.
Here are the anthems that take pride and place in the songbook of the Rangers supporters.
Follow, Follow
REUTERS/Chris Furlong/POOL
The official anthem of the club, it is adapted from William O. Cushing’s 19th-century gospel hymn “Follow On.” Repurposed by Gers fans during the early 20th century, it plays at every home game when the players emerge from the tunnel.
Though the streets be broad or narrow,
We will follow, we will go,
Follow, follow, we will follow Rangers,
Go where the Glasgow Rangers go…
Simply the Best
Action Images / Lee Smith
Tina Turner’s 1989 classic gets an Ibrox makeover. The iconic track was added to the Rangers’ songbook during the club’s run of nine consecutive league titles in the 1990s. Today, the song still rears its head from time to time, harkening back to a golden era for the Glaswegian side.
Better than all the rest!
Penny Arcade
Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
American rock-and-roller Roy Orbison made more than just pennies when he released the track in 1969, but the song has found new life as Rangers’ victory song. Reverberating through the speakers after every win at Ibrox, it kickstarts the party for the thousands of fans in Rangers blue.
Hey, look at that, there’s a penny arcade
With a clockwork music that the music box played
And the painted roll that goes round and round
And the carnival sound of a penny arcade…
Blue Sea of Ibrox
Action Images / Lee Smith
A staple since the 1970s, the lyrics paint a picture of Rangers match days and the unity of the club’s support. A blanket of blue scarves, shirts, and flags brought together in song, it is a sight to be seen by any visitor to Ibrox on a Saturday afternoon.
It’s the blue, blue, blue sea of Ibrox (sea of Ibrox),
It’s the greatest sight that I have ever seen (ever seen),
It’s the blue, blue, blue sea of Ibrox (sea of Ibrox),
And it’s part of every Rangers player’s dream.
I’m Feeling It (In the Air)
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
A relatively new addition to the Rangers songbook, this anthem took hold during the club’s successful 2021-22 campaign. Reimagining the dance remix by Sunset Bros & Mark McCabe, the song sound tracked Rangers’ run to the Europa League Final that season. The euphoric beat of the track was perfect for the dazzling European nights at Ibrox.
I can feel it in the air,
I can feel it everywhere…
We Are the People
REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Sometimes the simplest lyrics carry the strongest message. And that certainly rings true for “We Are the People.” Often viewed as the Rangers supporters’ defining chant, it is an anthem that fits every occasion and emotion. It lifts the players and fans when they’re down, and it is roared during moments of celebration. Overall, it lends voice to the community of fans that follow Rangers no matter the weather.
We are, we are, we are the people!
Heart and Hand
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
A classic, more poetic chant that now only occasionally finds full voice at Ibrox. The phrase “heart and hand”, however, continues to be at the forefront of the club’s identity and fans’ unity. This is a song that remains highly revered by older members of the club’s fanbase and has now found new prominence as the name of Rangers’ most prominent fan-led podcast and independent media network.
With heart and hand, we’ll take our stand
To guard our club and native land.
For Rangers is the name we bear,
The famous jersey we shall wear.
Derry’s Walls
Action Images / Lee Smith
The traditional anthem dates all the way back to 1689 and the historic Siege of Derry. The defiant cries of “No surrender!” from the defending protestants defined this chapter in Irish history. With the club’s historical and cultural ties to Northern Ireland, Rangers fans adopted the song. Imbuing the lyrics with a fervent energy, the song has become a symbol of defiance and perseverance, whilst also recognising the club’s heritage.
Chelsea have been punished following an investigation into 74 alleged breaches of the English Football Association’s regulations.
The Stamford Bridge outfit were initially charged in September after being accused of breaking rules regarding agent regulations, regulations on working with intermediaries, and third-party investment in players.
Those breaches are reported to have taken place between 2009 and 2022, while Roman Abramovich was still in control of the west London club.
FA Announce Chelsea’s Punishment
REUTERS/Hollie Adams via Action Images
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have been handed a £10 million fine and a two-window transfer ban, which has been suspended until 30 June 2027.
They were also given a six-point deduction, but that has since been withdrawn after appeal. A statement from the English FA confirmed:
“Chelsea FC admitted to the 74 breaches of FA Rule E1.2 prior to a hearing and an independent Regulatory Commission imposed a six-point deduction, which was to be suspended until 30 June 2027, and a £10 million fine.
“The club appealed against the suspended points deduction and an independent Appeal Board allowed the appeal and set aside this sanction following a further hearing. In its place, the Appeal Board imposed a registration ban for two complete and consecutive transfer windows which is suspended until 30 June 2027.”
Celtic and Rangers are reportedly embroiled in a transfer battle to sign Fares Ghedjemis and could both make bids for the Algerian winger.
The Scottish Premiership giants often wage war on the pitch, but they are both chasing the attacking gem from Serie B outfit Frosinone. A report from Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph claims the two clubs are considering a move for the 23-year-old.
Celtic and Rangers are both looking to strengthen their squads ahead of a new Scottish Premiership campaign. They have been busy making additions to their squads but could now be rivalling one another for a new winger.
Celtic and Rangers Weigh Up Ghedjemis Bid
via Reuters
Joseph claims that the Scottish sides aren’t the only clubs interested in the Algeria international. There is also interest shown from England, Italy and the USA and that could prove problematic for the Bhoys and the Gers.
MLS
Philadelphia Union
Los Angeles FC
Vancouver Whitecaps
San Diego FC
Inter Miami CF
FC Cincinnati
Minnesota United
Seattle Sounders
Orlando City SC
Chicago Fire FC
