Hooligan Visual: MLS Conference Standings | OneFootball

Heading this weekend’s MLS matches, let’s have a look at how the conference leaders have ebbed and flowed over the past months.

Eastern Conference Standings

Back in Week 9 when this chart’s data begins, Charlotte FC had the top spot. Then they started to tumble, and have been in a free-fall ever since. Columbus Crew also had a spell up top for a brief period, as did FC Cincinnati twice. But for nearly two months it’s been Philadephia Union at #1 followed by the Blue & Orange. It’s worth noting that Inter Miami has four (!) games in hand because of their Club World Cup duties.

Matchweek 22 Projection – East

Philadelphia visits Nashville this evening and could drop points. If Cincinnati can defeat the on-ahead, off-again Chicago Fire (my gut says this will happen, and our friends at Designated Pundits agree). Both Florida teams should record wins, with Inter Miami visiting the hopeless CF Montréal, and Orlando City traveling up to Charlotte. Columbus Crew play on Sunday against Seattle Sounders in what is a toss-up match.

Western Conference Standings

It’s been all Vancouver since Week 9 (to be fair since Week 1) until just recently. San Diego FC overcame a weeks-long drop in form that saw them as low as seventh to steadily climb up to #1. Minnesota’s consistency is remarkable, never worse than third or better than second. The West’s green teams (Portland, Seattle and Austin), are all over the chart. In one of the biggest surprises of the season, San Jose Earthquakes don’t completely suck.

Matchweek 22 Projection – West

We already know that Vancouver grey line will dip further, as Minnesota took care of FC Dallas 2 – 1 and they were unceremoniously kicked in the nootsie-wootsies by LA Galaxy on July 4. San Diego’s home form has been impressive, and I don’t see them dropping points to Houston today.