For reference: 2018 Power Rankings MLS Power Rankings: Check out the initial order for 2019 February 26, 2019, 1:09PM EST Alicia Rodriguez PRE: 23 (last out of all 2018 teams)
Harsh, but hard to argue with. We're definitely in the neighborhood of Chicago, Orlando, Colorado, Toronto, San Jose and Cincinnati. Maybe if things pan out and the new players turn out to be as good as we hope they might, we could be in the Montreal-Philly-Houston-RSL level of border-line playoff teams. Let's see how this all pans out. I was surprised to see DCU rated at #6. Yes, they are better than us, but I see them in the middle of the pack, anywhere from 9-15.
I kinda disagree. I don't see any reason to think that we would be *worse* than last year. We have pretty much the same team back (minus Rowe and Dielna, neither of whom did great things in '18), with some potentially good acquisitions. And, I don't see any dramatically improved teams in the East - quite the contrary, with Toronto, NYC and Atlanta having serious losses.
Having pretty much the same team back... The same group of guys who haven't been able to produce anything for 4 years (longer w/o Jones)... That may be the authors argument. He spoke to the highest profile addition in the article. The other acquisitions seem to be of secondary, even tertiary, impact and, as RKupp said, only potentially good. I think the offensive talent is arguably better (Gil) but, as always with this team, very fragile as there is no good depth. The defense gets a left back that may be, after Somi, the third coming of Chris Tierney. Teams that have an otherwise competent defense may be able to afford that luxury. A forward and mid who may or may NOT be an improvement, some draft picks... I think that the REVs have improved but, despite the feeling that other eastern teams haven't improved that much, the REVs always improve at 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 the rate of the majority of MLS teams. The talent does scream, to me, "We're so good we can overcome any marginal, tactic/strategy-starved coaching..." And, if Brad can't significantly step up his game, that will show in the results.
I'd ignore unit-level numerical ranking, but at least look at the quartile in which the team stands - that's indicator enough, and I would say that's of reasonable accuracy. It might at least help numb the sting of the unit level ranking number.
DCU is somewhat hard to predict. They looked really strong at the end of last year, but they have the benefit of playing at home nearly every week. It'll be interesting to see how well Rooney holds up for a whole season, if Lucho Acosta is still happy after the PSG transfer drama, and how well Lucas Rodriguez adjusts to MLS. Either way, I think 6-10 is fair.
Armchair Analyst: Frontrunners, the Pack & all 24 MLS teams by tier February 28, 2019, 1:17PM EST Matthew Doyle Tier I - The Alphas: NYRB, ATL II - The Contenders: SKC, LAFC, SEA, DCU III - The Playoff Pack: MON, POR, DAL, CMB, LAG IV - The Bubble: PHI, CHI, NYC, HOU, TOR, RSL, MIN, VAN V - Open Questions: ORL, SJE, COL, NER, CIN
I think CHI and TOR are being overvalued, maybe DAL too. Otherwise the arrangement feels accurate. The only question is: someone from the east after NYRB, AUFC, and DCU has to make the playoffs, who will it be?
I'd argue that Cinni has a better back 5 than the Revs and several other teams in the league but they will need that as the new kid on the back, Garza, Haggund, Waston, Powell and Tyton is goal.. If they play 5 in the back line you can throw Frenchman Deplagne as the other starter. On offense Adi is better than any of our forwards though I have to venture to say that the Revs Midfield is stronger
I agree with Toronto. They may be worse than the Revs this year. Atlanta really only lost Almiron but they brought in Martinez who is a damn good player. They lost Garza as well but he only played 11 games. NYFC lost Villa who had 14 goals but was out a few games as well but still have Maxi (8 goals) and Shradi(11 goals) and added a DP to replace the 37 year old Villa. Mitrita while not a household name, looks to be a dangerous player. NYFC for the most part has almost all their starters back. I see them both still as teams to beat in the East
Power Rankings: New York Red Bulls claim top spot after opening week March 5, 2019, 10:59AM EST Alicia Rodriguez Code: PRE : 23 Wk 1: 21
MLS Power Rankings: LAFC take over top spot March 12, 2019, 10:57AM EDT Alicia Rodriguez Code: PRE : 23 Wk 1: 21 Wk 2: 22
MLS Power Rankings: Seattle Sounders jump to the top March 19, 2019, 1:00PM EDT Alicia Rodriguez Code: PRE : 23 Wk 1: 21 Wk 2: 22 Wk 3: 22
The good news is, the Revs were in the exact same spot (22) after 3 weeks last year, then started climbing the polls: 2018 Power Rankings, week 3
Look at the paragraphs for every other team for this weeks ranking. The Revs have the least written about them. Not that it is really a big deal but ...... Sigh
I keep saying this ... 5 of the next 6 at home. If you don't gain some serious points here, this season could be over very, very quick.
It does look like Cincy is losing players to international call ups. Revs have to beat them. But under Friedel, the Revs have been not as invincible at home as they once were. Gotta change that too.
Only the Quakes keeping the Revs from last place: MLS Power Rankings: FC Cincinnati keep climbing in Week 4 March 26, 2019, 11:16AM EDT Alicia Rodriguez Code: PRE : 23 Wk 1: 21 Wk 2: 22 Wk 3: 22 Wk 4: 23
Win over the Loons moves them up two spots. MLS Power Rankings: Toronto FC make big jump into Top 10 April 2, 2019, 11:19AM EDT Alicia Rodriguez Code: PRE : 23 Wk 1: 21 Wk 2: 22 Wk 3: 22 Wk 4: 23 Wk 5: 21
No change this week. Power Rankings: Columbus Crew SC make big jump to Top 3 April 9, 2019, 11:22AM EDT Alicia Rodriguez Code: PRE : 23 Wk 1: 21 Wk 2: 22 Wk 3: 22 Wk 4: 23 Wk 5: 21 Wk 6: 21 Or, maybe Columbus is in first place only because they got to play the Revs twice...