9/7 - Eastern Conference Power Rankings 1

Make it 6 straight games unbeaten for a Nashville SC side that has looked even better now than they did before the World Cup break. Attacking addition Elias Saad has helped make Nashville more multidimensional and they have game breakers at every level. On the horizon are games against Miami and Chicago, both of which could go a long way in deciding how the Eastern Conference will shake out.

After 6 straight wins across all competitions, the Fire now haven't won in the last 4. However, the three MLS games have all been road games that ended in a stalemate, so at least they're picking up points when they are away from home. No one is doubting their attack: they haven't been shut out since March 7th. But their next 5 games are daunting, playing the other 4 best teams in the East and then Vancouver, so they will need to get their defense right if they want to make the leap to be one of the favorites heading into the postseason.

Inter Miami have won just one match of their last 7, conceding 16 goals across that stretch. It's easy to see what the issue with this team is, and they have to solve it if they want to solidify themselves as a favorite in the playoffs. With their attack, they always have a chance, so if they can figure out how to limit the opponent's chances, specifically in the next two games against Nashville and Chicago, then they will be a team that can challenge for everything.

The Revolution will be disappointed to not pick up all 3 points in California after their date with the LA Galaxy in which they generated the lion's share of the chances. However, they are still holding on to a home playoff spot and are playing some better soccer since the inclusion of Jack Harrison in the lineup. Couple that with the brilliance of Carles Gil, who is having a magnificent year, and several players having breakout seasons and you have a team that could pose a legitimate threat in the playoffs.

Post Leagues Cup, Charlotte FC has picked up 11 points across 5 games. They have integrated Allan St. Maximin, a dangerous dribbler who has helped improve the dynamism of the attack. Coming up, The Crown will play 7 of the next 11 matches on the road, where they have historically struggled to pick up points. This season, they average 1.1 points per game away from Bank of America Stadium, so they will have to improve this statistic if they have any hope of locking up a home playoff spot.

Philadelphia Union are absolutely rolling right now. They haven't lost in MLS play since the World Cup break and look a lot more like the team that won the Supporter's Shield last season. Cavan Sullivan has leveled up before our very eyes, Wagner has come back into the side without skipping a beat, and they're getting better as the games roll on. What started off as a interesting comeback story has blossomed into one of the headlines of the season as the Union are now in the playoffs, 9th, for the first time all season.

Saturday's rainout came at the worst possible time for Cincinnati: on the back of a 0-4 shellacking to Nashville. The Knifey Lions' were looking at their meeting with DC United at TQL Stadium as a get-right game, but instead look to rebound against the team you just read about: Philadelphia. Cincinnati's attack has slowed from the supernova pace since Leagues Cup, but with this has come more defensive solidity. Now they look to get the best on both sides of the ball in a mouth watering matchup in Chester,  PA.

Orlando, like the Union, have jumped into a playoff position for the first time this year. It comes after a home win over San Diego FC which was just their fourth shutout in 2026. Griezmann's arrival has improved the Lions in more ways than his offensive production, and Robin Jansson's return to full health has steadied the defense from disastrous to competent. This team has the talent to compete with the best, now can they put it all together on the field?

Don't look now, but Toronto are undefeated in six. I know what you're thinking, how many of those are home draws? Well, three, but they've also defeated Miami and New England. Since Mihailovic and Sargent have finally been able to build a partnership, Toronto have looked a completely different side. They are much more coherent and dangerous in attack. Now can they turn these BMO Field stalemates into BMO Field victories?

New York City are now winless in five and are slipping down the Eastern Conference standings. However, their last three matches have been credible draws that show they are still a tough outing, and they are getting healthier. Aiden O'Neill made his first appearance for the team since the World Cup break and Alonso Martínez was on the bench on Friday. If Martínez can get back to full fitness, the outlook of the season completely changes for the Pigeons.

The Red Bulls haven't won a game since the Leagues Cup break and have just one win since the Leagues Cup break. However, they did just post their first shutout in the MLS since February. It's a team that's been streaky all season, evidence of the inexperience up and down their roster. The wingers that they got this offseason, Cade Cowell and Jorge Ruvalcaba, need to be more productive if they want to turn this cold stretch to a hot streak. 

After a miserable start to the season, Atlanta United have looked better of late. Their midfield has provided more solidity, Almiron has been productive since the World Cup break, and new signing Breel Embolo scored a goal in his debut. If Atlanta can get Embolo going there is real reason for optimism for a team that is somehow only 5 points away from the play-in game.

Under the Laurent Courtois regime, there have been signs of good and bad for the Columbus Crew. This past week was definitely the former, as they comfortably handled the Colorado Rapids in a 3-0 victory that included an outstanding debut performance from Santi Rodríguez. Now, the Rapids have just 7 points in 12 road games, so this result isn't enough to erase the 5 game winless streak across all competitions in the rearview mirror for the Crew, but if Rodríguez can get going then they're headed in the right direction.

Montreal are now last in the East and second bottom in the league. Their last three matches in MLS play have been rough. But, they have a real chance at silverware, as they put themselves in a good spot against Vancouver in the semifinals of the Canadian Championship with a road draw. They need to figure out what their best midfield is before the home leg in a week and a half.

DC United has won just once since the World Cup break and have zero wins in their last 5. After a promising start to the season, DC United have failed to show any signs of progression and now seem like they are on track for missing the playoffs for the 7th straight season. On the bright side, their next three games are at home against Columbus, Atlanta, and Charlotte, so they have a good chance to reset and make a playoff push with this mini home stand.