Power Rankings Roundup: Where do the Timbers stand before Decision Day?

Decision Day is almost here. After a topsy-turvy 2020 with a little midsummer sojourn to Orlando sprinkled in, we are nearing the end of regular season play. Back in January, we would have expected this year to be like any other. By March, we weren’t sure how the season would go on. But despite all the road bumps along the way, we’ve made it to the final week.

With just this week remaining, there’s still plenty of movement to be had up and down the table, especially in the Western Conference. Right now, your Portland Timbers hold the top spot after a victory on Sunday. How does securing (for now) first place affect where they rank in the latest power rankings? Let’s take a look.

MLS has the Timbers ranked fourth on their website, a jump up from sixth in the previous rankings. Although they did rise, there are concerns about how Jaroslaw Niezgoda’s ACL tear will affect this team’s depth.

Portland are atop the Western Conference standings, but their injury woes in the final third jump off the page. Jaroslaw Niezgoda has torn his ACL and will miss the remainder of 2020, meaning they’re down the Polish striker and Sebastian Blanco. They have incredible depth, but will it be one hit too many?

Portland ranked fourth in ESPN’s power rankings as well, the same as last week. Instead of focusing on the negative with the injury to Niezgoda, Jeff Carlisle and Austin Lindberg focused on the positive contributions of Yimmi Chara.

Heading into 2020, the Timbers needed better wing play beyond that provided by Sebastian Blanco, and they’ve gotten it from Yimmi Chara, who has delivered with four goals and seven assists since mid-September. A pair of wins has Portland top of the West by a whisker.

Agree or disagree with the rankings? Let us know below!