LA Galaxy earn bump in Week 20 MLS Power Rankings

There’s an impulse from some in the American soccer media to dock the LA Galaxy negative points for their style of play, or rather lack of.

It’s not the worst criticism. You can chalk up LA’s attacking struggles this season to a combination of a roster rebuild and change in philosophy, but the fact remains Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s squad are reliant on Zlatan to win games, and the team still lacks a discernible style of play.

Does this mean the Galaxy should occupy the No. 10 spot in this week’s Power Rankings? Friday’s El Trafico was arguably the first complete 90 minute performance from LA, but on the other hand they just convincingly beat the best team in the league and are 2nd in the Western Conference rankings.

So where exactly has that LA Galaxy team been all season? If they played the way they did against LAFC every game, they’d be neck-and-neck in the Supporters’ Shield race. Instead, they’re nine points back. Regardless of why they haven’t brought it every week, they really need to turn it up more regularly.