The Club World Cup is over and we're back to a normal stretch of MLS matches. With the return of a normal regular season schedule comes the return of our Data Power Rankings.
If you're unfamiliar, we use a formula called the Overall Performance Index to rate teams based on how they're actually playing, not solely on their results.
Let's dive in!
Overall Performance Index
Our power rankings are solely created by a data-based model we've pretentiously labeled "the Overall Performance Index" (OPI). This new model includes the same factors as the prior edition (points per game, strength of schedule, goal difference and expected goal difference), while adding several other factors to give a more rounded picture. Here's how the model is calculated (click here for a more in-depth explanation):
1. Points per game – 25%
2. Goals Added – 15%
3. Form (last four matches) – 15%
4. Goal difference – 13%
5. Strength of schedule – 10%
6. Expected goal difference – 10%
7. Home and away form – 12%
Nashville SC take over the top spot after their 1-0 win against Philadelphia Union. In a clash between two Supporters' Shield contenders, Nashville pulled out a huge win, even down a man for the final 30 minutes.
The Vancouver Whitecaps drop down a spot into second after a shock 3-0 loss to the LA Galaxy. They've been really poor since the Concacaf Champions Cup final, and their form has bottomed out. They need Sebastian Berhalter and Brian White back as soon as possible.
Charlotte FC drop four spots after a 2-2 draw with Orlando City, and this is a scenario where the model really values the underlying numbers. Charlotte were bombarded for most of this one and had to claw their way to a single point. Perhaps the model has judged them too harshly hear.
And at the bottom, CF Montréal take over last place after a 4-1 shellacking by Inter Miami. It could have been worse, too; Lionel Messi had a third goal called back for offside in stoppage time, despite looking very much in an onside position.
Check back next week for another update.
