Hope in the transfer window

19 Minnesota United 5-9-1 Last week: 2-3 Loss @ Colorado Rapids

Last rank: 18 The Loons went from deserving three points to resigned to settling for one to totally wrought after giving up a late goal in the 97th minute. Minnesota United’s season has gone much the same way. At first, fans were excited about a smoother second season. Then they were resigned to cheering for further development knowing the playoffs were unlikely. Now the Loons are risking setting all of the wrong type of goals-allowed records. The Loons went from deserving three points to resigned to settling for one to totally wrought after giving up a late goal in the 97minute. Minnesota United’s season has gone much the same way. At first, fans were excited about a smoother second season. Then they were resigned to cheering for further development knowing the playoffs were unlikely. Now the Loons are risking setting all of the wrong type of goals-allowed records.

18 Montreal Impact 6-11 Last week: 2-0 Win @ Orlando City

Last rank: 21 It is impressive in odd ways that Montreal still has yet to draw a game. Montreal has won three of the last four, with two consecutive wins against Orlando City. The 5-0 aggregate mid-season series demonstrates the belief in the locker room, especially compared to OCSC. The Impact benefitted from a 13th-minute own-goal, but it was just-rewards for constant early pressure. Ignacio Piatti secured the win in the second half, with his weekly moment of brilliance. It is impressive in odd ways that Montreal still has yet to draw a game. Montreal has won three of the last four, with two consecutive wins against Orlando City. The 5-0 aggregate mid-season series demonstrates the belief in the locker room, especially compared to OCSC. The Impact benefitted from a 13th-minute own-goal, but it was just-rewards for constant early pressure. Ignacio Piatti secured the win in the second half, with his weekly moment of brilliance.

17 Orlando City SC 6-9-1 Last week: 0-2 Loss @ Montreal Impact

Last rank: 15 A 3-0 drubbing against the Impact saw the end of Jason Kreis. A dispirited 2-0 loss to Montreal opened the account of interim manager Bobby Murphy and extended the Lions losing streak to seven games in MLS play. The attacking stars of Orlando City barely managed a shot, with the whole team only producing one shot on target. At least Orlando City gets the playoff experience in the US Open Cup.

16 L.A. Galaxy 6-7-2 Last week: IDLE

Last rank: 13 A week off for the Galaxy. They will be pleased given the number of players that they have at the World Cup. They still need to recognise how to get the best out of Zlatan without completely relying on him. It is a difficult balance to find, but if they can find it, they could be dangerous.