4. Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 (Previous: 6)

Last Week: W 1-0 vs. Portland Timbers 2

It wasn’t the prettiest performance of the season, but WFC2’s third consecutive win against their Cascadia rival brought a valuable three points home at Thunderbird Stadium. Daniel Haber’s goal with three minutes to go was only WFC2’s second shot on target of the game, but ahead of a big trip to OKC Energy FC on Saturday, the side will take the confidence boost, and get ready for a big week of work ahead of the visit to Taft Stadium.

5. New York Red Bulls II (Previous: 1)

Last Week: D 2-2 at Orlando City B

As their streak of four consecutive 1-0 victories continued, the feeling of how much longer it could last began to emerge, and on Sunday against Orlando the dam finally burst when they conceded a late equalizer. Still, a point on the road against an improved OCB is not a bad result, and Coach John Wolyniec will likely use it as a teaching moment as the side returns home to host another improving side in Wilmington on Sunday.

6. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (Previous: 3)

Last Week: L 2-1 at San Antonio FC

The Switchbacks still have games in hand on the teams around them, but will likely be disappointed not to have come away with something from their clash with San Antonio FC on Saturday night. Most concerning will likely be that the attack has come up dry over the past two weeks, with Luke Vercollone’s penalty kick the team’s only tally in that span. A return home, and a rivalry clash with Real Monarchs SLC this Sunday, will offer a chance for a rebound performance.

7. OKC Energy FC (Previous: NR)

Last Week: W 3-1 at Swope Park Rangers

Energy FC dipped out of the Top 10 a week ago, but an impressive comeback sees the side vault back in ahead of a big contest against Vancouver on Saturday night. OKC has the potential to make some serious moves in the upcoming weeks, with as many as four games in hand on the teams sitting above it in the standings. A win against Vancouver could set their stall out for a run at the top two sooner rather than later.

8. Wilmington Hammerheads FC (Previous: 8)

Last Week: D 1-1 vs. Bethlehem Steel FC

Wilmington’s home draw with Bethlehem comes with somewhat of a caveat following more than 4,500 air miles over the course of the week that took the Hammerheads to Utah for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. After going 120 minutes and a penalty shootout against Real Salt Lake, a letdown could have come about, but instead the side battled back from a first-half deficit, and could have grabbed all three points. As it stands, the Hammerheads are still undefeated in their past four league games, and nicely placed when it comes to the postseason.