This method of ranking team performance factors in point per game, strength of schedule, and goal difference. It's still early in the season, and some teams have played more matches than others. This early in the season, one result can drastically alter a team's ranking, but as the season progresses the rankings will begin to steady.

Nashville SC (↑3): Got a solid 2-0 win against Memphis, ranked 10th at the time. They also benefit from dropped points by Tampa Bay and Saint Louis.

Tampa Bay Rowdies (↔): Couldn't hold onto a 1-0 lead at home against a struggling Louisville City side.

Saint Louis FC (↓2): Lost at home to inaugural side Birmingham Legion in the most surprising result of the week. Still in the top tier in the east.

Bethlehem Steel (↑4): Won 3-1 against the then-3rd place Charleston side. Who would have predicted that after 5 weeks, Bethlehem would lead the East in scoring?

North Carolina FC (↓1): Lost 2-1 away to Atlanta.

NYRB II (↔): Won 2-1 on the road against a fairly average Charlotte team.

Charleston Battery (↓4): Went on the road and lost to a surprisingly good Bethlehem Steel.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds (↓1): Beat Hartford 3-1 in their home opener. Their drop in rankings is a result of teams around them moving up, as well as their opponent being the worst-rated side in the league.

Atlanta United 2 (↑3): Big win at home against a good North Carolina side. They've quietly had a strong start to the season.

Birmingham Legion FC (↑5): Move up five spots after a huge win on the road against Saint Louis, who were ranked number one at the time.

Ottawa Fury FC (↑1): Beat Loudoun 2-0 at home.

Indy Eleven (↓2): Didn't play in Week 6. The drop isn't a result of their performance. They've also only played three matches, the fewest in the east.

Charlotte Independence (↓2): Lost at home to a good NYRB II side, but their start to the season has been poor at best.

Louisville City FC (↔): Their point total actually increased, but they remain in 14th after getting a strong 1-1 draw in Tampa. Don't be surprised if they start moving up in the rankings.

Memphis 901 FC (↓5): Dropped 5 points after a 2-0 loss in Nashville. Their inability to score goals is killing them.

Swope Park Rangers (↔): Didn't play in Week 6.

Loudoun United FC (↔): Lost 2-0 in Ottawa. Clearly towards the bottom end of the east.