This method of ranking team performance factors in point per game, strength of schedule, and goal difference. This isn't an attempt to predict the final table, but rather a way to measure a team's form.

NYRB II (↔): Lost 2-1 midweek at home to Pittsburgh, but had enough cushion to retain the top spot.

Tampa Bay Rowdies (↔): Didn't play this week, and still have a game in hand on New York and Nashville.

Nashville SC (↔): Picked up three essential points in Charlotte. Their midweek match against NYRBII has huge implications for how the table looks at the end of the year.

North Carolina FC (↑2): Exploded into the top four with a 5-0 demolition of Pittsburgh. They've gone without a lot of hype, but have quietly been one of the best teams in the East.

Indy Eleven (↔): Held on for a 2-1 win at home against a tricky Saint Louis side.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds (↓2): After starting the week strong with a win on the road in New York, a second half collapse against North Carolina saw them lost 5-0. It's likely just a blip for a team who's been in great form, but it's not a flattering result by any means.

Ottawa Fury FC (↔): Cruised to a fairly routine road win against Loudoun United.

Louisville City FC (↔): A late winner away to Charleston saw the defending champions pick up a vital three points.

Saint Louis FC (↔): Were the better side for long stretches, but couldn't pick up a result in Indy. Three points out of playoff position with a game in hand on Birmingham, but they've really fallen off the wagon after a great start to the campaign.

Charleston Battery (↔): Gave up the winner in the 88th minute to Louisville City. After starting off the season well, they've become wildly inconsistent.

Charlotte Independence (↔): They're hanging around in the playoff race, but never really looked threatening against Nashville.

Birmingham Legion FC (↑2): Got a much-needed 1-0 win at home over Memphis to stay in playoff position, but with more games played than many of the clubs around them, they'll need to put together a consistent run of matches to qualify.

Bethlehem Steel (↑2): No match this week.

Memphis 901 FC (↓1): Defensively they've been better, but they're still struggling to convert chances, and it's costing them points.

Loudoun United FC (↓3): They're finally getting more matches at home, but the results still aren't there.

Swope Park Rangers (↔): Lost on the road to Atlanta.

Atlanta United 2 (↔): Picked up three points at home against Swope Park, but they're still solidly entrenched towards the bottom.