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MLS Power Rankings: Nashville displaces LAFC, Caps to go No. 1

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MLS Power Rankings: Nashville displaces LAFC, Caps to go No. 1


It’s Monday, MLS action is back, and it’s time for ESPN’s Power Rankings.

Who looks the strongest? Who’s in for a long year? Our writers studied the action from across Matchday 5 to come up with this week’s order. Let’s dive in.

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Previous ranking: 3

It was a dream week for Nashville SC, building upon their elimination of Lionel Messi and Inter Miami during the week in Concacaf Champions Cup play with a 5-0 thrashing of Orlando City at the weekend. Sam Surridge netted a hat trick, taking him to seven goals and an early lead in the Golden Boot race.

Previous ranking: 2

While LAFC was able to create more chances than Austin FC in a 0-0 draw, they couldn’t find a truly dangerous opportunity to beat opposing goalkeeper Brad Stuver. It was a long travel week after a Concacaf Champions Cup triumph in Costa Rica, so LAFC will appreciate the upcoming international break.

Previous ranking: 1

In the stretch of four days, the Caps were eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup, then fell 1-0 to the San Jose Earthquakes at home. The sky isn’t falling: It’s their first defeat of the season, and both Thomas Muller and Sebastian Berhalter came into the match as substitutes, but the exuberance from last week’s 6-0 win over Minnesota United has faded.

Previous ranking: 5

It was hardly the prettiest free kick of Lionel Messi’s career, but Inter Miami won’t care. The Argentine scored the equalizer, and Micael’s header in the 74th minute ended up being the winner in a 3-2 victory over NYCFC.

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Lionel Messi scores as Inter Miami downs NYCFC

Inter Miami grabs the 3-2 win as Lionel Messi finds the back of the net in the second half.

Previous ranking: 4

What was a chance for three points turned into a mission to hang onto one, but San Diego accomplished that mission with a 2-2 draw against Real Salt Lake. Despite a late goal conceded and a red card before stoppage time, SDFC stayed undefeated to bounce back from a midweek loss to Toluca in Concacaf Champions Cup action.

Previous ranking: 7

A Beau Leroux stunner just before the halftime break was enough for the Quakes to return to winning ways with a 1-0 triumph over the Vancouver Whitecaps. It’s the fourth clean sheet this season for San Jose, who will be a contender if they can keep defending this well.

Previous ranking: 6

Fresh off a CCC series win over the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Sounders traveled to Minnesota and came away with a point in a 0-0 contest. They also had some decent chances, but couldn’t beat Minnesota United goalkeeper Drake Callender.

Previous ranking: 8

Victor Olatunji popped up at the back post to finish off a cross in the 85th minute and secure a 2-2 road draw for Real Salt Lake against San Diego FC in the Sunday nightcap. While it ends a stretch of three straight wins, it’s another result that will convince RSL fans that Pablo Mastroeni has a team that will be in the hunt this season.

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San Diego FC vs. Real Salt Lake – Game Highlights

Watch the Game Highlights from San Diego FC vs. Real Salt Lake, 03/22/2026

Previous ranking: 9

Nico Fernandez scored his fifth goal of the season and Agustin Ojeda put NYCFC ahead against Inter Miami in the 59th minute. But Messi struck just after that goal, and NYCFC fell 3-2. It’s a result that snaps a three-game winning streak and is the first loss of the season for the Pigeons.

Previous ranking: 11

FC Dallas is creating a bad habit of falling behind and letting Petar Musa bring them back, but it worked once again in a 4-3 rivalry win over the Houston Dynamo. A Logan Farrington double had FCD up 2-0 early, but three goals conceded in five minutes meant Musa was needed as a halftime sub, and he found the winning goal.

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FC Dallas vs. Houston Dynamo – Game Highlights

Watch the Game Highlights from FC Dallas vs. Houston Dynamo, 03/21/2026

Previous ranking: 12

James Rodriguez had a better time in his second MLS match than his first, but the Loons still weren’t able to earn three points, settling for a 0-0 result against the visiting Seattle Sounders. A positive: James created two chances in 13 minutes of play in his home debut.

Previous ranking: 13

Joao Klauss scored in the 30th minute, 10 minutes after suffering a foul that drew a red card, but the LA Galaxy couldn’t find a second and left Portland with a 1-1 draw against the Timbers. It’s a long way from Jamaica, where the Galaxy won in CCC play during the week, but they’ll need to be crisper with Toluca looming in the quarterfinals.

Previous ranking: 10

It’s fair to say the sheen has come off the young Red Bulls, who fell 6-1 to Charlotte FC on Saturday and are now winless in their last three. Four of those goals came after Gustav Berggren was sent off for a second yellow earned by pulling down Idan Toklomati, but it still was a night to forget.

Previous ranking: 14

Just when it looked like FC Cincinnati was going to suffer a fourth consecutive MLS defeat, Tom Barlow and Kévin Denkey came to the rescue with late goals that pushed FCC to a 4-3 win over CF Montreal. It may somewhat soften the blow of the 5-1 loss they took to Tigres during the week that saw them eliminated from CCC play.

Previous ranking: 15

Hugo Cuypers and Jonathan Bamba got on the scoresheet for the Fire in a 2-1 road win over the Philadelphia Union, and the team kept creating chances even after Philip Zinckernagel went off with a head injury just after the half-hour mark. All good signs for Gregg Berhalter’s club.

Previous ranking: 17

Charlotte enjoyed a goal explosion, thumping the New York Red Bulls 6-1 to extend their unbeaten run to three matches. Pep Biel had an early assist and scored from a low free kick after the Red Bulls went down to 10 men in the 53rd minute.

Previous ranking: 18

An early goal by the visitors seemed to snap St. Louis City to attention, as Yoann Damet’s side ran off three unanswered goals in a 3-1 victory over the New England Revolution. The win, capped by Marcel Hartel’s must-see half-volley from distance, snapped a three-match losing run from St. Louis.

Previous ranking: 19

A late push was rewarded with an 83rd-minute goal from Walker Zimmerman, who headed in a corner from Djordje Mihailovic to give TFC a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew. That makes it seven points from five matches this season: a modest return, perhaps, but it took them nine weeks to hit the same mark in 2025.

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Walker Zimmerman’s fine header wins it for Toronto

Walker Zimmerman rises to the moment to score the winner for Toronto over Columbus.

Previous ranking: 16

The Dynamo tasted a frustrating 4-3 defeat in a Texas Derby contest, taking a 3-2 lead into the halftime break after a wild first half, but ultimately unable to head back down I-45 with even a point. Erik Sviatchenko’s second yellow card in the 68th minute came just after substitutions, making it all the more difficult to rescue anything from the contest.

Previous ranking: 20

Rapids matches this season look to promise plenty of goals, and this weekend it was the Rapids themselves who delivered them in a 4-1 win at Sporting Kansas City. Paxton Aaronson scored twice and also had a hockey assist in a performance that hinted at big potential for an attacking unit led by him, Darren Yapi and Rafael Navarro.

Previous ranking: 22

D.C. United settled for a drab draw with Atlanta United, returning home after a 0-0 result that saw D.C. try just four shots, and only two inside the box. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson will be pleased with his second clean sheet of the season.

Previous ranking: 24

The good news for Austin FC? They were able to keep LAFC’s powerful attack from finding the back of the net. The bad news? Those creativity issues that have dogged them for the last two years are still present, and they couldn’t score in a 0-0 stalemate.

Previous ranking: 29

While the Timbers conceded after going a man down thanks to Kamal Miller’s red card, they were able to limit the damage and see out a 1-1 draw with the LA Galaxy. James Pantemis made six saves to help Portland hold on.

Previous ranking: 26

After winning 6-1 last time out, the Revs took an early lead thanks to a 14th-minute strike by Ilay Feingold. But they couldn’t make it stick, falling 3-1 to St. Louis City SC.

Previous ranking: 21

An early goal from Wessam Abou Ali had Columbus hoping it would be able to secure a first win of the season, and Diego Rossi nearly doubled the lead with a shot off the post in the 52nd minute. But the Crew conceded twice in the second half and fell 2-1 to Toronto FC. Though the coach just arrived in the winter, it’s not too early to wonder if Henrik Rydstrom is already on the hot seat.

Previous ranking: 28

One step forward, two steps … sideways? The week after the first win of the campaign, Tata Martino’s Atlanta United offered little in a scoreless home draw with D.C. United, putting just three shots on target.

Previous ranking: 23

Bidding farewell to Oscar Pareja certainly hasn’t solved Orlando’s issues. Two weeks after making a managerial change after a 5-0 defeat, it was another loss by the same scoreline as the Lions were dominated by Nashville SC. Antoine Griezmann’s reported arrival would help, but there’s much to be done.

Previous ranking: 25

The Union are the defending Supporters’ Shield champions but look very far from a trophy right now. A 2-1 loss to the Chicago Fire could’ve been even worse had the visitors been more efficient. Out of the Concacaf Champions Cup and sitting on a 0W-5L-0D record in league play, Alejandro Bedoya called it the “worst rut” he’s seen during his decade-long run in Chester.

Previous ranking: 27

While Shapi Suleymanov was able to respond to the Colorado Rapids’ opener, SKC didn’t have any answer for the visitors in the second half of a 4-1 defeat. The loss plummets SKC into the Western Conference basement.

Previous ranking: 30

Montreal was up a goal and up a man on FC Cincinnati in the 64th minute but managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in a 4-3 loss Sunday. That’s not the way to climb out of the bottom spot in the power rankings.



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New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announces another NJ Transit World Cup ticket cut days after first reduction

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New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announces another NJ Transit World Cup ticket cut days after first reduction


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Just days after NJ Transit reduced 2026 FIFA World Cup train ticket prices after backlash, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced yet another cut. 

Last week, the round-trip tickets from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey were cut from the initial cost of $150 to $105. 

Now, Sherrill announced the tickets have gone down to $98 round-trip ahead of them going on sale Tuesday night.

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Gov. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., narrowly carried Rep. Tom Kean Jr.’s battleground district in 2025. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)

“Good news: Ahead of NJ TRANSIT World Cup train tickets going on sale tonight, @NJTRANSIT is lowering ticket prices to $98 without New Jersey taxpayer money,” Sherrill wrote on X.

 “Thank you to our partners — DoorDash, Audible, FanDuel, DraftKings, PSE&G, South Jersey Industries, and American Water — for helping make this possible. 

“We’re excited to host a world-class event this summer and showcase New Jersey on a global stage.”

NJ TRANSIT REDUCES WORLD CUP TRAIN TICKET PRICES AFTER BACKLASH, CITING MORE MONETARY SUPPORT: REPORT

NJ Transit and the FIFA New York New Jersey Host Committee caught flak after the originally announced $150 price of the round-trip tickets. Their argument was it would eventually cost taxpayers if they didn’t have that abnormal price set for the influx of those getting to MetLife Stadium from New York City.

Then, NJ Transit announced last week it received monetary support from “sponsors and other sources” in able to get prices lowered. Now we know those sponsors after Sherrill’s statement on social media. 

Sherrill and FIFA got into a spat after the $150 price came out as well. The governor said FIFA should help pay for train tickets, while the governing body criticized Sherrill’s “unprecedented” plan and added that the expensive train tickets would have a “chilling effect” on the fan experience. 

A general view of MetLife Stadium and Meadowlands Train Station

Transit officials are preparing for an unprecedented number of riders during World Cup matches this summer. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)

“Governor Sherrill has been clear that FIFA should contribute to transport its fans to World Cup games. Since it hasn’t, she directed NJ Transit to seek private and non-taxpayer dollars to significantly reduce the fare,” a spokesperson for Sherrill told The Athletic. “The Governor appreciates all the companies that have already stepped up to lower the costs for ticket holders.  She will continue to ensure the World Cup is an experience that benefits fans and all New Jerseyans.”

NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri defended the original price, saying the ultimate cost to the public transportation company shouldn’t burden New Jersey commuters. 

“It is an exciting moment for New Jersey to showcase New Jersey’s diversity as well as its economic standing in the country and in the world. Equally important, (Sherrill) has said that New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the movement of fans going to the game, because that would not be fair,” Kolluri said, reiterating that the tournament will cost NJ Transit $48 million.

“In order to move 40,000 people and to pay for the cost of $6 million (per game), we have to charge $150.”

The regular train fare from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium round-trip is $12.90. 

Commuters walking through NJ Transit section of Penn Station in New York City

Commuters move through the NJ Transit section of Penn Station in New York City on May 20, 2025, after NJ Transit resumed operations following a tentative deal to end a three-day strike by train engineers. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

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Meanwhile, parking has been prohibited at MetLife Stadium, and ride-sharing will be limited, ultimately leading to a natural increase in NJ Transit commutes for World Cup matches.

The first game at MetLife Stadium is June 13 with a group stage match between Brazil and Morocco.

Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.





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Shan XI in Shambles: How Pakistan Imploded in Mirpur | The Express Tribune

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Shan XI in Shambles: How Pakistan Imploded in Mirpur | The Express Tribune


Senior players failed to deliver as familiar weaknesses resurfaced in another disappointing overseas performance

Pakistan captain Shan Masood speaks at a press conference after their defeat in the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on May 12, 2026. PHOTO: PCB/FILE


TORONTO:

Pakistan’s defeat in the first Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur was not just disappointing — it was a complete exposure of the flaws that continue to haunt Pakistan Test cricket. From questionable captaincy to a fragile batting lineup and a toothless pace attack, this loss had warning signs written all over it from Day 1.

The first major question must be directed at Shan Masood. On a Mirpur wicket that was always expected to deteriorate and make fourth-innings batting difficult, why on earth did Pakistan choose to bowl first? Surviving on a wearing Day 5 surface — let alone chasing 268 — was never going to be easy for a batting lineup already struggling for consistency. Pakistan simply does not possess the batting temperament or technical solidity to play out two-and-a-half sessions on the final day of a Test match.

The toss decision backfired badly and put Pakistan on the back foot from the outset.

Then comes the pace attack — or rather, the lack of one. Modern Test cricket demands fast bowlers who can intimidate, rush batters, and break partnerships through sheer pace and aggression. Pakistan currently has none. Opposition batters look far too comfortable against Pakistani pacers.

There is no fear factor, no sustained hostility, and no sense that wickets can fall in clusters. In home conditions, Pakistan employs an all-spin attack to mask the weaknesses of the fast bowlers. But outside Pakistan, where pacers are expected to lead the attack and dictate terms, the team’s shortcomings become painfully obvious.

Bangladesh’s batters looked composed for most of the match because the pressure simply was not there. The 37 extras gifted to them in the first innings only made an already strong batting performance look even more commanding.

Pakistan’s batting was not much better either. Apart from debutants Azan and Abdullah making promising starts to their careers, there was very little to praise. Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, and Saud Shakeel failed to make meaningful contributions when the team desperately needed stability and authority.

These are senior batters expected to anchor the innings, yet their performances lacked intent, composure, and responsibility. While Agha and Rizwan’s half-centuries helped avoid a disastrous collapse in the first innings, their contributions were not substantial enough to allow Pakistan to take control of the game.

There came a point when it seemed Pakistan would secure a first-innings lead. But instead of batting with discipline and awareness, the middle and lower order played loose and careless cricket, throwing wickets away and eventually conceding a lead instead. Test matches are often decided in such moments, and Pakistan lost the advantage there.

A huge part of that can be attributed to the tailenders’ inability to offer any resistance with the bat. Contemporary cricket no longer allows bowlers to survive solely on bowling ability. Tailenders across the world contribute valuable runs, frustrate opposition bowlers, and shift momentum through partnerships.

Pakistan’s tail, meanwhile, collapses almost instantly and offers little once the recognized batters are gone. Bangladesh adding 29 runs for the 10th wicket in the first innings proved how valuable lower-order resistance can be. It is hard to remember the last time a Pakistani tail genuinely fought like that, survived crucial periods, and added vital runs under pressure.

That fighting spirit and resilience lower down the order often reflect how badly a team wants to win, and unfortunately Pakistan rarely seems to show that hunger. In the end, this was a thoroughly mediocre performance with both bat and ball by Shan XI.

Pakistan failed to demonstrate planning, discipline, aggression, or mental toughness. When a team carries multiple players who consistently fail to deliver and contribute little to the contest, overseas victories will remain a bridge too far.



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Jacob Fatu chooses to acknowledge violence, AAA Mega Championship makes WWE history and more from Raw

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Jacob Fatu chooses to acknowledge violence, AAA Mega Championship makes WWE history and more from Raw


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Roman Reigns wanted Jacob Fatu in the ring for an “acknowledgement ceremony” on “Monday Night Raw,” despite concerns from general manager Adam Pearce and Jimmy Uso.

Reigns learned the hard way of the old saying, “Be careful what you wish for.”

Despite the contract signing that Fatu would have to “acknowledge” Reigns after he lost the World Heavyweight Championship, Fatu wouldn’t have any of that.

Instead, he chose violence. He ignored Jey Uso’s pleas to think about what he was doing. Fatu, instead, headbutted Uso multiple times.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Jacob Fatu holds up the World Heavyweight Champion belt during RAW at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 11, 2026. (Sydney Yonker/WWE)

“What you think? You want me to come and acknowledge you, Roman?” Fatu said. “Hell no! You’re going to beat that acknowledgement out of me.”

Fatu had no time for anyone trying to talk him off the ledge. He was truly all gas and no brakes. He got to the ring, stared down Reigns and the two went to work. The two exchanged blows in the ring and it looked like Reigns was going to gain the advantage. He hit Fatu with a chair multiple times, trying to make Fatu acknowledge him.

But the “Samoan Werewolf” was undeterred. Reigns went for a spear but was met by a superkick and the Tongan death grip. It was all downhill for the “Tribal Chief.” He taunted Reigns as he continued his beating.

He then powerbombed Reigns through the announce table. The assault didn’t stop there. He hit Reigns with another Tongan death grip as officials from the back tried to keep him at bay.

Jacob Fatu takes out Jimmy Uso, Roman Reigns and Jey Uso during WWE RAW match

Jacob Fatu takes out Jimmy Uso, Roman Reigns and Jey Uso all at once during WWE RAW at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 11, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE)

Before he walked to the back, he saw the Usos tending to Reigns. He ran back at full speed and sent all three men through the barricade.

Seth Rollins tries to thaw icy relationship with Street Profits

Seth Rollins helped Street Profits win in six-man tag match against The Vision as he took out Bron Breakker from the outside. Angelo Dawkins rolled up Austin Theory to get the win.

Rollins came into the ring to help Dawkins up. But as Breakker got back into the ring and lined up for a spear, Rollins stepped aside making Dawkins take the damage. Montez Ford came back into the ring and wondered what Rollins was going out there in the first place.

Rollins, Ford and Dawkins talked in the back.

“If you boys are serious about getting the tag titles off The Vision, then it’s time we talked,” Rollins said, addressing Dawkins and Ford backstage.

Ford said there was no “we” in the conversation, while Dawkins wanted to hear out Rollins.

Rollins said he was “wrong” to tell the Street Profits that all parties should keep their business to themselves.

“You know, Seth, you’re every single thing they say about you,” Ford said. “Everybody. The greatest in our generation. A revolutionary. But you know what they also say? You’re not to be trusted. We don’t need your a–  to win the tag team championship. Bet on that.”

The Street Profits will be aiming for tag team gold in two weeks when they take on Logan Paul and Theory.

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AAA Mega Championship defended on Raw

Dominik Mysterio making his entrance during RAW at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee

Dominik Mysterio makes his entrance during RAW at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 11, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE)

The AAA Mega Championship is the most prestigious title in Lucha Libre Worldwide (AAA) and possibly across all of Lucha Libre depending on who you ask. The title was defended for the first time on WWE programming on Monday night.

Dominik Mysterio put the belt on the line against Original El Grande Americano. Mysterio took advantage of Original El Grande Americano getting distracted by El Grande Americano. He hit the 619 and a frog splash to pick up the win.

The title defense came on the heels of WWE announcing a two-night Triplemania event for September. It will be the first time AAA’s premiere event will be ran over the course of two nights.

Passing of the torch

IYO SKY and Asuka embracing during WWE Backlash event in Tampa, Florida

IYO SKY and Asuka embrace during WWE Backlash at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla., on May 9, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE via Getty Images)

Iyo Sky defeated her mentor Asuka in an emotional match at Backlash over the weekend, and on Monday night, Asuka said “goodbye.”

Asuka met with Sky backstage before the “Genius of the Sky’s” match against Sol Ruca. She said she was looking for someone to take over as leader and found it in Sky.

“I was looking for someone to take over my passion. Finally, you’ve become the person. I’m so glad it was you,” Asuka said. “I’m proud of you.”

Sky responded, “Even if we fight, we’ll always be family. Goodbye, Asuka-san.”

Sky later defeated Ruca in an exhilarating singles match.

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Raw match results

  • Angelo Dawkins, Montez Ford and Joe Hendry def. Austin Theory, Logan Paul and Bron Breakker.
  • Je’Von Evans def. Rusev.
  • Iyo Sky def. Sol Ruca.
  • Oba Femi def. Angel and Berto as part of Oba’s Open Challenge.
  • Dominik Mysterio def. Original El Grande Americano to retain AAA Mega Championship.



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