Sporting Kansas City's 2-1 win over Toronto FC not only kept the squad in contention for an Eastern Conference title (and Supporters' Shield), but it kept Peter Vermes' side in the good graces of the MLS Power Rankings politboro.
Following the win, MLSsoccer.com moved Sporting KC up two spots to No. 2 in their latest power rankings. Despite the fact that Toronto FC has the second fewest points in Major League Soccer, Ryan Nelson's side has been stingy at home with only two losses at BMO Field since June.
MLSsoccer.com's Matt Doyle gave Sporting KC credit for grinding out the win in a tough environment and said: "A win in Toronto isn't as easy as it sounds – since June, the only team to have managed it is the Sounders. Getting it done with a second-choice front three was admirable."
Elsewhere, Sporting KC came in at No. 2 on ProSoccerTalk's rankings, No 5 on ESPNFC's rankings and No. 4 on SI.com's power rankings.
The Philadelphia Union, Sporting KC's Friday night opponent, came in at No. 12 in the MLS power rankings following their bye weekend. The two teams will square off Friday night at Sporting Park (Buy Tickets). The match will kick off at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Network. It can also be heard locally on Sports Radio 810 and La Gran D 1340.
