FREMONT, Ohio — Aaron Reutzel romped from 11^thstarting position to win Sunday night’s Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1 feature at Fremont Speedway.

Reutzel’s impressive charge to the top of the podium did not require all 40 main event circuits, as the defending All Star champion took the lead for the first time on lap 12, utilizing a restart on lap 11 to drive around Tim Shaffer for the runner-up spot, soon followed by a second slingshot move in turns one and two to drive around race leader, Paul McMahan, the following circuit.

Impressive enough, the $5,000 victory bumped Reutzel’s career win total with Tony Stewart’s All Star Circuit of Champions to 11, each of those occurring at a different race track.

McMahan held on to maintain second at the final checkers, followed by rookie-of-the-year contender Skylar Gee, a fast closing Christopher Bell from 12th, and local standout Craig Mintz.

“This isn’t Ohio racing. This is a night when a guy can drive really hard & make a difference,” Ruetzel said. “A big thanks going out to the track and fans for sticking this one out and making this happen for us. We just want to race! Oh, and for the guy booing me, stop down when we’re done here and I’ll sign you an autograph.”

Despite starting 11th on the grid, Reutzel wasted little time powering his way toward the front of the field. By lap five, with the added help of a caution, Reutzel was able to advance his way to fifth, eventually battling his way around Brock Zearfoss for the fourth position with only nine laps recorded.

A slowing Tyler Esh, who was racing just ahead of Reutzel, soon pulled to a stop on the speedway, not only allowing Reutzel the opportunity to restart in the third position, but it also gave the Texan a clear takeover attempt on the restart.

When green flags flew again, Reutzel pounced, this time utilizing an impressive slingshot move through turns one and two to drive around Shaffer for the runner-up position. It was just one circuit later when Reutzel repeated his power move through the first and second corners, skimming the narrow cushion to blast by McMahan to officially lead lap 12.

From that point forward, it was all Aaron Reutzel at the front of the field, and although the Texan was forced to deal with periods of heavy traffic during the later stages of the 40-lap program, as well as two more stoppages in the form of cautions – one of which a red flag incident involving Brock Zearfoss, Tim Shaffer and Buddy Kofoid.

“He’s a champion for a reason,” McMahan said. “They have a solid team, so hats off to those guys for what they are able to do. [Aaron Reutzel] just about sucked my tear-offs off when he blew by me coming out of [turn two]. He showed me the top, so I was able to move up there and hang with him. I can’t thank my group of misfits enough. They work hard and I appreciate what they do.”

The finish:

Feature (40 laps): 1. 87-Aaron Reutzel [11]; 2. 13-Paul McMahan [1]; 3. 99-Skylar Gee [10]; 4. 39-Christopher Bell [12]; 5. O9-Craig Mintz [9]; 6. W20-Greg Wilson [15]; 7. 49X-Tim Shaffer [4]; 8. 70X-Spencer Bayston [7]; 9. 22-Brandon Spithaler [13]; 10. 11-Dale Blaney [14]; 11. 35B-Stuart Brubaker [6]; 12. 26-Cory Eliason [21]; 13. 16-DJ Foos [16]; 14. 9-Dean Jacobs [20]; 15. 19-Paige Polyak [18]; 16. O7-Gerard McIntyre [17]; 17. 97-Caleb Helms [22]; 18. 40-George Hobaugh [19]; 19. 3J-Trey Jacobs [24]; 20. 11N-Buddy Kofoid [5]; 21. 70-Brock Zearfoss [3]; 22. 35-Tyler Esh [2]; 23. 57X-Andrew Palker [23]; 24. 1-Nate Dussel [8] Lap Leaders: Paul McMahan (1-11), Aaron Reutzel (12-40)

When attending the Stanley Cup Final as a visiting fan, there are some essential tasks to be completed, like booking travel and snagging tickets. If that latter task comes up short, there's always the chance to hit one of the two cities involved in the series, and marinate in the hockey hype among the locals.

The Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues provide hockey cities with their own traditions, sights and smells. And beer. Lots and lots of beer. Here's a look at what you'll discover if you hit the road to the Stanley Cup in Beantown or the Gateway to the West.

Boston Bruins

Arena traditions: The Bruins have one of the best pregame traditions in the NHL with their "fan banner." It features a giant Bruins flag that's passed around the lower bowl of the arena by the fans. (Hence: "fan banner.") It also features a series of Boston luminaries who wave a fan banner flag, from local sports icons (Pedro Martinez, Julian Edelman) to Boston natives (Aly Raisman) to inspirational figures such as survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing.

The other fan-centric tradition is the blaring of Bon Jovi's classic "Livin' on a Prayer," which oddly has become to the Bruins what "Sweet Caroline" is to the Red Sox. D.J. Bean of NBC Sports Boston found the tradition strikingly ordinary, considering the ubiquity of the song: "The culprit here is the Garden for making this happen, but just as much blame falls on the shoulders of the fans for participating and thus perpetuating it for multiple games. They should know better."

Arena eats: Bruins fans will tell you that the TD Garden concessions are nothing on which to splurge, outside of the occasional loaded nachos. But Sportservice, Delaware North-owned food operator for the arena, is sending in some ringers for the Cup Final: The Doughnut Burger at Big Bad Burger is "a double cheeseburger sandwiched between two glazed doughnuts with bacon, fried jalapeños and crispy onions." (We've had it ... it's filling.) The Cheese and Steak Hot Dog at the Frito-Lay Test Kitchen is "a footlong, bacon-wrapped hot dog, topped with steak and cheese." (We've had it ... it's messy.)

Arena area hangouts: The Greatest Bar (262 Friend St.) is four floors, many TVs and a booming sound system. The Warren Tavern (2 Pleasant St.) has stiff drinks and a legacy that dates to Paul Revere. Sullivan's Tap (168 Canal St.) is a glorious cash-only dive bar with pool tables in the back. The Fours (166 Canal St.) is a sports bar where you can order "The Bobby Orr," a.k.a. hand-cut charbroiled steak tips with melted cheese on a roll. Bodega Canal (57 Canal St.) has an exceptional coconut margarita. For pregame and postgame pizza, Halftime Pizza (115 Causeway St.) is an institution.

If it's strictly good eats you're looking for, the North End is just a 12-minute walk from the Garden. It's a labyrinthine neighborhood that houses Boston's Little Italy, filled with iconic local restaurants and delectable pastries, like Mike's Pastry (300 Hanover St.), home to a world famous cannoli.

Breweries: Night Shift Brewing (1 Lovejoy Wharf) opened up an outpost near TD Garden, bringing killer craft brews within walking distance. Trillium Brewing Company (50 Thomson Place) is the gold standard for local brews, with a dizzying selection of IPAs. Tree House Brewing Company (Charlton, Mass.) is your brewery for a pilgrimage, as it's an hour away from the arena but has a following that demands you take the journey. We would be remiss if we didn't mention the Sam Adams Brewery (30 Germania St.), which is very popular, as anyone who has visited it can attest for better or worse.

St. Louis Blues

Arena traditions: Going to a Blues game, it's best to apply the "little old lady at church" rule, i.e. find someone who seems as if they know what they're doing and follow along. It starts with the national anthem, as retiring singer Charles Glenn brings it to its big finish with "the land of the freeeeee, and the home of the..." That's where the fans bellow "BLUUUUUUUUES!" in unison where "brave" is usually found. It's stirring. Glenn occasionally makes an appearance during the game to belt out the team's official theme song "When the Blues Go Marching In," a sing-a-long that dates to their nascent franchise days in the late 1960s.

When the Blues go on the power play, you'll see "The Power Play Dance," as fans thrust their arms up and down in the air -- think the Daniel Bryan "Yes!" chant, but without the finger pointing. There's "The Towel Man," a.k.a. Ron Baechle, who leads the crowd in counting how many goals the Blues have scored before tossing a towel into the stands. (His jersey reads "Towel Man, 123.")

There's the full-throated rendition of John Denver's "Country Roads" in the third period, which is actually a tradition that started this season during a blowout win over Nashville, when the arena played the song and the fans kept singing it during play. Finally, there's "Gloria," the team's victory song this season. The Laura Branigan 1980s pop classic plays after wins, and the fans shout out the name of the song when it arrives in the song. (The rest of the lyrics? Not so much.)

Like we said, find the Blues equivalent of that little old lady in church. This is, like, an NCAA basketball game's worth of traditions.

Arena eats: There are a couple of outposts of famous local food spots inside Enterprise Center. Lion's Choice makes a towering roast beef sandwich. Sugarfire Smoke House brings some award-winning BBQ flavor. Brews of the Lou offers a sampling of local craft brews, a.k.a. the lifeblood of the local beverage scene.

Arena area hangouts: OK, here's the reality of the St. Louis Blues' surroundings. There aren't really "arena area hangouts." The arena is located in a part of town that is bereft of outstanding pregame and postgame options, as most of the land is consumed by government buildings and Union Station's train yard. Hence, the Jack Daniels Barrelhouse inside the arena actually remains open hours after the game so fans have a place to hang.

Instead, your best bet is to take the 10-minute car ride to The Hill district where you'll find all manner and sort of options, many of them terrific Italian red sauce spots. Pappy's Smokehouse (3106 Olive St.) is about a half-hour walk from the arena, and that could come in handy after gorging on some of the best Memphis-style BBQ in the city. Hi-Pointe Drive (1033 McCausland Ave.) is a burger institution. And if you're in St. Louis and haven't sampled Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (6726 Chippewa St.), well, the locals will tell you that you aren't doing it right.

Breweries: This is beer country, and we're not just talking about the Clydesdales at the Budweiser Brewery Experience (1200 Lynch St.), which is worth a trip at least once for the spectacle of the thing. No, we're talking about a multiplicity of different breweries. The great 4 Hands Brewing Company (1220 S 8th St.) makes some solid IPAs and killer stouts. Urban Chestnut Brewing Company (4465 Manchester Ave.) is only a seven-minute drive from the arena and also has a full kitchen. Center Ice Brewery (3126 Olive St.) is exactly as it sounds: a hockey-themed spot that actually has dasher boards surrounding their fermentation tanks. It's a four-minute drive from the arena. Schlafly (2100 Locust St.), an iconic local brewery, has a tap room that's about a five-minute drive away. Seriously, try any brewery in St. Louis, and you'll do fine.

The Stanley Cup Final begins Monday in Boston. Our NHL writers take a scalpel to the matchup, predict what bizarre NHL rules controversy might plague the Final and give their thoughts on Brad Marchand, "Gloria" and press box food. Plus, our series predictions!

Who will win the Stanley Cup?

Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Before we break down the Boston Bruins and the St. Louis Blues, let's put a bow on the first three rounds of the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs. The majority of the NHL's glamour franchises were either out in the first round or in the draft lottery, yet this postseason has been really entertaining. Game 7 between the San Jose Sharks and Vegas Golden Knights will go down as one of the greatest series finales in NHL history -- or at the very least, the most controversial. The Tampa Bay Lightning getting swept by the Columbus Blue Jackets was one of the most exhilarating anti-climaxes in recent sports history. What stuck with you?

Emily Kaplan, national NHL reporter: Sixteen overtime games, five game 7s, three overtime game 7s and two double-overtime Game 7s? Insane. The first two weeks felt like some of the craziest hockey I've ever experienced. Yet despite the early wackiness -- including eight series upsets -- things normalized in the end. Two of the most complete teams are in the Final. Over the past two months of the regular season, the Blues (plus-30 goal differential in that span) and Bruins (plus-29) were two of the hottest teams, finishing second and fourth in points in that span, respectively. And let's note that the Carolina Hurricanes, the other Eastern Conference finalists, were third. These teams deserve to be here, and there's a reason everyone says we're headed for a slugfest. Actually, let's get into that a bit. Greg, what are you expecting, tone-wise, from this series?

Wyshynski: Sharks coach Peter DeBoer recently said that "the two hardest, heaviest teams are in the Final," which caused some snickers, given the existence of Torey Krug and Jaden Schwartz in the series. But I got his point: These are teams that are usually at their best when they're playing hard on the puck and like a battering ram in the offensive zone. These are two teams that like to exert their will through their forecheck and love to play with the lead (they're a combined 13-2 when leading after the first period). The Bruins have shown an ability to put teams away, getting 51.04 percent of the 5-on-5 shot attempts when leading by a goal. The Blues are just starting to figure that out -- a harsh education after the infamous hand pass loss in Game 3 against San Jose. That's the stylistic take. Emily, let's start taking a scalpel to this matchup, beginning with the goalies.

Kaplan: As good as Jordan Binnington has been, Tuukka Rask has been better and more consistent. Maintaining a .942 all-situations save percentage is going to be tough. Most people are expecting a slight regression. But I've been covering the Bruins all spring, and here's the stat I can't get over: In games in which Boston can clinch a series victory, Rask has gone 3-0, stopping 95 of 96 shots (a .990 save percentage). He has been stone-cold when it matters most. OK, now Binnington. He has had a few rougher outings this spring (including allowing six goals to the Jets in Game 3 of the first round), but overall he has impressed because of his unflappability. Even when you saw him lose his composure at the end of the hand pass game, he rebounded spectacularly (he stopped 75 of 77 shots the next three games, going 3-0). Goaltending storylines you'll hear ad nauseum: Rask's redemption tour (he's a big-game goalie, after all!), Binnington's stint with the Bruins' farm team and Binnington's pending contract negotiations. He hits restricted free agency and is going to get paid this summer. But in this series, the edge has to go to Rask.

Wyshynski: I'd give the edge to Rask as well, but I think Binnington has been outstanding when they've needed him -- namely, in the third period (in which the Blues have given up only 13 goals in 19 games) and after losses. I also think Rask has the edge in front of him. Ageless man/mountain Zdeno Chara and Charlie McAvoy are the only pairing that's slightly in the red on possession at 5-on-5, but McAvoy leads Bruins defensemen with a 68.42 goals-for percentage. Brandon Carlo learned under Chara before becoming Torey Krug's partner, and it shows: He's an ideal counterpart to Krug's offense. Matt Grzelcyk and Connor Clifton have been an effective third option. For the Blues, Colton Parayko impressed me on both ends of the rink the past two rounds and does what he can while saddled with possession abyss Jay Bouwmeester (but hey, he's old and needs a Cup!). Parayko has been better than the more lauded Alex Pietrangelo, who has been inconsistent at best while playing with Joel Edmundson. If Vince Dunn is healthy, that's a boon to the blue line. They can figure out whether Carl Gunnarsson or Robert Bortuzzo should round out the group.

Kaplan: I consider Dunn's health a huge X factor. The Blues were able to finish off the Sharks without him, but St. Louis wasn't exactly facing a fully functioning Sharks roster at that point. Dunn is underrated and impressed me anytime I watched the Blues this season. On the forward front, both teams have some superstar-caliber talents, and we'll be treated to watching two of the best two-way forwards in the game: Ryan O'Reilly and Patrice Bergeron. The Blues often go as Vladimir Tarasenko goes, and the Russian winger is only getting better as the playoffs wear on. After scoring just two points in the first round (both goals) and three points in the second round (also goals), he sizzled with eight points (three goals, five assists) in six games against San Jose. However, Boston's top line, when clicking -- and they certainly have been clicking as the playoffs have worn on -- is superior to St. Louis'. I see Boston having the edge in the top six. But when it comes to depth forwards, St. Louis has an advantage, thanks to its fourth line of Oskar Sundqvist, Alexander Steen and Ivan Barbashev, a trio that has been a delight.

Wyshynski: I was really impressed by the way the Bruins' depth forwards came on the past two rounds. That might even things out as far as the forwards go. One line to keep an eye on: Tyler Bozak, Patrick Maroon and Robert Thomas, the latter of whom has been skipping skates due to what we assume is an injury. They were great against Dallas, trailed off against San Jose and play the kind of offensive game that's necessary to try to get to Rask. Beyond 5-on-5, the series could swing on special teams. The Bruins' power play is clicking, at 34.0 percent. For teams with a minimum of 15 postseason games, the Bruins' power play is second only to that of the 1980-81 New York Islanders (37.8 percent) in the past 40 playoff years. Boston's power play on the road is 41.7 percent, which is incredible. The Blues are at 19.4 percent, warming up against the Sharks in going 5-21 (23.8 percent). That's nice but not "second best in the past 40 years" nice. The Bruins also have the special-teams advantage on the penalty kill, at 86.3 percent, while the Blues are at 78.0 percent. Boston has the special-teams advantage here, but one note on St. Louis: The Blues have been short-handed only 41 times in 19 games. Better keep it that way. Emily, what about those off the ice. Any cosmic, team of destiny intangibles?

Kaplan: Let's not circumvent it. Unless you're from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island or parts of Connecticut -- or have some connection there or a connection to one of the players -- what on Earth are you doing rooting for the Bruins? A Boston win would mean 13 championships for the city in 18 years. Sure, it's cool to witness dominance, and the Bruins haven't won since 2011. There are also a few cool stories on their roster. David Backes, after spending his first 10 of 13 NHL years in St. Louis, gets his best shot at a Cup with Boston. Zdeno Chara, 42, is already a legend, but the captain could stand tall for the older guys everywhere in a league obsessed with youth.

But in the context of which team is more deserving? Just as the Hockey Gods rewarded Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals last June, it's time for St. Louis to have a moment. The Blues' journey is incredible. Three Stanley Cup Final appearances in the first three years of existence -- and nothing since. Sure, they've been good -- playoffs in 42 of 51 seasons, hence why we often bypass them in the discourse of treacherous championship droughts -- but they've never been great, and now is their chance. There are also plenty of nuggets to sway the casual fan. A team everyone left for dead in January made a historically stunning turnaround. The hometown boy (Patrick Maroon) who took less money to return home and be with his son. The rookie goalie who seemingly came out of nowhere. The Russian superstar (Vladimir Tarasenko) who came to the city knowing a few licks of English but became part of the community and an adopted son. Ryan O'Reilly rediscovering a purpose. The super fan, Laila Anderson, who inspired the locker room. The anthem singer who is finishing one last run before he must retire due to multiple sclerosis. That's a whole lot of positive juju tilting in the Blues' favor.

Wyshynski: OK, I think it's time to wrap this up with a lightning round.

Will Brad Marchand get a suspension in the Final?

Wyshynski: No. After punching a dude in the back of the head and hooking Justin Williams around the neck with nary a penalty, I think the supplemental discipline bar is set to "one-game suspension for manslaughter."

Kaplan: Marchand has gone the whole season thus far without discipline, and I think he keeps that streak intact. I'm sure he'll do something to irritate the Blues -- and St. Louis should be disciplined enough to not engage back. At most, Marchand will get a call from his friends at the Department of Player Safety, but it'll be a fine at most.

What truly bizarre NHL rules controversy will plague the Final?

Wyshynski: A game-winning overtime goal is disallowed because it was scored with a broken stick, the player instead gets a minor penalty, and the opposing team scores on the ensuing power play. If I have correctly predicted this, you all must drop to one knee and accept me as your new king.

Kaplan: Give me puck hits the netting before the team scores a goal, the refs don't notice, and therefore, they can't review. This happened against the Bruins earlier these playoffs (with much less fanfare than the hand pass debacle because it was in a less important situation), and there would be some poetry if it resurfaced when the stakes are higher.

Will TD Garden troll the Blues by playing "Gloria" after a win?

Wyshynski: No, but I fear what Boston-related trolling the Blues are going to cook up for games in St. Louis and whether it will involve the Jon Hamm scenes from "The Town."

Kaplan: No. They're too focused on everyone's favorite playoff anthem, "Old Town Road." (Hey, did you hear Lil Nas X is performing at the Final and plans to wear a Bruins sweater? Enough said.)

Who will have the better press box food?

Wyshynski: I can report that the Blues begin with an assortment of candy that includes Jolly Ranchers and York Peppermint Patties before they unveil two big cauldrons of fried ravioli and other fried goodness after the first period. So, uh, your move, Boston.

Kaplan: Boston's candy and dessert selection is quite impressive and includes Reese's Pieces, a big positive in my book. During last year's playoffs, some maniac diluted the Reese's Pieces jar with M&M's. That hasn't happened yet this spring, and I really hope I'm not jinxing it here.

OK, so who will win the Stanley Cup?

Wyshynski: Blues in six. There's a lot going for them both cosmically and logically, and if there's a team that can overcome a lack of home-ice advantage and find a way to get just enough past Rask, it's the Blues.

Kaplan: Bruins in seven. The red-hot top line, historically good power play and Rask (again, I can't imagine a steep regression from his playoff dominance so far) put Boston over the edge.

LONDON -- Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has said it would be "embarrassing" to talk about his own future ahead of the Champions League final against Liverpool on Saturday.

Pochettino has been linked with Italian champions Juventus following the departure of Massimiliano Allegri, and has indicated previously that the backing of chairman Daniel Levy in the transfer market would determine whether he has a future at Spurs.

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But ahead of the Madrid final, Pochettino stressed his future means nothing in comparison to the biggest week in the club's history.

"Today, no one is more important that the game ahead," Pochettino said at a news conference on Monday. "We can make history, we can provide our fans and our people the best happiness in football that you can provide and I think today to talk about individual things would be embarrassing and a shame.

"I am not important. I am not more important than the Champions League and the possibility to win a trophy.

"Of course rumour is rumour and of course you are going to ask me about me, but today the focus is 200 percent on the final. After the final we will have time to talk but today my commitment is about Tottenham."

Meanwhile, Pochettino said Harry Kane's progression remains positive but added no further details on his recovery from a serious ankle injury.

Kane returned to full training on Friday and remains in line to play some part against Liverpool.

"I started to feel my way back with the team at the end of last week," Kane said. "There have been no problems so far.

"For me, this week now is to get the fitness as high as possible. Then it's down to the manager. Like I said, I feel good. The manager will assess it and decide whether I'm ready to go or not. But so far, I feel good and ready.

"I'm back with the team. I did a lot of work on my own to get me into a good place to go back with the team. Since I've been with them, I've been full training, doing everything. I'm at a place now where I'm ready to go for any game but again, it's down to the manager."

Asked whether he was concerned of injuring his ankles further, he added: "For me, it's just doing everything I can to strengthen them. We've got three games coming up in this short period over the next couple of weeks and then we will probably have four weeks off in the off-season.

"In those four weeks it's for me to do a lot of rehab, continue the process and not just switch off. When you look at a lot of the injuries, a lot of them have been contact, tackles. I've been unfortunate but of course when something happens four or five times you always look to see if there are any improvements can I make.

"That will be my goal over the off-season: of course to carry on being fit and to strengthen the ankle as much as possible."

Tigres lifted their seventh Liga MX title on Sunday, overcoming Leon 1-0 on aggregate after a 0-0 tie in the second leg in Estadio Leon.

A solitary goal from Andre-Pierre Gignac in the first leg was enough to give Tigres the 2019 Clausura championship, although they had to rely on keeper Nahuel Guzman making two smart saves in the last 10 minutes to keep Leon from scoring.

The title was Tigres' fifth this decade, continuing the northern Mexican club's period of recent success in the league.

Leon flew at Tigres from the kick-off and came close twice in the early minutes, first through Joel Campbell and then when a mis-timed shot from Luis Montes was fumbled by Guzman, with the ball falling the wrong side of the post for Leon.

Tigres gradually established a foothold in the game, mainly through counter-attacks with Leon pushing forward, but didn't manage a shot on target in the first half.

Leon's cause wasn't helped when Angel Mena, who recorded 14 goals in the regular season, has forced off with an into in the 32nd, to be replaced by Jean Meneses.

This was a rare occasion in which Tigres didn't have the majority of possession in a Liga MX game and the away team was made to suffer in the second half, as fans inside Estadio Leon willed their team to attack.

Costa Rica international Joel Campbell sent a shot from outside the area just wide in the 52nd, with Yairo Moreno and William Tesillo clashing into each other from a Meneses cross from the right wing on the hour mark.

But Tigres also had opportunities on the counter-attack, with Chile international Eduardo Vargas and then Enner Valencia failing to convert in the second half after going through on goal.

Leon center-back Andres Mosquera was sent off for a late challenge in second half injury-time.

Tigres head coach Ricardo Ferretti won his seventh title in Liga MX to pull him level on seven titles with Ignacio Trelles, who managed between 1951 and 1991, the same year Ferretti took his first head coaching job at Pumas.

Leon had won 14 of its 17 games in the regular season, including a historic streak of 12 victories, and was looking to win its eighth Liga MX title.

It was quite the week for most of the top five teams in the Power Rankings, with three sides going down in defeat, but losing very little ground.

Of note were the big climbs from the New York Red Bulls and Portland Timbers. Just when everyone is ready to write off the Red Bulls, they string together three wins and a draw in their last four matches, including a 2-0 win in Cincinnati after a midweek duel with Vancouver. The more things change in Harrison, NJ, the more they stay the same.

The Timbers sent a clear message to the rest of their league on Saturday in a 3-1 win at Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union. New arrival Brian Fernandez is here, and he's ready to punish any mistakes. In MLS, those defensive miscues are aplenty, which bodes well for the Argentine.

Previous rankings: Week 12 | Week 11 | Week 10 | Week 9 | Week 8 | Week 7 | Week 6 | Week 5 | Week 4 | Week 3 | Week 2 | Week 1

1. LAFC (10 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss)

Previous ranking: 1

Next MLS match: Saturday, June 1, 10:30 p.m. ET at Portland, ESPN 2

LAFC at home: Carlos Vela scores, Carlos Vela has an assist, LAFC win in dominating fashion. This time it was the Montreal Impact getting the lather, rise and repeat treatment in the City of Angels in a 4-2 final for the hosts. You knew it was going to be a good night for LAFC when Christian Ramirez scored on this howler.

2. Seattle Sounders (7-5-2)

Previous ranking: 2

Next MLS match: Saturday, June 1, 8 p.m. ET at FC Dallas, ESPN+

The Sounders endured a defensive nightmare in Sunday 3-2 loss at Sporting Kansas City, at times rolling out the red carpet for Johnny Russell to get his hat trick. It was a performance that evoked memories of last month's 4-1 loss at LAFC. That said, they never threw in the towel and could have come away with a point.

3. Houston Dynamo (7-2-3)

Previous ranking: 3

Next MLS match: Saturday, June 1, 8:30 p.m. ET vs. Sporting Kansas City, ESPN+

In Saturday's 1-0 loss at Minnesota United, Dynamo fans got a small glimpse of what life could be like without Alberth Elis, should the Honduran leave this summer for a move abroad. Elis was out with a concussion and the Houston attack was not its usual potent self. There were chances to pull level, only for some wayward finishing proving costly.

4. LA Galaxy (8-1-5)

Previous ranking: 6

Next MLS match: Wednesday, May 29, 8:30 p.m. ET at Sporting Kansas City, ESPN+

Are the Galaxy back? Well, Friday's 1-0 win at Orlando City SC was definitely a step in the right direction, and winning without Zlatan Ibrahimovic always has to be considered a positive. Most importantly though, was that Guillermo Barros Schelotto's defense returned to its stingy ways in recording a clean sheet, thanks in part to a penalty save from goalkeeper David Bingham.

5. Philadelphia Union (7-3-4)

Previous ranking: 4

Next MLS match: Wednesday, May 29, 7:30 p.m. ET vs. Colorado, ESPN+

Saturday's 3-1 home loss to Portland is one that Union boss Jim Curtin will want to forget. Usually, center backs Jack Elliot and Auston Trusty as so good on the Philadelphia back line, but they were each gutted by a rampaging Timbers attack. This is arguably the first real sign of adversity for the Union in 2019.

6. D.C. United (7-4-4)

Previous ranking: 5

Next MLS match: Wednesday, May 29, 8:00 p.m. ET vs Chicago, ESPN+

There are some worrisome signs there for DC United following the 1-1 draw at New England on Saturday. Ben Olsen's team are now winless in their last three and the attack is not firing like it was earlier in the season. Nevertheless, a late Wayne Rooney penalty was enough to nudge them to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

7. New York City FC (4-6-1)

Previous ranking: 7

Next MLS match: Saturday, June 1, 7:30 p.m. ET at Columbus, ESPN+

Getting a 1-1 draw in Chicago on Saturday was a satisfactory result for NYCFC, who are now unbeaten in their last eight. Alexandru Mitrita announced his return from injury with a strong goal, and if the trio of Mitrita, Heber and Maxi Moralez can start getting a string of games together, NYCFC could make a move upward.

8. New York Red Bulls (6-2-5)

Previous ranking: 11

Next MLS match: Saturday, June 1, 7 p.m. ET vs. Real Salt Lake, ESPN+

Well, well, well, look who is back in the mix. The New York Red Bulls are playing their best soccer of the season and pocketed another victory, this time a 2-0 win at Cincinnati after a midweek affair with Vancouver that ended in a tie. Remember when Thierry Henry was rumored to replace Chris Armas? Seems like a lifetime ago. Armas has righted the ship.

9. FC Dallas (5-3-6)

Previous ranking: 8

Next MLS match: Saturday, June 1, 8 p.m. ET vs. Seattle, ESPN+

It was one of those days that FC Dallas would like to forget, as they coughed up two goals in the first half in a 2-1 loss at Vancouver on Saturday. Both were preventable, but once behind by two, FC Dallas' lack of offensive firepower reared its head.

10. Toronto FC (5-2-6)

Previous ranking: 9

Next MLS match: Friday, May 31, 10:00 p.m. ET at Vancouver, ESPN+

While Toronto FC certainly missed the cutting edge offered in attack by Alejandro Pozuelo in Sunday's 2-1 home loss to San Jose, that does not excuse the TFC defense from failing to mark the scorching hot Chris Wondolowski not once but twice in the area. TFC could have and maybe should have won this, but a pair of lapses left them empty-handed.

11. Montreal Impact (6-3-6)

Previous ranking: 10

Next MLS match: Wednesday, May 29, 7:30 p.m. vs. Real Salt Lake, ESPN+

Evan Bush's horrific mistake to gift LAFC an early goal set the tone in Friday's 4-2 loss at LAFC. The Canadians were never really in this one, and truth be told Ignacio Piatti still does not look 100 percent.

12. Minnesota United (6-3-4)

Previous ranking: 13

Next MLS match: Wednesday, May 29, 7 p.m. ET at Atlanta, ESPN+

Minnesota frankly should have scored more than one goal in Saturday's 1-0 home win over Houston, but a clean sheet will never fail to disappoint head coach Adrian Heath. Darwin Quintero has gone six games without a goal, but he showed on Saturday that he's too good for that to last much longer.

13. Real Salt Lake (6-1-6)

Previous ranking: 14

Next MLS match: Wednesday, May 29, 7:30 p.m. ET at Montreal, ESPN+

Real Salt Lake gave Atlanta fits in Friday's 2-1 win at home, and the fact that they were tied 1-1 into the final second would have been a harsh result. However, the football gods were smiling on RSL and Jefferson Savarino. The Venezuelan hit an absolute rocket to beat the champs. Sebastian Saucedo's opener wasn't too bad either.

14. Portland Timbers (4-2-6)

Previous ranking: 16

Next MLS match: Saturday, June 1, 10:30 p.m. ET vs. Los Angeles FC, ESPN 2

Buckle up, because here comes Portland. The Timbers have completed their 12-game road trip to open the season and have emerged in decent shape. They sent a message to the entire league in Saturday's 3-1 win in Philadelphia about what is coming down the pipe. New striker Fernandez already has three goals in less than three halves of play. This team is ready to fly.

15. Atlanta United (6-2-5)

Previous ranking: 12

Next MLS match: Wednesday, May 29, 7 p.m. ET vs. Minnesota United, ESPN+

While Atlanta were mere seconds away from getting a road point until the Savarino winner, their performance was largely poor. Passes were misplayed and sprayed everywhere, gestures of discontent all over the field. Bad body language all around. No one fears them anymore.

16. Vancouver Whitecaps (4-4-6)

Previous ranking: 18

Next MLS match: Friday, May 31, 10 p.m. ET vs. Toronto FC, ESPN+

The schedule has been unkind to Vancouver and you could forgive them if they wanted to settle for a home draw against FC Dallas after a midweek trip to take on the Red Bulls, but credit the Whitecaps for getting a 2-1 win over the Texans. A good sign to see Ali Adnan and Lucas Venuto get on the scoresheet.

17. San Jose Earthquakes (5-2-6)

Previous ranking: 19

Next MLS match: Saturday, June 1, 8:00 p.m. ET at DC United, ESPN+

Whatever Chris Wondolowski is having for breakfast, we want some of that. The league's all-time leading scorer now has an astounding six goals in his last two games after a brace in Sunday's 2-1 win at Toronto FC. The Wondo-Cristian Espinoza duo is suddenly a thing. The Argentine was so good at picking out Wondo on both goals.

18. Columbus Crew (5-1-9)

Previous ranking: 15

Next MLS match: Saturday, June 1, 7:30 p.m. ET vs. NYCFC, ESPN+

When the league's worst team guts you for three goals, that's not a good thing, but that's what happened to Columbus in a 3-2 loss in Colorado. Even with the two goals on Saturday, the Crew's offense is still anemic at best, with just 14 goals on the season. Caleb Porter will have to hope that Gyasi Zardes' goal will provide a confidence boost.

19. Sporting Kansas City (3-5-4)

Previous ranking: 21

Next MLS match: Wednesday, May 29, 8:30 p.m. ET vs. LA Galaxy

The story this season with Sporting Kansas City has been their long list of injuries, but Peter Vermes' men sparked to life in Sunday's 3-2 win over Seattle. Johnny Russell had such a great start to the season and Sunday's hat trick might be a sign that things are turning around.

20. Chicago Fire (4-5-5)

Previous ranking: 20

Next MLS match: Wednesday, May 29, 8:00 p.m. ET at DC United, ESPN+

It was business as usual for the Fire at home, putting in a fairly good shift in a 1-1 draw with NYCFC. The problem for Veljko Paunovic is that his team is unable to create the same opportunities away from home, where they are still winless.

21. Orlando City (4-3-7)

Previous ranking: 17

Next MLS match: Saturday, June 1, 5 p.m. ET at Montreal, ESPN+

After posting a five-spot last Sunday against Cincinnati in what fans hoped would be the catalyst for a scoring spark, Orlando's woeful finishing was back on display in Friday's 1-0 loss to the Galaxy. Even a penalty kick from someone as seasoned as Nani could not even yield a goal.

22. New England Revolution (3-4-8)

Previous ranking: 22

Next MLS match: Sunday, June 2, 10:30 p.m. ET at LA Galaxy, ESPN+

The Revs continue to look better each time they take the field since Brad Friedel's departure and they were good value in Saturday's 1-1 home draw with DC United, limiting Rooney & Co. It's an improved team and things stand to be better when new boss Bruce Arena will finally be on the sidelines next week.

23. FC Cincinnati (3-2-9)

Previous ranking: 23

Next MLS match: Saturday, June 1, 8:30 p.m. ET at Colorado, ESPN+

For a good chunk of Saturday's clash with the New York Red Bulls, it looked like Cincinnati might gut out a point, but alas the dam burst late with two late goals for the visitors in a 2-0 loss. Eleven goals in 14 games is a painful reality.

24. Colorado Rapids (2-2-9)

Previous ranking: 24

Next MLS match: Saturday, June 1, 8:30 p.m. ET vs. Cincinnati, ESPN+

Break up the Rapids! Colorado has won two in a row after beating Columbus 3-2 on Saturday. It's not enough to pull them out of the Power Rankings cellar, but there is a proof of life under Conor Casey in the Mile High City. Jonathan Lewis has been a nice fit, too.