The Crew's defensive numbers haven't been seen in over a decade in Major League Soccer, and as six different opponents have already found out this season, it's difficult to score against us.
With that in mind, the Club's historic start is properly reflected in the most recent ESPN & MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings lists.
See below for the respective sites' explanations.
MLSsoccer.com: 1st
Previous ranking: 4th
"The Crew lead the Supporters’ Shield race with 23 points and have eight shutouts on the year, vaulting into the Power Rankings' peak. They’re also 2-0-1 against Hell is Real rivals FC Cincinnati this season, and took maximum points from two matches at MAPFRE Stadium last week. Everything's clicking for head coach Caleb Porter's group."
ESPN.com: 1st
Previous ranking: 3rd
"Columbus has a five-point gap to its closest challengers in the Supporters' Shield race, a 99% chance of reaching playoffs (according to FiveThirtyEight's Soccer Power Index) and its defensive record through 10 matches (two goals conceded, eight clean sheets) is unmatched in MLS since the Galaxy in 2010."
