It's been awhile since the latest MLS Power Rankings, granted there's been a World Cup going on...which meant no high-quality MLS matches to critique. The World Cup break's over, and back to some MLS action for the fourteenth week of the season.
1. LOS ANGELES GALAXY (10-1-3)
Last Week: 1
Result: T 0-0 at Toronto
Lets face it. Probably the toughest atmosphere to play in, in Major League Soccer is BMO Field. Especially during the wrath of G20 Summit riots throughout the city...well maybe that played into a smaller crowd? Who knows. Without Donovan and Buddle, the Galaxy are 3-1-1. Not bad if you ask me. Return will help.
2. REAL SALT LAKE (7-3-3)
Last Week: 2
Result: T 0-0 vs. San Jose
Doubt that RSL is missing Findley all too much, perhaps his speed if anything. A rather lifeless match, against a red-hot San Jose, keeps the confidence high for the Monarcas.
3. SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES (7-3-3)
Last Week: 6
Result: T 0-0 at Real Salt Lake
It's practically been impossible to come out with any points in Utah. Not for the Earthquakes, who are riding off some confidence from the Capital Cup. Such a prestigious tournament and all, you know. After a sketch start, club's been 3-0-1.
4. COLUMBUS CREW (7-2-3)
Last Week: 3
Result: W 2-0 vs. D.C. United
The Crew's been looking slugish lately. Perhaps some frustration from Marshall and Rogers for being cut on the roster. Surreal win against D.C. United. The Black-and-Red for the most part dominated the Crew. Columbus' goals were a bit...well..."controversial" to be politically correct. Plus, they couldn't convert on a penalty kick. To top it off? Beating DC United in your home stadium isn't anything impressive.
5. RED BULL NEW YORK (8-5-0)
Last Week: 7
Result: W 3-0 @ Kansas City
The Red Bulls have really turned things around since surrendering an imposing 5-1 start. When they went on a four-game losing streak, felt as if RBNY collapsed. Of course, this is MLS. League's parity unpredictable. Three-game winning streaks regained the Red Bulls atop the Eastern Conference. Eastern Conference is easy though. Wrecking the Wizards in Kansas, that's a bit of a challenge.
6. COLORADO RAPIDS (6-3-3)
Last Week: 5
Result: T 2-2 @ Houston
Technically, you're suppose to praise teams that have been 2-0-1 in their last three. In MLS, half the teams will do that, others will lose, then others will tie. Guess a tie's good on the road. Slap them in at six.
7. TORONTO FC (5-4-3)
Last Week: 4
Result: T 0-0 vs. Los Angeles
Toronto really needs to capatalize on home points if they want to snatch a playoff spot. The way it's looking, the play-offs will be all west, except Columbus and New York and thankfully not because two playoff spots are guaranteed to the East.
8. FC DALLAS 96 (4-2-6)
Last Week: 10
Result: W 2-1 @ Chivas USA
Chivas USA has been weak lately, perhaps without Bornstien, but the Toros got a crucial road win. Great way to start the latter half of the season. Play-off race isn't too far off.
9. HOUSTON DYNAMO (5-7-2)
Last Week: 8
Result: T 2-2 vs. Colorado
A loss at home to Philadelphia and a tie at home to Colorado. The Orange Crush really need to find their strength at take advantage to playing on home turf. Careful with the own goals...
10. CHICAGO FIRE (3-3-5)
Last Week: 11
Result: OFF WEEK
Hopefully another week off subsequent to the World Cup break doesn't affect the Fire, who have been 1-0-1 in their last pair before the break.
11. PHILADELPHIA UNION (3-7-1)
Last Week: 14
Result: W 3-1 vs. Seattle
The Zolos had the perfect start for their fans at the opening of PPL Park. Sellout crowd, and a trio of goals to rout the Sounders. They'll have a good deal of home fixtures for a good deal of the summer, maybe their horrific start will be deceiving.
12. NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION (3-7-2)
Last Week: 9
Result: OFF WEEK
What is it with the Revs. Traditionally an underachieving MLS power, have look their worst ever this season.
13. D.C. UNITED (3-9-1)
Last Week: 15
Result: L 0-2 @ Columbus
Makes Black-and-Red supporters feel better, this is the highest the United have been ranked in my power rankings this season. They do so well in the meaningless friendlies, proven wrong in Seattle. Some back luck against the Crew, but Perkins shows us that he's really a top quality keep.
14. KANSAS CITY WIZARDS (3-6-3)
Last Week: 12
Result: L 0-3 vs. New York
That's ugly. First 1-4 against the Galaxy then 0-3 in New York. I mean, lets be real, the MLS clubs are evenly matched, even the "top" and "weak" clubs. Might want to rethink that now, with this lackluster performance skid.
15. SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC (3-5-3)
Last Week: 13
Result: L 1-3 @ Philadelphia
Okay, granted, it's impossible to beat another MLS team in their home stadium the grand opening of their new stadium. But the effort was hopeless. Ljungberg? Was he there. Seemed invisible...except when he whined like always does.
16. C.D. CHIVAS USA (3-9-1)
Last Week: 16
Result: L 1-2 vs. Dallas
Hopefully the trade with Atlante for the Colombian for Bornstien helps. This horrendous performance has made MLS fans collectively agree that the Goats have taken over DCU's spot as the league's laughingstock, and show no signs of quickly letting go. Not even the Black-and-Red could accomplish the task of losing six consecutive games.
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