The dog days of summer are here, and there's a fitting dog fight atop the Power Rankings. This week the LA Galaxy hang on to the top spot, but after a dramatic rally against Colorado, the Sounders are nipping at the heels of the league's best.
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All match times for this week's games are ET; only MLS regular-season games reflected on schedule.
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>1</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>1</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/losangeles_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
LA didn’t look listless in the US Open Cup against Seattle last
Wednesday night; they were simply outplayed by what was, on the night, a
better team. A ray of hope, though, comes from the fact that Adam
Cristman scored against the Sounders and against Real Madrid. If LA have
a forward who finds net regularly, they’re the team to beat.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Bye </li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. Columbus (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TWTTW</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>2</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>3</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/seattle_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="62" height="62"> |
It was “emphatic statement week” in Seattle. First was a dominant
end-to-end performance against LA in the US Open Cup quarters, then a
“revenge game” against Colorado. The Sounders let their play do the
talking in both, playing 180 minutes of beautiful, irresistible soccer.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Colorado, 4-3 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=16963" target="_blank">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Bye: <strong>Next:</strong> July 30 at Houston (8:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>WWTWW</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>3</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>2</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/dallas_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
They bounced back from last weekend’s 2-0 loss against Real Salt
Lake with a 2-0 home win over RSL at Pizza Hut Park in the US Open Cup.
It wasn’t an overwhelming display, but it got the job done. They did,
however, look a bit gassed against DC in this weekend’s scoreless draw.
Not a good sign with the fixtures piling up.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied D.C. United, 0-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17040" target="_blank">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at Toronto (8 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>), Saturday at New York (6 pm, Galavision)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>WWWLT</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>4</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>4</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/saltlake_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
RSL are still solidly in the thick of it in the West, and unlike the
three teams ahead of them (LA, Seattle, Dallas), they don’t have to
worry much about fixture congestion from the Champions League. They do
have to worry a bit about their body language, though, because they
don't necessarily look like the same team we've seen in the past.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Match at Vancouver postponed </li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs San Jose (10 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five:</strong> TTWTW</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>5</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>5</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/philadelphia_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
The tempting thing is to say “don’t put too much stock in a 3-0 win
over a bad New England side,” but the fact is that MLS is filled with
teams who don’t get the job done in that situation. The Union were
clinical, scoring a trio of well-worked team goals and never really
giving the Revs an opening.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat New England, 3-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17081"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">HIGHLIGHTS</span></a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Bye: <strong>Next: </strong>July 29 vs. Colorado (7:30 pm, Fox Soccer)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TWTTW</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>6</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>7</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/columbus_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
The Crew played an utterly forgettable game against San Jose on the
weekend, but they have still won three of five on league play and have
the pieces to make a second-half run. They need to get Rich Balchan back
for the d-mid spot sooner than later and hope that Robbie Rogers shows
something close to his best at some point.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied San Jose, 0-0 <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17002">(HIGHLIGHTS)</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at LA (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>), Saturday vs. Portland (8 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>WWLWT</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>7</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>6</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newyork_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
First came the embarrassment at Chicago in the Open Cup, then a
pretty tame scoreless draw at Chivas in which players were seen openly
yelling at head coach Hans Backe. It’s the second straight time they’ve
been shut out, and they have some serious travel coming up with the
Emirates Cup and no depth to speak of.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Chivas USA, 0-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17057">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at Colorado (9:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>), Saturday vs. FC Dallas (6 pm, Galavision)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TTWLT</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>8</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>8</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sportingkc_logo.png" border="1" alt="" width="58" height="58"> |
The 2-0 loss to Richmond Kickers in the US Open Cup is a crushing
blow for a team that had aspirations toward a trophy for their first
year in their new home. Following that up with an uninspiring draw at
Houston leaves real questions about the offense. Hopefully new DP
Jéferson can provide some much-needed answers.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Houston, 1-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17029"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">HIGHLIGHTS</span></a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Toronto (8:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>WWTTT</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>9</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>9</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/colorado_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="64" height="64"> |
Their chances for 2011 hinge on how badly Conor Casey is hurt. The
big forward went down from a non-contact injury — always a bad sign —
and the Rapids offense has struggled badly without him this season. If
he’s gone for an extended period, the best Colorado can hope for is to
sneak into the playoffs.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Seattle, 4-3 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=16963" target="_blank">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. New York (9:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>), Saturday vs. New England (9 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform?utm_source=MLSsoccer&utm_medium=In%2BStories&utm_campaign=11MDL">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LTTWL</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>10</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>10</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/dc_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
United suddenly have themselves a pretty respectable unbeaten streak
going in the league, and the addition of Brandon McDonald has them
adding some lock-down defense to what can be an explosive offense. A
scoreless draw at Dallas is a good result for a young team that’s
struggled to close out on the road.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied D.C. United, 0-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17040" target="_blank">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Wednesday vs. New England (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TTTWT</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>11</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>13</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/houston_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
Tally Hall saved his team another point. The first-year starter has
combined with Brad Davis to keep Houston in the mix despite an
inconsistent defense and misfiring offense. Dom Kinnear even moved away
from his preferred 4-4-2, but any data gathered from the experiment is
tainted by the two red cards.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week:</strong> Tied Sporting KC, 1-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17029"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">HIGHLIGHTS</span></a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Chivas USA (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LTTWT</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>12</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>11</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chivas_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
The Rojiblancos really miss Alejandro Moreno, who’s going to be busy
for another week with Venezuela in the Copa América. Moreno’s ability
to bring others into the attack is just about irreplaceable; without
him, it’s been all hoping that Nick LaBrocca pulls out a <em>golazo</em> every week. The good news is that the Goats are still a tough out that don’t give points away.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied New York, 0-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17057">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Houston(10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LTWTT</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>13</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>12</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sanjose_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
They went on the road and got themselves a point at a pretty good
Columbus side, but there’s not a lot else to recommend this Quakes side.
They’re not consistently dangerous, they don’t move the ball well in
transition and if you don’t give them set-pieces, they’re pretty simple
to handle.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Columbus, 0-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17057">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. Vancouver (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>), Saturday at Real Salt Lake (10 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TTLTT</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>14</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>15</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/portland_150.png" alt="" width="50" height="50"> |
The team’s first road win couldn’t have been much bigger. Full
credit to John Spencer for moving away from his preferred 4-4-2 and
sticking with the 4-1-4-1. It’s not the prettiest soccer in the world at
the moment, but it protects the back line and, with the three points,
the Timbers are back in the playoff hunt.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Chicago, 1-0 <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2011-07-09-los-angeles-galaxy-vs-chicago-fire/recap">(</a><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17025" target="_blank">HIGHLIGHTS)</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Columbus (8 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five:</strong> TLLLW</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>15</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>14</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chicago_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
The 4-0 midweek thumping of New York’s reserves — and with it a spot
in the US Open Cup semifinals — will take some of the sting out of a
flaccid 1-0 loss to Portland over the weekend. New playmaker Sebastián
Grazzini better be a master string-puller, because right now the Fire
offense is nowhere to be found.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Portland, 1-0 <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2011-07-09-los-angeles-galaxy-vs-chicago-fire/recap">(</a><a target="_blank">HIGHLIGHTS)</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Bye <strong>Next: </strong>Aug. 3 vs. Philadelphia (9 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TTTLL</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>16</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>17</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/toronto_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
TFC are a completely new team after gutting the roster through
trades and bringing in a bunch of veterans. It should make a difference,
but are they too far out of the playoff race for it to really matter?
Toronto’s future (for 2011, it appears) is in the CONCACAF Champions
League.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Bye</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. FC Dallas (8 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>), Saturday at Sporting KC (8:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LLWLL</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>17</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>18</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/vancouver_150.png" alt="" width="40" height="58"> |
It’s a toss-up for the bottom three teams in MLS right now. The
‘Caps are solidly in that group, and this week made a move to bring in
more offense in the form of DP Mustapha Jarju. How he’ll fit and what
formation Tom Soehn will have his team play in the coming months remain
big question marks.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Match vs. Real Salt Lake postponed </li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at San Jose (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>WLLLL</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>18</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>16</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newengland_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
Benny Feilhaber’s second yellow card against Philadelphia was
petulant, but you can hardly blame him. Every time the midfielder got
the ball there were two Union players in his face and no teammate within
30 yards. The Revs play like a bunch of strangers, and there’s little
to suggest that’s going to change.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Philadelphia (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17081"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">HIGHLIGHTS</span></a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at D.C. United (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>), Saturday at Colorado (9 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform?utm_source=MLSsoccer&utm_medium=In%2BStories&utm_campaign=11MDL">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TTLTL</li></ul> |
