There were two unmistakable facts we learned after another week in
MLS: the Galaxy are still a beast, and the West is a best. The powers of
the Eastern Conference buckled this week to their counterparts from the
West, leaving us with a top four that gives little reason to look past
Texas to find the best teams in the league.
Got a problem with our Power Rankings? Vote for your own!
All match times for this week's games are ET; only MLS regular-season games reflected on schedule.
<strong>Rank</strong> |
<strong>Trending</strong> |
<strong>Last </strong> |
<strong>Club</strong> |
<strong>Comment</strong> |
<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"> |
<p>
LA bounced back from the Portland loss like the champs they hope to
be, kicking pieces out of a very, very good FC Dallas team for 90
minutes last weekend. There’s still the lack of scoring from forwards to
fret over, but Adam Cristman at least creates chances and space for the
Galaxy’s potent midfield. And the defense is best in the league.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Portland, 3-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17847">HIGHLIGHTS</a>), Beat FC Dallas, 3-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18008">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Bye <strong>Next: </strong>Aug. 20 vs. San Jose (10:30 pm ET, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TTWWW</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>2</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>2</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/dallas_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>
Dallas finally started to look tired against LA, and the Galaxy
punished them for it. The mental mistakes were more worrying than the
physical ones, but the reality is that FCD aren’t about to fold no
matter how harsh a beating they took at the Home Depot Center. Even
better is that Maicon Santos looked very useful in his debut.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at LA, 3-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18008">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Philadelphia (8 pm ET, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TWTWL</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>3</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>3</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/seattle_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="62" height="62"> |
How is it possible that the three best teams in the league are all
struggling to find a forward who can score? Yes, Nate Jaqua got the
winner against San Francisco in the CCL, but that came after he and
Fredy Montero both blew multiple gilt-edged chances. As it is, Seattle
look a lot like LA: great midfield, great defense, no punch up top.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Sporting KC, 2-1 <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17700">(</a><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17979" target="_blank">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Chivas USA (4 pm ET, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TWWLW</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>4</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>6</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/colorado_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="64" height="64"> |
When Conor Casey went down for the season a few weeks ago, we here
at the Power Rankings Committee figured the Rapids would, at best, sneak
into the playoffs. Instead the Omar Cummings/Sanna Nyassi pairing has
been a revelation and Colorado are rocketing up both the table and the
Power Rankings.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Columbus, 2-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17894">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday 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> LWTWW</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>5</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>4</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/columbus_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>
One win and one loss from a Rocky Mountain road trip is a haul any
team in the league would take with a smile. The bad news is that, just
as guys like Dilly Duka, Rich Balchan and Danny O’Rourke are approaching
fitness, Eddie Gaven picked up a nasty-looking injury, stretching the
Crew depth even further. If he’s OK, they’ll be OK. If not ...</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Colorado, 2-0 (<a>HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday 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>TLWWL</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/saltlake_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
It’s hard to give a team too much credit for throttling the Red
Bulls, who looked like they were auditioning for season two of <em>The Walking Dead</em>.
But let’s give RSL credit enough for picking the low-hanging fruit when
it presented itself. Luis Gil at the point of the diamond, by the way,
was a joy to watch.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Sporting KC, 2-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17836">HIGHLIGHTS</a>), Beat New York, 3-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17982">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Toronto (7 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>WWLLW</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>5</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/philadelphia_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
There wasn't a fan outside of Philly who wasn’t happy to see Carlos
Ruiz go, but it’s always a risk for a winning team to mess with its
chemistry midseason. The spotlight’s on Jack McInerney, Danny Mwanga and
Sébastien Le Toux now and, quite frankly, they came up short against
the Dynamo. Still, the Union are in the best shape of any Eastern team.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Chicago, 1-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17836">HIGHLIGHTS</a>) Tied Houston, 1-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17969">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. FC Dallas (8 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TWTLL</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 question is whether their 2-1 loss to Seattle trumps the 3-3
draw at Vancouver as Sporting’s “Most Disappointing Result of the Year.”
Even with the (100 percent deserved) red card to Omar Bravo, Sporting
looked like they were going to be good for the full three points. We’ll
see how they bounce back.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat RSL, 2-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17836">HIGHLIGHTS</a>), Lost to Seattle, 2-1 <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17700">(</a><a target="_blank">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Bye <strong>Next:</strong> Aug. 17 vs. Portland (8:30 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>TWTWL</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>9</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>10</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/dc_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
A draw at home against one of the worst teams in the league is
usually nothing to brag about. But considering the way they went about
snatching the point, DC shouldn’t hang their heads. Chris Pontius was
dangerous throughout, Dwayne De Rosario is a legend and this team is set
up nicely for a solid stretch run.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Toronto, 3-3 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17970">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Vancouver (7:30 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>WTLWT</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>10</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>9</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newyork_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
Flying halfway around the world to play an elite team at altitude
was a bridge too far for Hans Backe’s men. The RSL loss once again
exposed the lack of depth in NY, and — more concerning — a lack of heart
and fight in the side. They looked like 11 guys on a soccer field, not
like a team.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Real Salt Lake, 3-0 (<a>HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Saturday vs. Chicago (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LTLTL</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>11</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>11</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/houston_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
It was a well-earned point for Houston at Philadelphia, but they
remain winless on the road this season. Not exactly the mark of a team
gearing up for a stretch run. The schedule from here on out is fairly
kind, and Carlo Costly should help, but they’re still dodgy defensively
and unable to build from the back.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week:</strong> Tied Philadelphia, 1-1 <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17700">(</a><a>HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at Portland (9 pm, Galavisión)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>WTLWT</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>12</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>12</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chivas_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
After a rough stretch they’ve now won two out of three, have
Alejandro Moreno back and added the very useful-looking Laurent
Courtois. And yeah, Nick LaBrocca keeps showing that the first half of
the year was no fluke. Their August schedule, though, is brutal. They’ll
need to roll with a few punches in the next few weeks.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat New England, 3-2 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17962">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Seattle (4 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TTWLW</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>13</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"> |
If they’d held on for the win at San Jose, the Timbers would be
solidly on the edge of the playoff hunt and — coupled with the momentum
of the 3-0 win over LA — possessed of momentum any team in the league
would envy. Instead, they’re left to deal with the old problem of
squandered leads.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat LA, 3-0 (<a>HIGHLIGHTS</a>), Tied San Jose, 1-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18007">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at Houston (9 pm, Galavisión)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>WLTWT</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>14</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>13</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newengland_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
There was nothing good to take away from the Chivas loss until Diego
Fagundez stepped onto the field, at which point Revs fans were treated
to the most exciting 25 minutes of their season. They didn’t take any
points and are all but out of the playoff hunt, but thanks to Fagundez,
the fan base now has hope for 2012.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Chivas USA, 3-2 (<a>HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Columbus (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five:</strong> LWTTL</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/sanjose_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>
Anything that could have gone wrong for San Jose did this season.
They started the year in the wrong formation, then injuries and absences
prevented Frank Yallop from ever finding the right one. Then when they
bring in Alan Gordon — someone who looks like he could help — he goes
down with a hernia. Rough year in the South Bay.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Portland, 1-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18007">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Colorado (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TTLLT</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"> |
Looks like Andy Iro isn’t the answer at central defense. Beyond
that, there are very encouraging signs in attack and in the midfield
play — though they still concede way too much room. The Danny
Koevermans-Joao Plata-Peri Marosevic forward line is a nice one to build
around heading into next season.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied D.C. United, 3-3 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17970">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Real Salt Lake (7 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LLLTT</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"> |
<p>
This is the team Vancouverites were hoping for way back in March
when they took that First Kick win from Toronto. The rest of 2011 is
figuring out which pieces to build around for the future, building
morale and cohesion all across the field. They might not make the
playoffs, but they can get a jump on next year.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Chicago, 4-2 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18030">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at D.C. United (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LLTLW</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/chicago_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>
The simple fact is that this team has too much talent to be 2-7-13,
but in the words of Bill Parcells, “You are what your record says you
are.” And the Fire’s record says that they’re one of the worst teams in
the league this season. Maybe it's already time to start building toward
2012.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Vancouver, 4-2 (<a>HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at New York (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TLLTL</li></ul> |
