There's not a ton of change in this week's rankings, but don't
expect that to last. A crucial week looms with potentially huge matchups
(take your pick between FC Dallas vs. Seattle or Columbus vs.
Philadelphia) and there's no way some of those teams will get away
unscathed. As for this week, the Union and D.C. United are on the move,
while Eastern foe New England take a plunge.
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>
Certainly looks like a case of the rich getting richer. The Galaxy
haven’t had consistent production from the forward slot all year; now
they add one of the Premier League’s all-time leaders in Robbie Keane,
albeit coming off a down season. If he integrates quickly (which he
probably will), LA are nearly a lock for a second-straight Supporters'
Shield.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Bye</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday 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>WWWLW</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 are starting to make “mental fatigue” mistakes, especially
along the back line. It’s a couple weeks now since George John (who had a
blown trap and a red card to his credit against Philly) has looked like
himself, and no one else in the back four has been much better. They
still got a good result, but need a reserve or two to step up over the
next month.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Philadelphia, 2-2 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18203">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Seattle (9 pm ET, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>WTWLT</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"> |
Seattle are still in the hunt but those two dropped points this past
weekend could come back to haunt them when it comes time for playoff
homefield advantage. Yeah, they had an argument at the end, but if they
convert their earlier chances against a game, but far less talented
Chivas side, they walk away with full honors.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Chivas USA, 0-0 <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17700">(</a><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18133" target="_blank">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at FC Dallas (9 pm ET, <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>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/colorado_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="64" height="64"> |
Somehow they’ve turned into a juggernaut since losing their best
player a month ago. It doesn’t make much sense, but it says something
about the mental toughness of this group. They’ll need every bit of that
in the coming weeks with CONCACAF Champions League fixtures clogging up
the schedule. All-hands-on-deck time.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat San Jose, 2-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18220">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Chivas USA (9 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five:</strong> WTWWW</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/columbus_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
There may have been a few rolled eyes when Robert Warzycha said that
Dilly Duka’s return would be crucial. Once again, though, the coach was
right — Duka shredded New England for the final 25 minutes, allowing
Robbie Rogers and Emilio Rentería (another welcome returnee) to find
plenty of space in the attacking third.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat New England, 3-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18191">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Philadelphia (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LWWLW</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/philadelphia_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
Like the Galaxy with Keane, figuring how to integrate Freddy Adu
could be the story for the rest of the Union’s year. They’re out of the
hunt for the Shield, but they’re well within striking distance of the
Crew for first in the East. Freddy showed glimpses of his creativity in
the second half; now Philly need to finish those chances.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied FC Dallas, 2-2 (<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>WLTTT</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/saltlake_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
It’s no surprise that RSL didn’t make any big transfer window moves,
but they might have considered adding more speed either up top or on
the flank. The hope is that Paulo Jr. can provide that, but can he stay
healthy? Either way, this team has lost three of five and look a shadow
of the side that made the CCL finals four months ago.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Toronto, 1-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18188">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday 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>WLLWL</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>8</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>9</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/dc_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
Honest question: Dwayne De Rosario for league MVP? There’s at least
one member of the Power Rankings Committee who’ll make the argument, and
thousands of United fans who’ll back him up. DeRo is showing that he’s
still one of the very best in the league, and DC are looking good to
grab a playoff spot out of the weak East.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Vancouver, 4-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18195">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Thursday at Chicago (9 pm, ESPN2), Sunday at Sporting KC (8:30 pm, Galavisión)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TLWTW</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>9</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>8</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sportingkc_logo.png" border="1" alt="" width="58" height="58"> |
This Wednesday’s game against Portland is a must-win for Sporting if
they want to figure into the Eastern race. DC’s gotten hot, Columbus
and Philly look like legitimate contenders, and Houston are showing
signs of life. SKC can’t afford to drop any more home points if they’re
going to stake a claim heading into the postseason.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Bye</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday 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>), Sunday vs. D.C. United (8:30 pm, Galavisión)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TWTWL</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/newyork_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
They’re in the running for “most disappointing season in league
history,” and at this point have the body language to match it. The
youngsters aren’t progressing and the goalkeeper situation is an epic
mess, but at the very least, Joel Lindpere and Dane Richards have proved
to be warriors, and Thierry Henry’s worth every cent.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Chicago, 2-2 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18190">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Saturday at 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>TLLTL</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"> |
They added some nice pieces and have Brian Ching back, but until
they get a win on the road and show that they’re over their defensive
frailties — Tally Hall saved them again this weekend — it’s hard to take
them too seriously. They might sneak into the playoffs, but they need
seven points from the upcoming three-game stretch (at NE, vs. RSL, at
VAN).
<ul><li><strong>Last Week:</strong> Beat Portand, 2-1 <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17700">(</a><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18233">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at New England (8 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>), Saturday vs. Real Salt Lake (8:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TLWTW</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"> |
They’ve lost just one of their last five and appear to have luck on
their side after the weekend’s scoreless draw at Seattle. The
Rojiblancos are probably a year away from looking like what Robin Fraser
really wants, but they’re out there competing every week in spite of
being essentially a collection of castoffs.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Seattle, 0-0 <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17700">(</a><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18133" target="_blank">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Colorado (9 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TWLWT</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>13</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>13</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/portland_150.png" alt="" width="50" height="50"> |
They’ve won just once in seemingly forever, but they’re still within
striking distance of a wild-card slot in the playoffs as long as they
hold serve at home. It probably won’t happen — they’re young, they
struggle at the back and no one’s scoring consistently — but they put in
an honest effort every week. That’s something to build upon.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Houston, 2-1 <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=17700">(</a><a>HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Satuday vs. Vancouver (10 pm, Fox Soccer)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LTWTL</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/sanjose_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
That 2-1 defeat to Colorado was a brutal game to lose, and it’s
pretty difficult to imagine San Jose pulling themselves back into the
playoff race. It’s a precipitous fall for a team that had legitimate
high-level aspirations heading into 2011. Frank Yallop’s job now is to
get them to regroup and identify who should be built around for 2012.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Colorado, 2-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18220">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at LA (10:30 pm ET, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five:</strong> TLLTL</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>15</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>16</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/toronto_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>
A formation switch caught RSL off guard, and TFC got their
signature league win of the year. More importantly in Peri Marosevic —
whose near-post run on the goal was brilliant — and Joao Plata, they
have two young, exciting attackers to learn from a core of solid
veterans. And with the CCL as well as league play, plenty of games to
get them all together.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Real Salt Lake, 1-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18188">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at Chicago (7 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LLTTW</li></ul> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>16</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/newengland_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>
Milton Caraglio hasn’t scored yet but he looked the part of a
center forward who can occupy the defense and bring other attackers into
the play. He, Benny Feilhaber, Rajko Lekic, Shalrie Joseph and Stephen
McCarthy are a nice core to build around heading into next season.
Figuring out what to do with the defense will occupy most of Steve
Nicol’s time over the next few months, though.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Columbus, 3-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18191">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. Houston (8 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>), Saturday vs. 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>WTTLL</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/chicago_150.png" border="1" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>
The Fire punished RBNY’s loose defense and confused central
midfield, but were lucky to walk away with the point after being pinned
back through most of the second half. Their season’s nearly over other
than the US Open Cup semis in two weeks. Now it’s all about that game
and — hopefully for the men in red — the final that follows it.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied New York, 2-2 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18190">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Thursday vs. D.C. United (9 pm ET, ESPN2), Sunday vs. Toronto (7 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LLTLT</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>17</strong></span> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/vancouver_150.png" alt="" width="40" height="58"> |
<p>
The wrong way to build upon a 4-2 win is to follow it with a
lifeless 4-0 loss. Just about nothing’s gone right for Vancouver this
year — though Eric Hassli is always worth the price of admission — but
there’s lots of young talent there to admire. The cupboard won’t be bare
when Martin Rennie takes over in the winter.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at D.C. United 4-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18195">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Portland (10 pm, Fox Soccer)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LTLWT</li></ul> |
