Only MLS league games will be reflected in the rankings. Rankings are voted on by MLSsoccer.com editorial staff; words by Alicia Rodriguez.
BIGGEST MOVERS: RSL +3; HOU, CHI -4
1
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
Atlanta United keep their hold atop the Power Rankings, but the vote was more split at the top. The Five Stripes get a bye, something they could use after the hubbub with the MLS All-Star Game in town and several teams gunning for their Supporters' Shield lead.
Previous: Drew 2-2 vs. TOR | Next: vs. CLB on 8/19
2
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 18
Fifteen games unbeaten in MLS? Not too shabby for the Timbers, who have tied a team record in their MLS era and play like they know how to win playoff-style games. Will that carry through to the actual playoffs? That remains to be seen, of course.
Previous: Won 3-0 vs. PHI | Next: vs. VAN on 8/11
3
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
The Red Bulls held off LAFC's attack-heavy lineup and capitalized on errors for a straightforward home win. Level with Atlanta United on points per game, this team is capable of winning the Shield this season, and they look capable of going down to the wire in the race.
Previous: Won 2-1 vs. LAFC | Next: at CHI on 8/11
4
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 6
NYCFC dropped after giving up points at home, something that is very unusual at Yankee Stadium. But they'll likely have David Villa back against Toronto, and maybe just as important as his play, NYCFC could use his leadership back on the field.
Previous: Drew 2-2 vs. VAN | Next: at TOR on 8/12
5
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 18
FC Dallas' loss to the Quakes was a "That's so MLS" moment, but honestly, if Jesse Gonzalez hadn't made the mistakes he did on the first two goals, Dallas probably would have at least gotten a draw, even if they weren't playing great.
Previous: Lost 3-1 vs. SJ | Next: at SEA on 8/12
6
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 17
Have LAFC hit the summer wall? They're on a four-game winless run in the league, matching their longest such stretch of the season. And with a busy schedule this month, Bob Bradley's group will be in sink or swim mode.
Previous: Lost 2-1 at RBNY | Next: vs. SKC on 8/11
7
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 15
It wasn't pretty, aside from the play to set up the winning goal, but Sporting stopped a five-game winless skid. Whether you're getting on the Gianluca Busio train or have already heard plenty about him this week, the truth is the 16-year-old(!) had a fantastic first start in MLS.
Previous: Won 1-0 at HOU | Next: at LAFC on 8/11
8
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 14
The Galaxy, sans Zlatan Ibrahimovic, got a dose of that Colorado altitude with the last-minute road loss. The result exposed LA's shaky defense, but a home game against Minnesota with Zlatan back should give them a chance to bounce right back.
Previous: Lost 2-1 at COL | Next: vs. MIN on 8/11
9
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 12
A week off for Gregg Berhalter's group, with the rest of MLS in action, means Crew SC got a good old break. They're seven points ahead of the two teams below them in the standings, and are eight points behind the two teams ahead of them, so Columbus are on an island in fourth place in the East right now.
Previous: Idle | Next: vs. HOU on 8/11
10
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 21
whispers Do you believe? The Sounders have won four in a row and are unbeaten in their last seven games. Now five points out of the final playoff spot, this Seattle team is a procrastinator's dream.
Previous: Won 2-1 at MIN | Next: vs. DAL on 8/12
11
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 23
Montreal keep their proverbial heads above water with a draw and results going their way elsewhere. A road game in Utah is up next, and with the Impact only winning twice away from home this year, this game is going to be big for their playoff aspirations.
Previous: Drew 1-1 vs. DC | Next: at RSL on 8/11
12
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 21
There's no doubt Toronto FC are playing much better in recent weeks, and the results are reflecting that. They're still six points out of the last playoff spot, but with the way some of the teams ahead of them in the table are playing, they're only six points out of the last playoff spot, if you get my drift.
Previous: Drew 2-2 at ATL | Next: vs. NYC on 8/12
13
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 21
The Fire gave RSL the way to three points and Mike Petke's side duly obliged. They're three games unbeaten, but there remains the sense that RSL are looking for consistency in quality. We'll see if they find that this season.
Previous: Won 2-1 vs. CHI | Next: vs. MTL on 8/11
14
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 15
Every team can have a bad game, but the Dynamo really looked like they had a 70-minute meltdown against Sporting KC. With a smattering of red cards in recent weeks, the question is whether the indiscipline will mount or if Wilmer Cabrera's team will use this to rally and break out of a frustrating season.
Previous: Lost 1-0 vs. SKC | Next: at CLB on 8/11
15
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 22
It's interesting to see how the U.S. Open Cup semifinalists treated their league games over the weekend. Coincidentally, perhaps, both Philly and Chicago rotated liberally, while Houston and LAFC didn't. At any rate, the Union stuck with the Timbers for a half, but the new-look group struggled in the second 45.
Previous: Lost 3-0 at POR | Next: at NE on 8/11
16
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 9 | LOW: 22
The Revolution are still in playoff position, despite going five games without a win. But they have two games against Philadelphia and a game against D.C. coming up, which will give us a better picture of whether the Revs are in line for a postseason berth this year.
Previous: Drew 3-3 at ORL | Next: vs. PHI on 8/11
17
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 15 | LOW: 23
A point on the road against Montreal is pretty good, but time is running out for D.C. to settle for draws. They're 11 points out of the final playoff spot, with three-to-five games in hand on the teams above them. They'll need to pick up maximum points, or very close, in those games.
Previous: Drew 1-1 at MTL | Next: vs. ORL on 8/12
18
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 20
The Whitecaps also rotated their lineup, with Canadian Championship final considerations, in New York City, and some less-used players stepped up to post a gutsy draw. This month, playing in two competitions, is going to be tricky for Carl Robinson's squad.
Previous: Drew 2-2 at NYC | Next: at POR on 8/11
19
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 14 | LOW: 23
Losing like the Loons did, at home ahead of a five-game road trip, isn't going to sit well at all, especially considering how pivotal the game against Seattle looked for both teams coming in. But Adrian Heath and his team haven't given up in the past, and expect them to continue pushing even with the setback.
Previous: Lost 2-1 vs. SEA | Next: at LA on 8/11
20
LAST WEEK: 22
HIGH: 17 | LOW: 23
Does it feel like Anthony Hudson has settled on most of his lineup? Sure seems like it. That, and Kellyn Acosta's immediate boost, means the Rapids probably are going to catch a few more teams unaware over the final months of the season.
Previous: Won 2-1 vs. LA | Next: vs. SJ on 8/11
21
LAST WEEK: 21
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 23
Orlando City have won only once in their last 14 games and are still only six points out of the playoffs. They probably wouldn't be a bettor's choice to reach the postseason, but they really are still alive, if they can string together some wins, ASAP.
Previous: Drew 3-3 vs. NE | Next: at DC on 8/12
22
LAST WEEK: 23
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 23
Quakes win! FC Dallas weren't at their best, but this was by far the best performance San Jose had since their opening-day win. With a meeting against the Rapids next, they have a good chance to potentially build on an overdue victory.
Previous: Won 3-1 at DAL | Next: at COL on 8/11
23
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 23
Yes, the Fire rotated their lineup to stay fresh for the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, but the fact is they're in the worst form in the league (six losses in a row). Still, like Orlando City, they have a chance to make the playoffs if they can post some wins.
Previous: Lost 2-1 at RSL | Next: vs. RBNY on 8/11
