OK, so we're a bit adrift. Each of the bottom four teams from last week took a full three points from their games – including two teams who hadn't won since last July.
What else? How about last year's expansion team opening up with two straight road wins against teams we still figure to be playoff contenders? Or the Sporting KC faceplant? Or how about the Red Bulls doing Red Bull things in Goonies: The Sequel? It was a wild, bizarre week of MLS action.
Note: Only MLS league games will be reflected in the rankings. The Power Rankings are voted on by the editorial staff at MLSsoccer.com, and all comments are written by editor Matthew Doyle.
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
<strong>Rank</strong> |
<strong>Trending</strong> |
<strong>Club</strong> |
<strong>Comment</strong> |
<strong>1</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 1</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/losangeles_150.png" style="width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<p>A lousy call in the CONCACAF Champions League? Why, I never! Clearly Mike Magee's goal was onside, and just as clearly the Galaxy are still in very good position to advance. Their weekend bye should leave them plenty rested for the Wednesday second leg vs. Herediano, as well as Sunday's rivalry game vs. Chivas USA.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Bye</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday vs. Chivas USA (5 pm ET; UniMas)</li></ul> |
<strong>2</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 3</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/houston_150.png" style="width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<p>Like the Galaxy, the Dynamo were off during the weekend but had a good midweek result to build off of in CCL play. They're very, very balanced and they're very, very tough to break down at this point. It's still going to be a monumental task to come away from Santos Laguna with an historic midweek result.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Bye</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at FC Dallas (1 pm ET; ESPN2)</li></ul> |
<strong>3</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 7</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/vancouver_150.png" style="width: 90px; height: 132px;"> |
<p>The Whitecaps have been more dangerous going forward this year, surging forward in numbers and at pace. They've been better in midfield, holding onto the ball for longer stretches and generally doing a better job of protecting possession. The one worry is that their finishing is still not clinical. Through two games, they have three goals, but could have six or seven.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-09-VAN-v-CLB/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Columbus, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Next League Game: </strong>March 23 at Houston</li></ul> |
<strong>4</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 9</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imapact-logo-3.png" style="width: 100px; height: 116px;"> |
<p>How high can they climb? Looks like it'll be pretty high – bad teams don't go on the road and take six points from two games, especially not at tough venues like CenturyLink and JELD-WEN. A red flag, though, is that they're giving up chances – quality ones, as a matter for fact – by the bucketful. If and when Troy Perkins slumps, it could get ugly fast.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-09-POR-v-MTL/recap" target="_blank">Won at Portland, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Toronto FC (4 pm ET; TSN/RDS in Canada, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a> in the US)</li></ul> |
<strong>5</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 6</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/dc_150.png" style="width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<p>Didn't exactly pepper Nick Rimando's goal with shots, but they certainly forced him into a few stellar saves and generated the better chances on the day. Lionard Pajoy's game-winner was opportunistic – which is exactly what you want from a center forward in that spot. Things should pick up now with Dwayne De Rosario back from suspension. </p><ul><li><strong>Last Week:</strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-09-DC-v-RSL/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Real Salt Lake, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>This Week:</strong> Saturday at New York (12:30 pm ET, NBC)</li></ul> |
<strong>6</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 30px; height: 30px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 5</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sanjose_150.png" style="width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<p>They drop a place here, but that's more because the teams in front of them look a little better rather than anything particularly negative about the Quakes. Of course, if Adam Jahn keeps doing his Alan Gordon impression, San Jose could climb right back up the Power Rankings pretty quickly.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week:</strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-10-SJ-v-NY/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. New York, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Columbus (5:30 pm ET, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>7</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 30px; height: 30px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 4</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/saltlake_150.png" style="width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<p>Jason Kreis is asking for his attackers to step up, and he should – they were rarely threatening at RFK Stadium. Through 180 minutes the youngsters have shown tons of talent and commitment, but they're just not on the same page as of yet. Of course, they've played two road games on two coasts against two playoff teams, so ... patience.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-09-DC-v-RSL/recap" target="_blank">Lost at D.C. United, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>This Week:</strong> Saturday vs. Colorado (6 pm ET, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>8</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 30px; height: 30px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 2</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sportingkc_logo.png" style="width: 100px; height: 111px;"> |
<p>When you become the first team to lose to Toronto in league play in 234 days, you tumble. It's a Power Rankings Politburo rule. We still think that Sporting look really, really good on paper, and while struggles to get on the same page in attack should be expected, the gappy defense is a huge concern.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-09-TOR-v-SKC/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Toronto, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week:</strong> Saturday vs. Chicago (3 pm ET; NBCSN)</li></ul> |
<strong>9</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 30px; height: 30px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 8</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/seattle_150.png" style="width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<p>Sure, the Sounders looked a little ragged down in Mexico against Tigres UANL. But they got a solid result, gave themselves a chance to advance and have stemmed the tide a bit after that opener against Montreal. A win on Tuesday is something to build on in both the short and long term.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Bye</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Portland (8 pm ET, NBCSN)</li></ul><ul></ul> |
<strong>10</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 10</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/columbus_150.png" style="width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<p>The Crew actually generated more chances than the Whitecaps did, and were it not for Gláuber's brown-out, could possibly have come away from a two-game road trip with four points. As it is, they'll be happy to return to the friendly confines of Crew Stadium to kick off their 2013 home slate. </p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-09-VAN-v-CLB/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Vancouver, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. San Jose (5:30 pm ET, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>11</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 11</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newyork_150.png" style="width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<p>We're giving this team the benefit of the doubt based upon talent and opening up with two on the road. For all the wailing bloodletting after Sunday's collapse, it should be noted that Mike Petke's team did a very good job of limiting San Jose's looks – better than RSL did a week before as a matter of fact – until Roy Miller's meltdown.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-10-SJ-v-NY/recap" target="_blank">Lost at San Jose, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. D.C. United (12:30 pm ET; NBC)</li></ul> |
<strong>12</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 12</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/portland_150.png" style="width: 100px; height: 99px;"> |
<p>Eventually the kind of territorial dominance and ability to generate chances from possession should turn into victories, especially at home. The Timbers probably aren't going to be elite in 2013, but they'll be better than "one point from two home games" sooner rather than later.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-09-POR-v-MTL/recap" target="_blank">Lost vs. Montreal, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Seattle (8 pm ET; NBCSN)</li></ul> |
<strong>13</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 16</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newengland_150.png" style="width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<p>That sieve-like midfield of 2012 was nowhere to be found in the season opener at Chicago. The Revs weren't exactly Bayern Munich out there, but they generally called their shots and looked very comfortable in a balanced 4-2-3-1. Winning the ball before it got to the defense was key.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-09-CHI-v-NE/recap" target="_blank">Won at Chicago, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Philadelphia (5 pm ET; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>14</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 17</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/philadelphia_150.png" style="width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<p>Finally, the outing John Hackworth was waiting for. It wasn't exaxctly climbing a mountain against a banged-up Colorado team, but to see Amobi Okugo and Jack McInerney on their game was an indication it <em>could be </em>a breakout year for both.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-10-COL-v-PHI/recap" target="_blank">Won at Colorado, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. New England (5 pm ET; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>15</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 30px; height: 30px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 13</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/dallas_150.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<p>David Ferreira gave them a moment of brilliance, and directly after that Dallas decided to fall apart. Uncharacteristic errors – calamities really – from the central defense were to blame, and while FCD can probably count on George John et al to be better than they showed on Sunday, it's got to be a worry that they entire team seems to be stuck in preseason mode.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-10-CHV-v-DAL/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Chivas USA, 3-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday vs. Houston (1 pm ET; ESPN2)</li></ul> |
<strong>16</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 18</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/toronto_150.png" style="width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<p>Their last league win was the middle of last July, which is almost unfathomable. Patience will continue to be key for TFC fans – this still doesn't feel like a playoff team – but even the most dour pessimist would have to admit that things have taken shape ahead of schedule.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-09-TOR-v-SKC/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Sporting KC, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Montreal (4 pm ET; TSN/RDS in Canada, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a> in the US)</li></ul> |
<strong>17</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 19</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chivas_150.png" style="width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<p>Chivas' winless streak was a mere 10 days shorter than Toronto FC's – and arguably worse, since they had more blowout losses and fewer injuries to blame it on. What does the win over Dallas mean for the rest of the Chelís era, however short or long it may be? We're not insane enough to venture a real guess just yet. But man, it was nice to see Juan Agudelo play that well.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-10-CHV-v-DAL/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. FC Dallas, 3-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at LA Galaxy (5 pm ET; UniMas)</li></ul> |
<strong>18</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 30px; height: 30px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 14</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chicago_150.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<p>Sherjill MacDonald appears to have been benched. Replacement Maicon Santos hasn't done much to keep the spot. Chris Rolfe came off injured. Arne Friedrich is in Berlin seeking treatment for his gimpy hamstring. Long story short: Things are bad – very bad – for the Fire right now.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-09-CHI-v-NE/recap" target="_blank">Lost vs. New England, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>This Week:</strong> Saturday at Sporting Kansas City (3 pm ET, NBCSN)</li></ul> |
<strong>19</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 30px; height: 30px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 15</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/colorado_150.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; width: 100px; height: 100px;"> |
<p>The Rapids arguably haven't looked as lost as the Fire, but they've also played a weaker schedule and have nothing to show for it except pain. Silver lining is that the return dates for Edson Buddle and Martín Rivero are creeping closer week by week. Both will need to step right into the lineup for this team to sniff the playoff race, and even that might not be enough.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-10-COL-v-PHI/recap" target="_blank">Lost to Philadelphia, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week:</strong> Saturday at Real Salt Lake (6 pm ET, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li></ul> |
