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: DC +4; TOR -4
1
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
We said last week Atlanta's Supporters' Shield destiny appears to be in their hands, and that is no longer entirely true, with NYCFC sitting just a point back with a game in hand. The Five Stripes aren't exactly wobbling, but they may have more of a fight for silverware than they bargained for.
Previous: Drew 1-1 vs. SEA | Next: vs. DC on 7/21
2
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 6
NYCFC make a big climb up the rankings after two wins in a week and three in seven days. Dome Torrent seems to have breathed some new life into his youngsters, who are weathering David Villa's absence well, and right now you'd never guess this team just swapped managers.
Previous: Won 3-0 vs. MTL; Won 2-0 vs. CLB | Next: at ORL on 7/26
3
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 18
The Timbers dropped a spot with NYCFC flying, but still look mighty impressive, especially after holding LAFC scoreless on the road on Sunday. 12 games unbeaten in league play, 14 across all competitions, is on the line midweek in an unusual U.S. Open Cup rematch against LAFC in Los Angeles.
Previous: Drew 0-0 at LAFC | Next: vs. MTL on 7/21
4
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 17
LAFC can hang their hat on holding the Timbers to a point, but it looked like their potent attack struggled a little bit with Carlos Vela re-integrating after the World Cup. With a couple more games together, those core players should be on the same page. Expect Bob Bradley to play a full-strength lineup in the Open Cup.
Previous: Drew 0-0 vs. POR | Next: at MIN on 7/22
5
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
If Dome Torrent has been giving players a new look at NYCFC, one could say the same for the Red Bulls' Chris Armas, who made a key substitution to bring in Marc Rzatkowski, and the German delivered with a comeback brace in a win.
Previous: Won 3-2 vs. SKC | Next: vs. NE on 7/21
6
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 18
Dallas have to be pleased that Kellyn Acosta was back on the scoresheet, and Carlos Gruezo chipped in with another one this season as well. They still feel like an enigma, but if they can get goals from midfield and defense, they're probably still in good shape to contend at the end of the season.
Previous: Won 3-1 vs. CHI | Next: at HOU on 7/21
7
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 15
Sporting's winless streak extended to four games in league play, but with a bye coming up this week, they can throw everything at their Open Cup quarterfinal against Houston on Wednesday. Given their recent track record in that competition, they'll be going for that one.
Previous: Lost 3-2 at RBNY | Next: vs. DAL on 7/28
8
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 14
The Galaxy escape the tricky Gillette Stadium test with three points courtesy of Chris Pontius' late winner. This team may not be fully convincing, but they are six games unbeaten and back above the playoff line, where they'll surely aim to stay, inconsistent form notwithstanding.
Previous: Won 3-2 at NE | Next: at PHI on 7/21
9
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 15
The Dynamo could have used a win, but a scoreless draw in Colorado isn't half bad. Houston have probably the toughest week in the league ahead, between the Open Cup clash against Sporting and a derby game against FC Dallas.
Previous: Drew 0-0 at COL | Next: vs. DAL on 7/21
10
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 9 | LOW: 22
So far, the team that seems to have lost the most momentum from the World Cup break earlier this summer is the Revolution, who have only won one of their last five league games. They aren't in crisis mode, but their grip on a playoff spot is starting to loosen at this point.
Previous: Lost 3-2 vs. LA | Next: at MIN on 7/18
11
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 23
It was a week of good and bad for the Impact, who collapsed in the second half against NYCFC, but who weathered a weird night from the Quakes to win at home. They're above the playoff line but it looks like there will probably be a five-team race for the final two spots in the East, so a lot of work ahead for them.
Previous: Lost 3-0 at NYC; Won 2-0 vs. SJ | Next: at POR on 7/21
12
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 12
A road loss to NYCFC isn't the biggest surprise, but Crew SC have one win in eight games. They've also got a lot of difficult games ahead, so Gregg Berhalter and company needs to turn out of the skid before they've fallen out of the playoff spots.
Previous: Lost 2-0 at NYC | Next: vs. ORL on 7/21
13
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 22
On the other hand, things are looking up for Philly, who scored a morale-boosting road win midweek against Chicago. Will this be the start of a run of form for David Accam? If it is, the Union could be in the reckoning for a playoff spot, too.
Previous: Won 4-3 at CHI | Next: vs. LA on 7/21
14
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 21
RSL tried to make a comeback, but fell short, in a game where both coaches were, incredibly, mad afterwards. If RSL-Minnesota will lead to more rants from Mike Petke and Adrian Heath, can we get them to play more often?
Previous: Lost 3-2 at MIN | Next: vs. COL on 7/21
15
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 15 | LOW: 23
A few commenters seemed to not like our good wishes for D.C. United last week (do you not like good things?!), but they christened Audi Field in style, and Wayne Rooney's debut showed there's potential for more to come. But first: another road game, in Atlanta!
Previous: Won 3-1 vs. VAN | Next: at ATL on 7/21
16
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 23
The Fire posted the worst week of the 23 teams, with two losses, the first at the last moment, the other a competitive but ultimately futile attempt against Dallas. On a three-game losing streak in league play, Wednesday's Open Cup tie may come at a tough time for Chicago.
Previous: Lost 4-3 vs. PHI; Lost 3-1 at DAL | Next: vs. TOR on 7/21
17
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 17
Vancouver had to contend with more than 20 years of anticipation in facing D.C. United at Audi Field, and did not play the spoiler role. Alphonso Davies did provide some fireworks though.
Previous: Lost 3-1 at DC | Next: at SEA on 7/21
18
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 21
The Sounders took a point in Atlanta and really seemed to bother a great deal of Five Stripes' fans for playing the way they did. The Sounders may be battling to even see the playoffs this year, but that game felt like a playoff game.
Previous: Drew 1-1 at ATL | Next: vs. VAN on 7/21
19
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 15 | LOW: 23
Darwin Quintero continues to prove his worth, and Minnesota have been active in the transfer market. But after Adrian Heath lit into his team (who did in fact win) after the game, one wonders if some real transformations are on the horizon.
Previous: Won 3-2 vs. RSL | Next: at NE on 7/18
20
LAST WEEK: 23
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 23
Lions win! Orlando got the monkey off their backs and avoid MLS history in the process, as James O'Connor picks up his first win. While there will likely be bumps the rest of the way, this team seems like it's getting some traction, finally.
Previous: Won 2-1 vs. TOR | Next: at CLB on 7/21
21
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 21
Times have changed, for Toronto FC to be the team that falls to allow Orlando to snap a nine-game losing streak. TFC have 15 games to turn it all around in league play, and now have to contend with the Canadian Championship, starting this week. Will that competition help or hurt them?
Previous: Lost 2-1 at ORL | Next: at CHI on 7/21
22
LAST WEEK: 21
HIGH: 17 | LOW: 23
The Rapids move down a spot after a drab scoreless draw that showcased their defense but showed how toothless their attack is. Will they rise to the challenge in the Rocky Mountain Cup this week, or keep shuffling along?
Previous: Drew 0-0 vs. HOU | Next: at RSL on 7/21
23
LAST WEEK: 22
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 23
The Earthquakes hit a new low on the season, not so much for their loss in Montreal, which is a difficult trip, but for the highly unusual substitutions in that game and ongoing sniping happening between players in the press and on social media. Can they recover from this?
Previous: Lost 2-0 at MTL | Next: vs. SEA on 7/25
