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; LA, POR -4
1
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
Atlanta pick up a very Atlanta win against the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year, with an historic strike from Josef Martinez, and good goals from their other attacking stars. The Red Bulls dropping two points helps the Five Stripes in the Supporters' Shield race, although it remains very close.
Previous: Won 3-1 vs. CLB | Next: at ORL on 8/24
2
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
The Red Bulls might be disappointed with the draw in Vancouver in a vacuum, but they did pull out a point with a late goal on what can be a daunting trip for East Coast teams. If they win their game in hand, they'll be tied atop the Shield race with Atlanta, and will hold the edge on the total wins tiebreaker.
Previous: Drew 2-2 at VAN | Next: at NYC on 8/22; vs. DC on 8/26
3
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 15
Sporting don't sit atop the Western Conference, but a three-game winning streak hands them the No. 3 spot in the eyes of the voting panel, after dispatching a suddenly reeling Timbers side with ease. Kansas City are on track to avoid the Knockout Round, which is probably a goal of theirs this season given their history.
Previous: Won 3-0 vs. POR | Next: vs. MIN on 8/25
4
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 18
It's Dallas who are on top of the West, and a solid win against a weakened Minnesota side was just what the doctor ordered. Dallas have a pretty favorable schedule from here on out, so if they stay the course they could definitely end the regular season on a roll.
Previous: Won 2-0 vs. MIN | Next: at HOU on 8/23
5
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 6
NYCFC lost the plot in the second half in Pennsylvania, and questions were being asked following their loss to the Union, notably by head coach Dome Torrent. A NY Derby midweek game could prove to be a blessing or a curse for a team that has been battling inconsistency of late.
Previous: Lost 2-0 at PHI | Next: vs. RBNY on 8/22
6
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 17
LAFC really needed to win two winnable games at home in order to solidify their playoff standing, and they did just that, giving themselves a four-point cushion in third place in the Western Conference. Their challenge this week is to get over the hump and beat the Galaxy, after falling agonizingly short in the first two El Traficos.
Previous: Won 2-0 vs. RSL; Won 2-0 vs. COL | Next: at LA on 8/24
7
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 21
Results elsewhere means the Sounders end the weekend just below the playoff line, but their six-game winning streak is joint-best in MLS this season and all signs are pointing to the postseason. But first, a mouthwatering six-pointer against ... you guessed it, the Portland Timbers.
Previous: Won 5-0 vs. LA | Next: at POR on 8/26
8
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 18
The Timbers knew this double-game week would be tough, with both games on the road. But comprehensive losses against D.C. United and Sporting KC show some real issues. This Heineken Rivalry Week clash against the Sounders isn't necessarily make-or-break, but it's pretty important.
Previous: Lost 4-1 at DC; Lost 3-0 at SKC | Next: vs. SEA on 8/26
9
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 12
Crew SC played decently for most of their match against Atlanta, but couldn't hold back the flood of late goals. The song remains the same for Gregg Berhalter's team — capable of going on a tear, but seemingly stuck in neutral for too many games these days.
Previous: Lost 3-1 at ATL | Next: at CHI on 8/23
10
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 22
Things seem to finally be clicking for the Union, above the playoff line and going for their first major silverware in the U.S. Open Cup final next month. Alejandro Bedoya has been flying under the radar but really seems to be putting together a Best XI season, while leading by example.
Previous: Won 2-0 vs. NYC | Next: vs. NE on 8/25
11
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 23
Speaking of clicking into place, D.C. needed to win their two games this week and obliged. Their fixture congestion may end up catching up to them, but for now they're riding the Audi Field wave. Their upcoming showdown at the Red Bulls will show whether they're ready to really make the jump, no matter the venue.
Previous: Won 4-1 vs. POR; Won 2-0 vs. NE | Next: at RBNY on 8/26
12
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 23
It wasn't pretty, especially as Chicago battered them in the second half, but Montreal got the magical play at the end to keep pace in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The next frontier is to improve on the road, where Remi Garde's group has gone a poor 2-9-2 this season.
Previous: Won 2-1 vs. CHI | Next: at TOR on 8/25
13
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 21
That leads us to RSL, who had two tough road games this week, came in with just one road win on the year, and pulled off a truly remarkable stoppage-time reversal to win in Houston. With other teams dropping points below them, Mike Petke's group sits in a decent position in the playoff chase right now.
Previous: Lost 2-0 at LAFC; Won 2-1 at HOU | Next: at COL on 8/25
14
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 14
It was a bad week for the Galaxy, getting pegged back at home against the Rapids and getting blown away in Seattle. While it's fair to point out the players missing vs. the Sounders, we should probably ask if injuries, suspensions and other absences are ultimately going to torpedo LA's chances in this era of their history.
Previous: Drew 2-2 vs. COL; Lost 5-0 at SEA | Next: vs. LAFC on 8/24
15
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 21
Out of context, TFC's draw at San Jose is rough (the goal they conceded was especially rough), but coming on the heels of the Canadian Championship win, on short rest in a venue TFC have struggled in, it makes more sense. Will it sink their playoff hopes, though?
Previous: Drew 1-1 at SJ | Next: vs. MTL on 8/25
16
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 20
The Kendall Waston-Tim Parker duel on Saturday was a pretty fascinating subplot, but Vancouver are just barely hanging on in the playoff chase right now. There's still hope, and a decent matchup against the Quakes coming, but the Whitecaps need to rack up some wins.
Previous: Drew 2-2 vs. RBNY | Next: at SJ on 8/25
17
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 17
The Dynamo have lost five in a row and haven't won in their last seven league games. They have to beat FC Dallas this week — and not just for bragging rights. If they don't, Year Two of the Wilmer Cabrera era has truly gone sideways.
Previous: Lost 2-1 vs. RSL | Next: vs. DAL on 8/23
18
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 14 | LOW: 23
Watching Minnesota struggle without Darwin Quintero at Dallas over the weekend reinforced his vital role. It's likely a stretch to make a credible MVP campaign for Quintero this season, but he may very well be the most important player to his team in the league.
Previous: Lost 2-0 at DAL | Next: at SKC on 8/25
19
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 17 | LOW: 23
Their loss at LAFC showed their ongoing limitations in the attack, but Colorado picked up a draw in a tricky double-game week and seem to be trending up. The problem is that their progress may not reach the level of the rest of the field.
Previous: Drew 2-2 at LA; Lost 2-0 at LAFC | Next: vs. RSL on 8/25
20
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 9 | LOW: 22
New England's woes continue with a loss at surging D.C. There's still hope for the Revolution, but with just 10 games to go, they need to get in gear, fast, to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Previous: Lost 2-0 at DC | Next: at PHI on 8/25
21
LAST WEEK: 21
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 23
Orlando City got the week off and now have a big test coming up, hosting Atlanta United on Friday. They've won just one game in their last 15, so some progress is basically what James O'Connor is looking for at this point in a frustrating season.
Previous: Idle | Next: vs. ATL on 8/24
22
LAST WEEK: 22
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 23
Another point for the Quakes, who have taken results in three of their last four games. Since the playoffs are out of reach, it would be a great rallying point to see Chris Wondolowski grab the MLS all-time scoring record by the end of the season.
Previous: Drew 1-1 vs. TOR | Next: vs. VAN on 8/25
23
LAST WEEK: 23
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 23
The Fire's broadcast after their last-minute loss at Montreal focused on Nemanja Nikolic sitting motionless on the bench after the game, and that's basically the state of the team right now. After a rousing revival last season, just about everything has gone wrong this year in Chicago.
Previous: Lost 2-1 at MTL | Next: vs. CLB on 8/23
