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: CLB +3; ORL -4
1
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
The Red Bulls stay atop the Rankings despite posting a disappointing scoreless draw at home against Philly. Chalk that up to the rest of the chasing pack failing to really impress or having the week off.
Previous: Tied 0-0 vs. PHI | Next: at NE on 6/2
2
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 11
Crew SC posted a scoreless draw, too, but while a saved PK hurt their cause, going down a man at the fortress of Children's Mercy Park means their performance, with a defense that is worlds better than it has been in recent seasons, mean they make the leap up this week.
Previous: Tied 0-0 at SKC | Next: vs. TOR on 6/2
3
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
It was quieter this week, in more ways than one, with Atlanta United taking a bye week, but they've got a busy slate coming up, starting with a very tricky road test midweek at New England.
Previous: Idle | Next: at NE on 5/30; vs. PHI on 6/2
4
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 15
Sporting may have dropped a spot but they're very much among the elite. They do seem to be struggling to get goals right now – how many weeks until Felipe Gutierrez is ready to return?
Previous: Tied 0-0 vs. CLB | Next: at MIN on 6/3
5
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 5 | LOW: 18
You really can't argue with six wins in a row at this point, and a game against an inconsistent Galaxy defense coming up could lead the Timbers to sharpen their knives and make it a lucky seven.
Previous: Won 3-2 at COL | Next: vs. LA on 6/2
6
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 6
NYCFC seem to have lost their mojo since dropping their first game earlier this season. Don't take anything away from the Dynamo, who have been playing well pretty much all season, but Patrick Vieira's crew needs a kickstart before the dog days arrive.
Previous: Lost 3-1 at HOU | Next: vs. ORL on 6/2
7
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 17
LAFC have fallen down to earth the past month, but are still in good form and playing well overall. But with up to six players (all starting-caliber) missing for the game at FC Dallas, their first real adversity is here.
Previous: Tied 1-1 vs. DC | Next: at DAL on 6/2
8
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 18
Jesse Gonzalez bursts back onto the scene, and FC Dallas continue to plug along at a good clip. If the reports about Oscar Pareja benching players for underperforming – even temporarily – are true, the move appears to be paying off.
Previous: Won 1-0 at TOR | Next: at LA on 5/30; vs. LAFC on 6/2
9
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 15
The Dynamo are finding results to go with their performances, finally, but this week represents a real crucible. Two road games, but against teams in RSL and the Impact that can be had, even at home.
Previous: Won 3-1 vs. NYC | Next: at RSL on 5/30; at MTL on 6/2
10
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 9 | LOW: 22
Out of context, a road draw in Vancouver is a fantastic result, but the Revs won't be happy that they dropped two different leads to tie. Now, they've got arguably the toughest slate of the week coming up, with games against Atlanta and the Red Bulls coming. The good news is both games will be at Gillette Stadium.
Previous: Tied 3-3 at VAN | Next: vs. ATL on 5/30; vs. RBNY on 6/2
11
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 11
Only one team, the Impact, have lost more games than TFC so far this season. What's worse is they've yet to pick up any points away from home this season, and they've got a big game against Columbus coming up. If they win, it could get them going. If not, the hurt will continue for the defending champs.
Previous: Lost 1-0 vs. DAL | Next: at CLB on 6/2
12
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 14
The Galaxy are grinding out wins, which they pretty much have to do at this point. But they've got two tough games this week, against FC Dallas and the Timbers – it could be a big week for Sigi Schmid & Co., or it could send them back to the drawing board.
Previous: Won 1-0 vs. SJ | Next: vs. DAL on 5/30; at POR on 6/2
13
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 22
The Union are unbeaten in three, and look pretty solid right now. Given their youth, they're bound to have more stumbling blocks ahead, but if they can finally, finally start scoring on the regular they'll be in the reckoning for the playoffs. It could happen!
Previous: Tied 0-0 at RBNY | Next: vs. CHI on 5/30; at ATL on 6/2
14
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 19
Oof, the Lions followed up their six-game winning streak with three straight losses. The defeat at home against Chicago was particularly tough, as it's exactly the kind of game a contending team gets at least something from.
Previous: Lost 2-1 vs. CHI | Next: at NYC on 6/2
15
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 15
Four straight draws is better than four consecutive losses, of course, but as other Western Conference teams find form, their inconsistency means they're slowly falling down the table.
Previous: Tied 3-3 vs. NE | Next: at COL on 6/1
16
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 23
Speaking of inconsistency, the Fire have been the picture of that this season, but perhaps they can build on a solid win in Orlando with a two-game week against two opponents that can be beat in the Union and Earthquakes?
Previous: Won 2-1 at ORL | Next: at PHI on 5/30; vs. SJ on 6/2
17
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 21
RSL keep pace with the playoff pack in the West with a win over the sputtering Sounders. Sebastian Saucedo's goal to win it should leave him the now undisputed top Bofo in MLS history.
Previous: Won 1-0 at SEA | Next: vs. HOU on 5/30; vs. SEA on 6/2
18
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 15 | LOW: 23
The Loons won a game at home they should have, and they're rewarded with an away game to Sporting KC. On the bright side, they held the high-flying team to a draw at home earlier this month, but doing it in Kansas City is going to be much harder.
Previous: Won 2-0 vs. MTL | Next: at SKC on 6/3
19
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 21
The Sounders' woes continue with a home loss against a struggling team. Players are publicly expressing support for Brian Schmetzer. Safe to say they could really use a win in the reverse fixture in Utah this week.
Previous: Lost 1-0 vs. RSL | Next: at RSL on 6/2
20
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 18 | LOW: 23
A four-point road swing the last two weeks should give D.C. plenty of optimism with the never-ending road trip rolling on. They'll get a bye week to eat up some time before July 14 comes around.
Previous: Tied 1-1 at LAFC | Next: at SEA on 6/9
21
LAST WEEK: 21
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 22
Danny Hoesen was this close to rescuing a draw for San Jose in the California Clasico, but it wasn't to be. He seems to be the only San Jose player who's really producing at the moment.
Previous: Lost 1-0 at LA | Next: at CHI on 6/2
22
LAST WEEK: 22
HIGH: 17 | LOW: 23
The Rapids are on a six-game losing streak and the season feels like it's just about slipping away. If they want to compete in the West, they'll need to turn it around ASAP.
Previous: Lost 3-2 vs. POR | Next: vs. VAN on 6/1
23
LAST WEEK: 23
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 23
The Impact have lost eight of their last nine games, and they look like their playoff charge is effectively over already.
Previous: Lost 2-0 at MIN | Next: vs. HOU on 6/2
