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: LA, RSL +3; SKC -4
1
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
The Five Stripes split the points in a double-game week, but considering both games were on the road and other teams near the top of the standings dropped points, it was a pretty good week. Their fate for the Supporters' Shield appears to be fully in their hands.
Previous: Lost 3-2 at DAL; Won 2-0 at PHI | Next: vs. SEA on 7/15
2
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 18
Portland make their highest placing of the season, and it's probably not a surprise considering they haven't lost in 11 games in league play (make that 13 across all competitions). As the Armchair Analyst noted, they may be relying on a few moments of magic each game, but so far it's working.
Previous: Won 2-1 vs. SJ | Next: at LAFC on 7/15
3
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 17
LAFC quickly got over their midweek stoppage-time collapse in Houston with a win that turned out to be commanding at home against a reeling Orlando City team. They're never boring, let's put it that way. Will new Designated PlayerAndre Horta make his debut against the Timbers?
Previous: Drew 2-2 at HOU; Won 4-1 vs. ORL | Next: vs. POR on 7/15
4
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
The Red Bulls had a wobble in the NY Derby, but it was a rivalry game played on a knife's edge. With Jesse Marsch gone and Chris Armas the new head coach, will the system really show it's paramount for the Red Bulls, or will we see some contrast between the two managers' approaches?
Previous: Lost 1-0 at NYC | Next: vs. SKC on 7/14
5
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 6
NYCFC got a needed derby win, and their strategy of mucking it up with the Red Bulls was itself a fascinating contrast between Dome Torrent and Patrick Vieira. Moving forward, will Torrent aim to account for opponents more, or was this result a one-off?
Previous: Won 1-0 vs. RBNY | Next: vs. MTL on 7/11
6
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 15
Sporting had a tough week, falling flat in RSL and failing to hold onto a lead against TFC. That said, the young players are getting plenty of run right now, and dropping a few points now may serve SKC well come season's end if they can pick up playoff wins.
Previous: Lost 4-2 at RSL; Drew 2-2 vs. TOR | Next: at RBNY on 7/14
7
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 18
It was a mixed double-game week for Dallas, who got a huge comeback against Atlanta, spearheaded by Tesho Akindele, but struggled against RSL. They've already signed a new left back, but will Dallas be looking to make any more significant moves this summer to put them over the top?
Previous: Won 3-2 vs. ATL; Lost 2-0 at RSL | Next: vs. CHI on 7/14
8
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 15
The Dynamo looked dead for most of their game against LAFC, though their very late comeback probably gave them a boost for their second game of the week, which they won handily. The Dynamo remain an enigma, but they're showing good more than bad.
Previous: Drew 2-2 vs. LAFC; Won 3-0 vs. MIN | Next: at COL on 7/14
9
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 9 | LOW: 22
The Revs struggled to do much of anything beyond defend the Sounders, but the same can be said of their opponent. Just past the halfway point, New England are on solid but not quite assured footing in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Previous: Drew 0-0 vs. SEA | Next: vs. LA on 7/14
10
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 14
LA left the door open for D.C. United midweek, who duly obliged, but they may have finally exorcised their defensive demons against a game Crew SC outfit. There's a lot of soccer to be played, but the Galaxy will truly only go as far as their defense takes them.
Previous: Drew 2-2 vs. DC; Won 4-0 vs. CLB | Next: at NE on 7/14
11
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 11
Columbus continued their slump, losing their third game in four, although they did play pretty well in LA before conceding the opening goal. The bright side is that they've stocked up points to weather a skid, but we all know in MLS that cushion won't last forever.
Previous: Lost 4-0 at LA | Next: at NYC on 7/14
12
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 23
The Impact are on a roll, and are at their highest point of the season in the Power Rankings after winning their fourth straight game and five in six. They have a tricky double-game week, however, with a tough match at Yankee Stadium against NYCFC before a favorable home game against the Quakes.
Previous: Won 2-1 vs. COL | Next: at NYC on 7/11; vs. SJ on 7/14
13
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 23
Speaking of double-game weeks, the Fire are also on one this coming week, and if they can get points against both Philly and Dallas, their playoff position will be considerably better. Luck hasn't seemed to be on their side very often this year, however.
Previous: Lost 3-2 at VAN | Next: vs. PHI on 7/11; at DAL on 7/14
14
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 21
RSL jump up the Power Rankings after winning two against two Western contenders and are firmly in the middle of the playoff teams in their conference. Last time they were on a winning streak, however, they picked up just one point in three. Can they avoid that this time?
Previous: Won 4-2 vs. SKC; Won 2-0 vs. DAL | Next: at MIN on 7/14
15
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 22
The Union's lack of offensive production is truly worrisome at this point, as they defended well and had plenty of chances against Atlanta, and really could have gotten a result with an in-form scorer. Will there be any significant moves on that front in the summer transfer window?
Previous: Lost 2-0 vs. ATL | Next: at CHI on 7/11
16
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 16
Vancouver get a win but drop a spot, likely due to the movement around them. Their next game is about as tough as it gets, facing a jacked-up D.C. United at the opening of Audi Field. That said, if the Whitecaps can grab a win, they'll have the full attention of the league.
Previous: Won 3-2 vs. CHI | Next: at DC on 7/14
17
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 17
The silver lining is that TFC ended the double-game week on a positive note, with a gritty draw at Sporting KC. But they're five games winless and eight points out of the final playoff spot, and have mostly caught up in terms of games played. Times are tough in Toronto.
Previous: Lost 4-3 at MIN; Drew 2-2 at SKC | Next: at ORL on 7/14
18
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 21
The Sounders had a low-key good week, picking up four points in two tough road games. Now, they'll get to see what Raul Ruidiaz can do, although they've got a tricky assignment as they visit Atlanta United. Regardless, every game is a final for Seattle, as they've said.
Previous: Won 2-1 at COL; Drew 0-0 at NE | Next: at ATL on 7/15
19
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 18 | LOW: 23
Let's take a moment to congratulate D.C. United as they get set to open Audi Field, their brand-new soccer-specific stadium, in their 23rd season. It's been a long time coming, and here's hoping it becomes a worthy home in no time.
Previous: Drew 2-2 at LA | Next: vs. VAN on 7/14
20
LAST WEEK: 21
HIGH: 15 | LOW: 23
Darwin Quintero had perhaps the most beautiful hat trick in MLS history, but let's be honest, Minnesota nearly dropped points in a game where they scored four goals. The inconsistency is just killing them on a regular basis.
Previous: Won 4-3 vs. TOR; Lost 3-0 at HOU | Next: vs. RSL on 7/14
21
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 17 | LOW: 23
Rough week for the Rapids, losing twice. What should they do with the summer transfer window here? Stick with the retooled roster they have and give them more time, or try to make moves that can help the team now and in the long run?
Previous: Lost 2-1 vs SEA; Lost 2-1 at MTL | Next: vs. HOU on 7/14
22
LAST WEEK: 22
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 22
The Earthquakes couldn't keep up with the Timbers, and next they have a cross-continental trip against the Impact. They've already signed a new defender, and if he's an upgrade who integrates quickly, that could help San Jose tremendously in the second half of the campaign.
Previous: Lost 2-1 at POR | Next: at MTL on 7/14
23
LAST WEEK: 23
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 23
Despite losing their ninth game in a row, Orlando City were well in their game against LAFC through 80 minutes. They've got plenty to work on, but if James O'Connor can find quick improvements, there's hope they can avoid the wrong kind of history.
Previous: Lost 4-1 at LAFC | Next: vs. TOR on 7/14
