BIGGEST MOVERS: Montreal, NYCFC +4 spots | Seattle, D.C. United -4 spots
1
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 1
Gave up a ton of shots (19) and needed an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey... and that's exactly what they got. You come at the champs, you'd best not miss.
Latest result: Won vs. Columbus, 2-1
Next MLS match: Sunday at San Jose
2
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 2
Dominated an outmatched Philly team, but ended the day with a big worry after Fabian Castillo was stretchered off with an abductor injury. They have the depth to manage without the Colombian in the short term, but if they're going to be the top team in the West they'll need him back soon.
Latest result: Won vs. Philadelphia, 2-0
Next MLS match: Saturday at Houston
3
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 6
Surrendered a ton of possession and completed less than 60 percent of their passes, but their defensive shape was outstanding and they were lethal on the counter over the game's last 10 minutes. Three beautiful and hard-earned road points.
Latest result: Won at New York, 2-0
Next MLS match: Sunday at New York City (ESPN2)
4
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 8
No Drogba, no problem. Everything Montreal did ran through Ignacio Piatti, and the midfield behind him was skillful and creative enough to pose all kinds of problems against a good Vancouver team.
Latest result: Won at Vancouver, 3-2
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. New York
5
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 5
Played well, but their finishing was poor (aside from Federico Higuain's brilliant finish) and were undone by mistakes in the back. This makes it three straight times that the Timbers have topped Crew SC by a 2-1 scoreline.
Latest result: Lost at Portland, 2-1
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Philadelphia
6
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 9
They were pretty thoroughly outplayed until Mike Magee rode in with a brace to save the day. The chemistry between Magee (2013 MVP) and Robbie Keane (2014 MVP) is undeniable.
Latest result: Won vs. D.C. United, 4-1
Next MLS match: Saturday at Colorado
7
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 7
The team overcommitted on attack in pursuit of the game-winner and got burned. The 2015 version of this team was exceptionally good at bouncing back from disappointment; we'll see if the 2016 group is the same way.
Latest result: Lost vs. Toronto, 2-0
Next MLS match: Saturday at Montreal
8
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 5 | LOW: 9
David Ousted had a shocker and Fraser Aird had an extremely tough welcome to MLS. The good news is that this team created a ton of chances regardless of the game state or Montreal's tactical bent. Now they just need to finish...
Latest result: Lost vs. Montreal, 3-2
Next MLS match: Saturday at Sporting KC
9
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 9 | LOW: 11
There was almost nothing pretty about their season-opening win except for the 1-0 scoreline. The fact that they got 3 points on the road against a conference rival, though, makes that scoreline absolutely beautiful.
Latest result: Won at Seattle, 1-0
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Vancouver
10
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 10
They were fun and inventive in attack, and could have had three more goals. Similar to last season, though, the defense started by showing off some bad old habits.
Latest result: Drew at Houston, 3-3
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. D.C. United
11
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 11
The extent of Brad Evans's shoulder injury isn't yet known, but it didn't look good. Seattle have had a start to the season – between this game and the CCL – that's been both promising and absolutely dispiriting.
Latest result: Lost vs. Sporting KC, 1-0
Next MLS match: Saturday at Real Salt Lake
12
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 16
Any road win is a great win, so obviously Patrick Vieira and Co. will be happy. Getting stand-out performances from guys like Tommy McNamara, Tony Taylor and Khiry Shelton hints at even better things to come.
Latest result: Won at Chicago, 4-3
Next MLS match: Sunday vs. Toronto (ESPN2)
13
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 13 | LOW: 14
Grit and grind and Wondo scoring his 110th goal.
Latest result: Won vs. Colorado, 1-0
Next MLS match: Sunday vs. Portland (FS1)
14
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 14
Played without all three Designated Players (Kaká, Carlos Rivas and Bryan Rochez) and used a reconstructed backline in front of a new goalkeeper in Joe Bendik. They went a man down and two goals down. And you know what? Sometimes when you have a great forward like Cyle Larin, none of the above matters.
Latest result: Drew vs. Real Salt Lake, 2-2
Next MLS match: Friday vs. Chicago (UniMás/UDN)
15
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 15 | LOW: 15
Three matches into 2016, and RSL have now had three late breakdowns. This is a pattern of conceding late goals that extends back into 2015. They really, really need it to stop.
Latest result: Drew at Orlando City, 2-2
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Seattle
16
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 16 | LOW: 17
Had the result at their feet and let it slip away with some lax marking and an inability to close down on the flank. The attack, however, looked very promising.
Latest result: Drew vs. New England, 3-3
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Dallas
17
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 13 | LOW: 17
Could've – maybe should've – taken a multi-goal lead into the break due to some blown chances. They didn't, and were then totally outclassed in the second half. They're now 2-7-1 in their last 10 regular season games.
Latest result: Lost at LA Galaxy, 4-1
Next MLS match: Saturday at New England
18
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 18 | LOW: 19
A tough start to the Veljko Paunovic era. At the very least, this game produced a lot of tape on what not to do in defense.
Latest result: Lost vs. New York City, 4-3
Next MLS match: Friday at Orlando City (UniMás/UDN)
19
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 18 | LOW: 19
Andre Blake was outstanding. With the back four still learning each other's names, he'll have to be.
Latest result: Lost at Dallas, 2-0
Next MLS match: Saturday at Columbus
20
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 20 | LOW: 20
This vote was far from unanimous – Colorado looked dangerous throughout the game's final half-hour, and the defense was mostly good. Yes, they were shut out, but no, this doesn't feel like last season.
Latest result: Lost at San Jose, 1-0
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. LA Galaxy
Only MLS league games will be reflected in the rankings. Rankings are voted on by MLSsoccer.com editorial staff and remarks are written by Senior Editor Matt Doyle (@MLSAnalyst).
