The Power Rankings Politburo was so bored during two weeks off they argued about anything they could: LeBron James, the Mad Men finale, Alexi vs. Ballack, anything. But with MLS back in gear, let's get down to business. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Only MLS regular-season games reflected on schedule. All times are Eastern.
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<strong>1</strong> |
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<strong>1</strong> |
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<p>Have we mentioned that they're off to their best regular-season start in team history? And they've mostly done it without Javier Morales? And that he's now healthy? Let's hang the "prohibitive favorites" tag on RSL right now.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Won at Chivas USA, 3-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-chv-v-rsl/highlights" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-chv-v-rsl/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-T-W-W-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. LA (9 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Saturday vs. San Jose (9 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>2</strong> |
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<strong>3</strong> |
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<p>Any team that features Dwayne De Rosario is bound for some kind of glory. Any team that can gut out a win when DeRo's having one of his few off games is bound for more than their fair share. Four on the trot, and rising.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Won at Philadelphia, 1-0</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-phi-v-dc/highlights" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </strong></a></li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-phi-v-dc/recap" target="_blank"><strong>FULL MATCHCENTER</strong></a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-W-W-W-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at New York (7 pm, NBCSN)</li></ul> |
<strong>3</strong> |
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<strong>5</strong> |
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<p>It must have been a relief for Sporting fans to see their team throw a physical whupping on TFC this past weekend. The pressure's not as effective as it was in April, but SKC are starting to get some swagger back — and some results again.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Defeated Toronto, 2-0</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-kc-v-tor/highlights" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </strong></a></li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-kc-v-tor/recap" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">FULL MATCHCENTER</span></strong></a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-L-T-W-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at Seattle (10 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Saturday at Philadelphia (7 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>4</strong> |
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<strong>4</strong> |
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<p>No team will have benefitted more from the break than San Jose. They got some rest for their guys who were running on fumes, got Shea Salinas and Víctor Bernárdez healthy and likely got a fairly angry Chris Wondolowski back.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Bye</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-T-T-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at Colorado (9:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Saturday at Real Salt Lake (9 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>5</strong> |
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<strong>2</strong> |
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<p>Six unbeaten didn't call for a lineup and formation change, but that's what Hans Backe put out against Chicago. His team were summarily drilled, which leads one to think they'll be back to the 4-1-4-1 again midweek at Vancouver.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Chicago, 3-1</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-17-chi-v-ny/highlights" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </strong></a></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-17-chi-v-ny/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-W-T-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday vs. D.C. United (7 pm, NBCSN)</li></ul> |
<strong>6</strong> |
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<strong>7</strong> |
<img alt="" height="58" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/vancouver_150.png" width="40"> |
<p>They're rested, they've figured out where most of the pieces fit and now they have two straight wins under their belt. They're also unbeaten in four and hopped Cascadia neighbors Seattle in the standings. Very, very impressive.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Defeated Colorado, 1-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/16/highlights-van-vs-col" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-van-v-col/recap" target="_blank"><strong>FULL MATCHCENTER</strong></a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-T-T-W-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. New York (11 pm, TSN/<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Saturday at LA (10:30 pm, TSN/<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>7</strong> |
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<strong>6</strong> |
<img alt="" height="62" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/seattle_150.png" width="62"> |
<p>Bad losses happen all the time, especially when missing your most influential player (in Seattle's case that's Ozzie Alonso). But 4-1 to an expansion side? That was rough, and the last five looks even rougher. This team's in a tailspin.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Montreal, 4-1</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/16/highlights-mtl-vs-sea" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-mtl-v-sea/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-05-12-hou-v-dc/recap" target="_blank"></a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-T-L-T-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. Sporting KC (10 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Sunday at Portland (5 pm, ESPN)</li></ul> |
<strong>8</strong> |
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<strong>8</strong> |
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<p>Only one loss in five, but neither win in that stretch has been particularly convincing. The Power Rankings Politburo wants to see more cohesion and organization in defense — especailly when Jermaine Taylor is left on an island at right back.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Defeated FC Dallas, 2-1</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/16/highlights-hou-vs-dal" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-hou-v-dal/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five:</strong> T-T-W-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. Toronto (9 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Saturday at Montreal (7:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>9</strong> |
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<strong>9</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/columbus_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>Not the hottest team in the league, merely the toughest to break down on the road. Columbus are far and away the league's toughest road defense, and that's why they're solidly in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied at New England, 0-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/16/highlights-ne-vs-clb" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-05-26-clb-v-chi/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-ne-v-clb/recap" target="_blank"></a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-T-W-W-T</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Chicago (8:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>10</strong> |
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<strong>11</strong> |
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<p>So that Chris Rolfe fellow can play a little bit, can't he? Rolfe revitalized the Fire when he came on against New York, and got himself a goal to show for it. Austin Berry and Jalil Anibaba, meanwhile, looked far more comfortable against RBNY. That's a good sign.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Defeated New York, 3-1</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-17-chi-v-ny/highlights" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </strong></a></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-17-chi-v-ny/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-W-L-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Columbus (8:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>11</strong> |
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<strong>10</strong> |
<img alt="" height="64" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/colorado_150.png" width="64"> |
<p>The Rapids are still scuffling along in second gear, but have the potential to break out when (if?) all their pieces get fit and healthy. It will have been a long time coming, but the good news is they've played well enough to stay solidly in the playoff hunt.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Vancouver, 1-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/16/highlights-van-vs-col" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-van-v-col/recap" target="_blank"><strong>FULL MATCHCENTER</strong></a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-T-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. San Jose (9:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>12</strong> |
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<strong>14</strong> |
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<p>They ended a two-game losing streak in the most emphatic fashion imaginable, absolutely hammering Seattle at Stade Saputo. They'll need to keep Nelson Rivas and Matteo Ferrari healthy — no easy task — but if they manage it, they should have legit postseason hopes.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Defeated Seattle, 4-1</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/16/highlights-mtl-vs-sea" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-mtl-v-sea/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-T-L-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at Chivas USA (10:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Saturday vs. Houston (7:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>13</strong> |
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<strong>13</strong> |
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<p>Their scoreless draw against the Crew is the definitive "Let them off the hook" game of the season. The Revs should have had that wrapped up inside 20 minutes, but just couldn't beat Andy Gruenebaum. The good news? Two straight clean sheets.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Columbus, 0-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/16/highlights-ne-vs-clb" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-05-26-clb-v-chi/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-T-L-W-T</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Saturday at Toronto (5:30 pm, <strong><a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/?utm_source=MLSsoccer&utm_medium=Article&utm_campaign=MLS%2BLive" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a></strong>)</li></ul> |
<strong>14</strong> |
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<strong>12</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chivas_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>With all the chopping and changing Robin Fraser's had to do, it seems like Chivas USA could use another entire preseason to figure out their identity. Communication was certainly an issue vs. RSL, and likely will be for weeks to come.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Real Salt Lake, 3-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-chv-v-rsl/highlights" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-chv-v-rsl/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>T-W-T-T-L</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Wednesday vs. Montreal (10:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Saturday at FC Dallas (9 pm, Galavision)</li></ul> |
<strong>15</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40"> |
<strong>17</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/losangeles_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>The Galaxy rise less because of their win over Portland and more because the teams below them are all in the danger zone. At least LA showed some fight and combo play, and Josh Saunders was sterling in his return to action.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Defeated Portland, 1-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/17/highlights-la-vs-por" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-17-la-v-por/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>T-L-L-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at Real Salt Lake (9 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Saturday vs. Vancouver (10:30 pm, TSN/<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>16</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px;"> |
<strong>15</strong> |
<img alt="" height="50" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/portland_150.png" width="50"> |
<p>Darlington Nagbe may be the most naturally gifted player in the league, but he may also be part of the problem for Portland. His passivity on the ball in the final third is maddening — he needs a dose of arrogance in attack.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at LA, 1-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/17/highlights-la-vs-por" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-17-la-v-por/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>T-T-W-T-L</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Sunday vs. Seattle (5 pm, ESPN)</li></ul> |
<strong>17</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px;"> |
<strong>16</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/dallas_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>Three losses on the trot, and 10 straight without a win across all competitions. This team has bottomed out. On the bright side, they played fairly well against Houston despite missing a bunch of starters, many of whom will be returning in coming weeks.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Houston, 2-1</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/16/highlights-hou-vs-dal" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-hou-v-dal/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-T-L-L-L</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Saturday vs. Chivas USA (9 pm, Galavision)</li></ul> |
<strong>18</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"> |
<strong>18</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/toronto_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>The Paul Mariner era began in much the same way the Aron Winter era ended: with fluffed chances in the box and blown defensive assignments. The Reds simply have to get better at fundamentals and start building toward 2013 now; 2012 is over.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Sporting KC, 2-0</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-kc-v-tor/highlights" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </strong></a></li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-kc-v-tor/recap" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">FULL MATCHCENTER</span></strong></a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-L-L-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at Houston (9 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Saturday vs. New England (5:30 pm, <strong><a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/?utm_source=MLSsoccer&utm_medium=Article&utm_campaign=MLS%2BLive" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a></strong>)</li></ul> |
<strong>19</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"> |
<strong>19</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/philadelphia_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>They were better than D.C. for most of the game last weekend, but still contrived a way to lose. That's what happens with rebuilt teams. Until they get some confidence in front of net and trust in each other, they'll be down at the bottom with TFC and FCD.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to D.C. United, 1-0</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-phi-v-dc/highlights" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </strong></a></li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-phi-v-dc/recap" target="_blank"><strong>FULL MATCHCENTER</strong></a><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-phi-v-dc/recap" target="_blank"></a></li><li><strong>Last Five</strong>: L-L-T-L-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Sporting KC (7 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
