Don't look now, but there's a new threat in the Eastern Conference burning up the Power Rankings. The Chicago Fire are on a hot streak (OK, enough puns), and we can't help but feel the heat (seriously, done). Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Only MLS regular-season games reflected on schedule. All times are Eastern.
<strong>Rank</strong> |
<strong>Trending</strong> |
<strong>Last </strong> |
<strong>Club</strong> |
<strong>Comment</strong> |
<strong>1</strong> |
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<strong>1</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sanjose_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>Three games in June, three different lineups, three one-goal wins. Also, three game-winning goals from Chris Wondolowski. That guy's good.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Defeated LA, 4-3</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/07/01/highlights-sj-vs-la" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-sj-v-la/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-W-W-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Tuesday at Portland (10:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Saturday at FC Dallas (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>4</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/dc_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>D.C. were feelin' it against Montreal, mixing and matching throughout the midfield and getting vertical in the attack whenever a seam opened. This team just seems to be getting better and better, and their confidence is soaring.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Defeated Montreal, 3-0</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/30/highlights-mtl-vs-dc" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</strong></a></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-dc-v-mtl/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-W-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Bye</li></ul> |
<strong>3</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px;"> |
<strong>2</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newyork_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>The Red Bulls have made themselves into one of the league's toughest outs, and with a schedule that features 10 of the last 16 at home (where they're undefeated), look poised to make their first-ever serious run at a Supporters' Shield.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied at Toronto FC, 1-1</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/30/highlights-tor-vs-ny" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </strong></a></li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-tor-v-ny/recap" target="_blank"><strong>FULL MATCHCENTER </strong></a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>T-L-T-W-T</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at New England (7 pm, Galavision)</li></ul> |
<strong>4</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px;"> |
<strong>3</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/saltlake_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>So much for RSL being the team to beat. Two weeks ago, they were clearly in pole position, holding a game in hand, a league-best goal differential and four of five at home. Now they've dropped three straight and looked listless doing so. What happened?</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Columbus, 2-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/30/highlights-clb-vs-rsl" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-clb-v-rsl/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-L-L-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. Seattle (10 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Saturday vs. Portland (9 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>5</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40"> |
<strong>7</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chicago_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>We still don't know what's going on with Sebastián Grazzini, but it might be immaterial with Chris Rolfe, Marco Pappa and Patrick Nyarko playing so well. The real concern may be a midsummer swoop from a European suitor for Pappa, who's been one of the league's best this season.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Won at Sporting Kansas City, 1-0</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/29/highlights-skc-vs-chi" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </strong></a></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-29-kc-v-chi/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-L-W-W-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Tuesday at Houston (8:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Sunday vs. LA (3 pm, ESPN)</li></ul> |
<strong>6</strong> |
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<strong>5</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sportingkc_logo.png" width="55"> |
<p>Peter Vermes made a deal with the devil in March and April, taxing his team physically in the proces of going 7-0-0. Now comes the hard part, as Sporting have to power through their dead legs during the heat of the summer. So far it's not looking very promising as they're a woeful 2-5-2 in their last nine.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Chicago, 1-0</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/29/highlights-skc-vs-chi" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </strong></a></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-29-kc-v-chi/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-T-L-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at Montreal (7 pm, TSN/<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Saturday vs. Houston (8 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>7</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px;"> |
<strong>6</strong> |
<img alt="" height="58" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/vancouver_150.png" width="40"> |
<p>The arrival of Barry Robson and some roster flexibility thanks to shipping out Long Tan looks nice, but midseason shakeups often end up having the opposite of the desired effect. If this ends with Martin Rennie scoring another reliable central defender, though, he'll have done well.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Bye</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>T-W-W-T-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 Chivas USA (10:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>8</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"> |
<strong>8</strong> |
<img alt="" height="62" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/seattle_150.png" width="62"> |
<p>Got to give them credit for outplaying New England on the road, but at some point those draws have to turn into wins even when the calls are going against you. At least the Sounders held a lead for the first time in months, but now they have to learn to keep one.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied at New England, 2-2</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/30/highlights-sea-vs-ne" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-ne-v-sea/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five:</strong> T-L-T-L-T</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at Real Salt Lake (10 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Saturday vs. Colorado (11 pm, NBCSN)</li></ul> |
<strong>9</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"> |
<strong>9</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/houston_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>Still muddling along. In truth, Philly outplayed the Dynamo throughout most of the second half, a worrisome sign when you consider that the Union are hardly the cream of the crop. Dominic Kinnear teams usually switch on around now, which is what Houston fans will be hoping for.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Defeated Philadelphia, 2-1</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/30/highlights-hou-vs-phi" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </strong></a></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-hou-v-phi/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-W-T-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Tuesday vs. Chicago (8:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Saturday at Sporting Kansas City (8 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>10</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40"> |
<strong>11</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/columbus_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>It's getting to the point where Robert Warzycha's rebuilding job may deserve a slow clap, <em>Lucas</em>-style. Tony Tchani's turned into a legitimate force, Andy Gruenebaum is a match-winner and Josh Williams is one of the three or so most impressive young central defenders in the league.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Defeated Real Salt Lake, 2-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/30/highlights-clb-vs-rsl" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-clb-v-rsl/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-T-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at Montreal (7:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>11</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40"> |
<strong>12</strong> |
<img alt="" height="64" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/colorado_150.png" width="64"> |
<p>They've hung around, and hung around, and hung around, and now they finally have Conor Casey and Omar Cummings back. Even better, they have Martín Rivero and Jaime Castrillón in the midfield to feed them. If their defense stays healthy, they'll rise.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Defeated Portland, 3-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/30/highlights-col-vs-por" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-col-v-por/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>T-W-L-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. Vancouver (9:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Saturday at Seattle (11 pm, NBCSN)</li></ul> |
<strong>12</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px;"> |
<strong>10</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/losangeles_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>Well, at least they won't be without David Beckham for a month. LA are certainly playing with an edge — their English DP most especially — but the defense is still smoke and mirrors without Omar Gonzalez. The good news is that he'll be back sooner than later.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at San Jose, 4-3</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/07/01/highlights-sj-vs-la" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-sj-v-la/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-W-W-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. Philadelphia (10:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Sunday at Chicago (3 pm, ESPN)</li></ul> |
<strong>13</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40"> |
<strong>14</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newengland_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>The latest reports have them signing Honduran target-man Jerry Bengtson, who'd be an upgrade over what they currently have. But the Revs need to upgrade the backline, not the offense, which has been coming around lately after a slow start to the year.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Seattle, 2-2</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/30/highlights-sea-vs-ne" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-ne-v-sea/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-W-T-T-T</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Sunday vs. New York (7 pm, Galavision)</li></ul> |
<strong>14</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px;"> |
<strong>13</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imapact-logo-3.png" style="width: 52px; height: 60px;"> |
<p>Turns out Matteo Ferrari and Nelson Rivas were even more important than we thought. The Serie A twosome have made the Impact look like a playoff team when they're healthy. When they're not, they look like roadkill. More help could be on the way but, if he accepts their offer, will Alessandro Nesta really stay healthy?</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Toronto, 3-0; Lost to D.C. United, 3-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/27/highlights-mtl-vs-tor" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a> / <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-27-mtl-v-tor/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong>(TOR)</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/30/highlights-mtl-vs-dc" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</strong></a><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-dc-v-mtl/recap" target="_blank"> / FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong> (DC)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-W-L-L</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Wednesday vs. Sporting Kansas City (7:30 pm, TSN/<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Sunday vs. Columbus (7:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>15</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"> |
<strong>15</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chivas_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>They had a bye week in the league, but rode a pair of José Erick Correa goals into the US Open Cup semifinals. Robin Fraser has to be quite pleased with both his young strikers, but the time to put together a league run is rapidly dwindling.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Bye</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>T-T-L-W-T</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Vancouver (10:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>16</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/philadelphia_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>The losses keep piling up, but right now they're the losses of a young team that's making young mistakes, not a confused team making confused mistakes. There's a "RSL in 2007" air about this group, but they'll need to take a few more lumps along the way.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Houston, 2-1</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/30/highlights-hou-vs-phi" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </strong></a></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-hou-v-phi/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>T-L-L-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Wednesday at LA (10:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>),Sunday vs. Toronto (4 pm ET, TSN / <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>17</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40"> |
<strong>18</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/toronto_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>Unbeaten in four, and getting harder to play by the week. Paul Mariner has his young defenders pushing higher and his old midfielders working harder to close down space, and so far the results have been mostly positive. And what is left to say about Danny Koevermans? Simply brilliant.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Won at Montreal, 3-0; Tied New York, 1-1</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/27/highlights-mtl-vs-tor" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a> / <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-27-mtl-v-tor/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong>(MTL)</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-tor-v-ny/recap" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS / FULL MATCHCENTER </strong></a>(NY)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-T-T-W-T</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Wednesday at FC Dallas (9 pm, TSN/ <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>), Sunday at Philadelphia (4 pm ET, TSN / <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank"><strong>MLS Live</strong></a>)</li></ul> |
<strong>18</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="50" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/portland_150.png" width="50"> |
<p>What has happened to Portland? The heat and altitude of Colorado are some excuse, but it's not like they were in Lima. Teams have gone into Commerce City before and come out with a result. The fight just doesn't seem to be there for this bunch, which has to drive John Spencer nuts.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Colorado, 3-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/06/30/highlights-col-vs-por" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS </a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-col-v-por/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>T-W-L-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Tuesday vs. San Jose (10:30 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>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/dallas_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>David Ferreira is expected back, which is great news for any MLS fan. Blas Pérez is nearly recovered, which is also good news. But FCD may have dug themselves too big a hole in their absense to really think about the playoffs, barring a miracle run of form.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Bye</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>T-L-L-L-T</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. Toronto (9 pm, TSN/ <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> |
