MLS Power Rankings, Week 17: D.C. United vault into top five while Houston Dynamo remain rooted

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<strong>1</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 1</p>

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<p>Sigi&#39;s <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/07/06/sigi-schmid-refuses-use-absences-excuse-seattle-sounders-fall-cascadia-clash" target="_blank">not using the absences as an excuse</a>, but we will.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-05-vancouver-whitecaps-fc-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/recap">Lost at Vancouver, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-W-W-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Sunday vs. Portland (10 pm; ESPN2/Deportes)</li></ul>

<strong>2</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 2</p>

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<p>Got an ugly, opportunistic goal, and gave up one of the same. Sporting&#39;s still a good bet to win the East, but that Supporters&#39; Shield is slipping away.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-06-sporting-kansas-city-vs-chicago-fire/recap" target="_blank">Drew at Chicago, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-L-W-W-D</li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday at Montreal (7:30 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>/ TSN2/RDS)</li></ul>

<strong>3</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 3</p>

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<p>Amazing what getting guys like Beckerman and Rimando back can do, isn&#39;t it?</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-04-real-salt-lake-vs-new-england-revolution/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. New England, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-D-L-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at LA (10:30 pm;&nbsp;<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)</li></ul>

<strong>4</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 5</p>

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<p>Classic rope-a-dope performance from a team that&#39;s still much better in transition than in possession.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-05-vancouver-whitecaps-fc-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Seattle, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-D-D-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Chivas USA (10 pm ET;&nbsp;<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>/TSN2)</li></ul>

<strong>5</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 6</p>

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<p>Gutty, tough road win against a conference rival. D.C.&#39;s come a long way since last year.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-05-toronto-fc-vs-dc-united/recap" target="_blank">Won at Toronto, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-D-W-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Friday at San Jose (11 pm, NBCSN)</li></ul>

<strong>6</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; width: 30px; height: 30px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 4</p>

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<p>Disappointing home result after a bit of good road work. TFC&#39;s going to be close to whole starting this weekend, and now we get to see if they really are challengers.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-02-chicago-fire-vs-toronto-fc/recap" target="_blank">Drew at Chicago, 1-1</a><br><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-05-toronto-fc-vs-dc-united/recap" target="_blank">Lost to D.C., 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-D-D-L</li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday vs. Houston (7 pm;&nbsp;<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)</li></ul>

<strong>7</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 7</p>

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<p>Still a very tough team to beat, but still very, very willing to cough up points. When does Robbie Keane start playing like Robbie Keane, by the way?</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-04-la-galaxy-vs-portland-timbers/recap" target="_blank">Drew vs. Portland, 2-2</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-D-D-W-D</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Real Salt Lake (10:30 pm;&nbsp;<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)</li></ul>

<strong>8</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 8</p>

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<p>Dillon Powers owes his team a steak dinner. Worst pass of the year.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-04-colorado-rapids-vs-columbus-crew/recap" target="_blank">Drew vs. Columbus, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-D-L-W-D</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Philadelphia (7 pm;&nbsp;<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)</li></ul>

<strong>9</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 10</p>

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<p>That last five doesn&#39;t inspire great confidence, especially with a trip to the league leaders staring them in the face. Liam Ridgewell has to be ready to step in and contribute right away.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-04-la-galaxy-vs-portland-timbers/recap" target="_blank">Drew at LA, 2-2</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-W-D-L-D</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at Seattle (10 pm; ESPN2/Deportes)</li></ul><ul></ul>

<strong>10</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; width: 30px; height: 30px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 9</p>

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<p>No panic yet, but definitely some concern. The good news is that they&#39;re still generating good looks - they just need to finish a few.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-04-real-salt-lake-vs-new-england-revolution/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Real Salt Lake, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-L-L-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Chicago (7:30 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)</li></ul>

<strong>11</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 11</p>

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<p>The Red Bulls remain one of the most attractive attacking teams in the league, as well as one of the most undisciplined defensively.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week:&nbsp;</strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-04-houston-dynamo-vs-new-york-red-bulls/recap" target="_blank">Drew at Houston, 2-2</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-D-W-D-D</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Columbus (7 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)</li></ul>

<strong>12</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 13</p>

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<p>Props to Dallas for surviving their injury glut and staying in the playoff picture. Now, with Mauro Diaz back, they can start to make a push.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-04-fc-dallas-vs-philadelphia-union/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Philadelphia, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-W-D-D-W</li><li><strong>Next MLS Game: </strong>July 19 vs. New England</li></ul>

<strong>13</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; width: 30px; height: 30px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 12</p>

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<p>The Power Rankings Politburo hopes this team can land Carlos Valdes. It&#39;d be great to have him back in the league.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-04-fc-dallas-vs-philadelphia-union/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Dallas, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-W-D-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Colorado (7 pm;&nbsp;<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)</li></ul>

<strong>14</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 14</p>

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<p>Well, they&#39;re still pretty tough to beat. And maybe the answer up top is Aaron Schoenfeld, who&#39;s tearing up USL PRO.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week:&nbsp;</strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-04-colorado-rapids-vs-columbus-crew/recap" target="_blank">Drew at Colorado, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-D-D-D-D</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at New York (7 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)</li></ul>

<strong>15</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 18</p>

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<p>Cubo! Chivas are playing some hideous soccer, but it&#39;s reaping some beautiful results.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-02-san-jose-earthquakes-vs-chivas-usa/recap" target="_blank">Won at San Jose, 1-0</a><br><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-05-chivas-usa-vs-montreal-impact/recap">Won vs. Montreal, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-D-W-W-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Vancouver (10 pm ET;&nbsp;<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)</li></ul>

<strong>16</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 16</p>

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<p>The Fire now have 10 draws in 16 games. The record for an entire season is 16 draws. This has the feel of a record-breaking team!</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-02-chicago-fire-vs-toronto-fc/recap">Drew vs. Toronto, 1-1</a><br><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-06-sporting-kansas-city-vs-chicago-fire/recap" target="_blank">Drew vs. Kansas City, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-D-L-D-D</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at New England (7:30 pm;&nbsp;<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a></li></ul>

<strong>17</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; width: 30px; height: 30px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 15</p>

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<p>If they&#39;d been a bit smarter - a bit tighter defensively - they would have picked up their third straight shutout. Still too much naivete from this team in spite of the improved form.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week:&nbsp;</strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-05-chivas-usa-vs-montreal-impact/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Chivas USA, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-D-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Kansas City (7:30 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>/ TSN2/RDS)</li></ul>

<strong>18</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; width: 30px; height: 30px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 17</p>

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They&#39;re getting Wondo back, which is great. But the real problem is that neither Steven Lenhart nor Alan Gordon are at all dangerous anymore. 2012 seems like a million years ago.&nbsp;<br><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-02-san-jose-earthquakes-vs-chivas-usa/recap">Lost to Chivas USA, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-L-L-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Friday vs. D.C. (11 pm, NBCSN)</li></ul>

<strong>19</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 19</p>

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<p>Having Brad Davis and Rico Clark back in the lineup helps, but this team is still a sieve on defense.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-07-04-houston-dynamo-vs-new-york-red-bulls/recap" target="_blank">Drew vs. New York, 2-2</a></li><li><strong>Last Five:&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>L-L-L-L-D</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Toronto (7 pm;&nbsp;<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)</li></ul>