BIGGEST MOVERS: NYC +6 spots | Philadelphia -4 spots
1
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
The "will he, won't he?" with Fabian Castillo obscured something of a milestone: With this weekend's results, Dallas have taken sole possession of the PPG lead for the first time all season. They continue to be favorites with or without their livewire Colombian winger.
Latest result: Won vs. Vancouver, 2-0
Last five results: W-L-W-D-W
Next MLS match: August 13 vs. Sporting KC (MLS LIVE)
2
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 9
Over the past two months they've played nine games, scored just eight goals and lost only once (4-1-4). Bet against them at your peril.
Latest result: Drew at Seattle, 1-1
Last five results: W-W-W-W-D
Next MLS match: Sunday vs. NY Red Bulls (FS1 in US; MLS LIVE in Canada)
3
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 9
The Power Rankings Politburo would like to welcome Sebastian Giovinco back into the MVP race, as he's gone supernova for the last 180 minutes. TFC have the East's best record over the last five, as well as the easiest remaining schedule of any team in the league.
Latest result: Won vs. Columbus, 3-0
Last five results: W-D-L-W-W
Next MLS match: Wednesday vs. Real Salt Lake (MLS LIVE in US; TSN4/RDS2 in Canada); Saturday vs. New England (MLS LIVE)
4
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 20
That was an emphatic bounce-back following last week's 4-1 humiliation. The movement from the front four -- even without David Villa -- was devastating, and future Ireland international Tommy McNamara has an argument for "Best American Attacker in MLS."
Latest result: Won vs. Colorado, 5-1
Last five results: W-L-W-L-W
Next MLS match: Friday at San Jose (UniMás in US; MLS LIVE in Canada)
5
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 20
And... thud. Take nothing away from Colorado, who've had a remarkable season thus far. But this loss should emphasize just how hard it will be for anyone to ever come close to RSL's record of conceding just 20 goals in the 2010 season. Hard to see that mark being legitimately threatened anytime soon.
Latest result: Lost at NYCFC, 5-1
Last five results: D-D-W-D-L
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Vancouver (MLS LIVE in US; TSN in Canada)
6
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 17
They've become very difficult to beat following their miserable start to the season, and reports have them adding a pair of veteran European attackers before the transfer window closes. In truth, though, the Dax McCartyknee injury is a serious issue as the Red Bulls vastly different team without their captain.
Latest result: Drew at Chicago, 2-2
Last five results: D-W-D-W-D
Next MLS match: Sunday at LA Galaxy (FS1 in US; MLS LIVE in Canada)
7
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 15
Got a pair of golazos from their genius attackers, but we're still waiting for a comprehensive, 90-minute performance during which they're exerting sustained pressure and controlling the game. RSL are more opportunistic than dominant.
Latest result: Won at Philadelphia, 2-1
Last five results: D-L-D-D-W
Next MLS match: Wednesday at Toronto (MLS LIVE in US; TSN4/RDS in Canada), Saturday vs. Chicago (MLS LIVE)
8
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 18
Went 5-2-2 in their last nine following a disastrous 10-game run that saw Sporting post a 1-7-2 record. Right now they look a good bet for the playoffs, but with three of the next four and six of the next nine on the road, their work is not done just yet.
Latest result: Won vs. Portland, 1-0
Last five results: W-L-L-W-W
Next MLS match: Sunday at Portland (ESPN in US; MLS LIVE in Canada)
9
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 11
Hernan Bernardello should help, especially if he keeps scoring goals like that. The big worry is that even with the defense mostly healthy for the first time in forever, the Impact still give up tons of chances and have to scramble.
Latest result: Drew at D.C. United, 1-1
Last five results: D-D-L-W-D
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Houston (MLS LIVE)
10
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 19
Philly's midfield and backline have been at odds with each other for most of the last two months, and the gaps between the lines have been a profitable place for opponents to set up shop. They need to stay more connected and compact, and do a better job of tracking runners in the channels.
Latest result: Lost vs. Real Salt Lake, 2-1
Last five results: L-W-D-L-L
Next MLS match: Saturday at D.C. Unitd (MLS LIVE)
11
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 12
One of seven Western Conference teams with just one win from their last six. That shows exactly how tough the conference is, and exactly how a team with a run like that can still be in the playoff chase.
Latest result: Lost at Sporting KC, 1-0
Last five results: D-D-W-L-L
Next MLS match: Sunday vs. Sporting KC (ESPN in US; MLS LIVE in Canada)
12
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 17
Multiple goals in three straight games, and contributions from everybody in the attacking foursome (for the second half, anyway). This doesn't really feel like a Jason Kreis team just yet, but they played some pretty soccer in unlocking the Revs and picking up a must-win at home.
Latest result: Won vs. New England, 3-1
Last five results: D-L-D-D-W
Next MLS match: Sunday vs. Seattle (FS1 in US; MLS LIVE in Canada)
13
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 17
Every time it feels like they're going to turn a corner they come crashing down to earth with a result like this. This time it was Andrew Farrell's turn to have a shocker -- he needs to put his hand up, take the blame, and try to lock it down on Saturday in Ontario.
Latest result: Lost at Orlando City, 3-1
Last five results: L-W-D-W-L
Next MLS match: Saturday at Toronto (MLS LIVE)
14
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 14
They're picking up just enough points to stay above the red line, but not so much to get comfortable there. New arrival Giles Barnes could help with some of the offensive issues, but he's a tough player to fit into most lineups. Carl Robinson needs to conjure something special for the season's final three months.
Latest result: Lost at Dallas, 2-0
Last five results: D-W-D-D-L
Next MLS match: Saturday at Colorado (TSN in Canada; MLS LIVE in US)
15
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 15
They've gone 1-3-6 in their last 10 games, and the issue is the same they had last season: Zero finishing from midfield. DP Simon Dawkins was supposed to fix that, but he's mostly been misfiring this season, and managed to do so in comedic fashion at Houston on Sunday.
Latest result: Drew at Houston, 1-1
Last five results: L-L-W-D-D
Next MLS match: Friday vs. NYCFC (UniMás in US; MLS LIVE in Canada)
16
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 14 | LOW: 20
Put together their best performance of the season, but "missed a load of chances," according to head coach Ben Olsen. It's frustrating for D.C. fans, but it's also clear that this group has a solid, youngish core to build around going forward.
Latest result: Drew vs. Montreal, 1-1
Last five results: D-L-D-L-D
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Philadelphia (MLS LIVE)
17
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 20
Still good defensively, but still lacking the kind of cutting edge in the final third that separates the wheat from the chaff.
Latest result: Drew vs. San Jose, 1-1
Last five results: W-D-L-D-D
Next MLS match: Saturday at Montreal (MLS LIVE)
18
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 20
Nicolas Lodeiro had an absolutely remarkable debut that was only overshadowed by Jordan Morris's finishing woes. The rookie has to shake it off and keep finding those chances, and start using his left foot to finish one or two of them.
Latest result: Drew vs. LA Galaxy, 1-1
Last five results: L-W-L-L-D
Next MLS match: Sunday at Orlando City (FS1 in US; MLS LIVE in Canada)
19
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 18 | LOW: 20
Switched off and were punished by an ever-opportunistic Bradley Wright-Phillips. Another good if harsh lesson for a mostly young defense.
Latest result: Drew vs. NY Red Bulls, 2-2
Last five results: L-W-L-L-D
Next MLS match: Saturday at Real Salt Lake (MLS LIVE)
20
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 5 | LOW: 20
We admire Ola Kamara's confidence, but this is probably not a great tweet to send just before a game. We're guessing it made its way into Greg Vanney's pre-match speech.
Latest result: Lost at Toronto, 3-0
Last five results: L-D-D-D-L
Next MLS match: August 13 vs. NYCFC (MLS LIVE)
Only MLS league games will be reflected in the rankings. Rankings are voted on by MLSsoccer.com editorial staff and remarks were written by Senior Editor Matt Doyle (@MLSAnalyst).
