MLS Power Rankings, Week 22: Are the Colorado Rapids really among the elite?

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<strong>1</strong>

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<p>Second week in a row this team gave up an at-the-death header to lose. Second week in a row they should&#39;ve been a man down inside four minutes. But you know what? They&#39;re still No. 1 in the standings, and with all their internationals back, they&#39;re still No. 1 in the Power Rankings.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week:</strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-NY-v-RSL/recap" target="_blank">Lost at New York Red Bulls, 4-3</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-D-W-L-L</li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday at Colorado (8:30 pm ET,&nbsp;<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</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 to give them credit for going into Montreal and pitching a shutout for 95 minutes even with a makeshift central defense. If they&#39;d kept it going for another 90 seconds, they&#39;d be No. 1.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-MTL-v-SKC/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Montreal, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-W-W-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday vs. New York (6:30 pm ET, NBCSN)</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>Now <em>this </em>is the team we were seriously considering dropping. The backline rotations have taken their toll, and the lack of &quot;Put it in the damn net&quot; production from center forward isn&#39;t helping, either. They look vulnerable.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-SJ-v-POR/recap" target="_blank">Lost at San Jose, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-W-D-L</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Saturday vs. Vancouver (10:30 pm ET,&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>Phenomenally gutty performance in the last five minutes after basically falling on their face in the second half. Right now, that means we have the Red Bulls No. 4. But for once, they need to solidify that position with back-to-back solid performances. Doing so at KC would be a big, big statement.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-NY-v-RSL/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Real Salt Lake, 4-3</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-W-D-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Sporting Kansas City (6:30 pm ET, NBCSN)</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: 7</p>

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<p>Physically manhandled the Galaxy, but like their Rocky Mountain brethren the Rapids should have been down a man inside four minutes. Credit to them for making the most of their good fortune.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-COL-v-LA/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. LA, 2-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-D-W-D-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Real Salt Lake (8:30 pm ET, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</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>LA&#39;s home goals allowed per 90: 0.40. LA&#39;s road goals allowed per 90: 1.92.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-COL-v-LA/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Colorado, 2-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five</strong>: W-W-L-W-L</li><li><strong>Next MLS Game: </strong>Aug. 11 at FC Dallas</li></ul>

<strong>7</strong>

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<p>When Montreal play in a 4-4-2, they&#39;ve allowed 21 goals in 10 games. When they play in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1, they&#39;ve allowed eight in 10. Don&#39;t expect to see two forwards from this team in the weeks to come unless they&#39;re chasing the game.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week:&nbsp;</strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-MTL-v-SKC/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Sporting Kansas City, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-D-L-D-W</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>:</strong>&nbsp;Saturday at D.C. United (7 pm ET, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li></ul>

<strong>8</strong>

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<p>Big, big win in a place where pretty much no one gets the job done. This team seems poised to put together a run now that all the pieces are in place, but are just one backline injury away from being an afterthought.&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-VAN-v-PHI/recap" target="_blank">Won at Vancouver, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-L-W-D-W</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday vs. Chicago (8 pm ET,&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/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: 5</p>

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<p>Every single point is going to matter in the Western race, and those have to be considered three points dropped for the &#39;Caps.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-VAN-v-PHI/recap" target="_blank">Lost to Philadelphia, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-W-W-L-L</li><li><strong>This Week:</strong>&nbsp;Saturday at Portland (11 pm ET,&nbsp;<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li></ul><ul></ul>

<strong>10</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 10</p>

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<p>Finally got a goal from a forward, but one point at home against a conference rival is worrisome. The Dynamo head into August with more questions than answers.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-HOU-v-CHI/recap" target="_blank">Drew vs. Chicago, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five:</strong> D-L-W-W-D</li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday vs. Columbus (9 pm ET, <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>FC Dallas&#39; last win was May 25. Their last win against a team in a playoff spot was April 20. Those new faces they picked up in the last couple of weeks better be ready, or this ship will keep sinking.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Bye</li><li><strong>Last Five:&nbsp;</strong>D-D-L-L-D</li><li><strong>Next MLS Game: </strong>Saturday at Seattle (10:30 pm ET, <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/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 12</p>

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<p>The Fire still haven&#39;t beaten a team in a playoff spot, but a draw on the road against a team above you in the standings is almost always a good result.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-HOU-v-CHI/recap" target="_blank">Drew at Houston, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-L-W-D</li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday at Philadelphia (8 pm ET, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li></ul>

<strong>13</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: 14</p>

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<p>Road wins matter, even when they&#39;re against historically bad teams &ndash;&nbsp;and it&#39;s worth noting that the Revs had previously dropped points to D.C. this season.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-DC-v-NE/recap" target="_blank">Won at D.C. United, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-L-W-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday vs. Toronto FC (7:30 pm ET, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li></ul>

<strong>14</strong>

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<p>A 2-1 win in which they were the better team, but the Sounders continue to look incredibly frail at the back. There&#39;ve been no easy answers this year, but In Sigi We Trust.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-28-SEA-v-CHV/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Chivas USA, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-L-D-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. FC Dallas (10:30pm ET,&nbsp;<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/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 15</p>

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<p>Still outside the playoff race, and still finding the stupidest ways in the world to hinder their chances &ndash;&nbsp;Marvin Ch&aacute;vez&#39;s red card is just the latest in the 2013 Earthquake follies. But ... they got the points. And if they get three more this weekend, they&#39;re in it for real.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-SJ-v-POR/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Portland, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-L-W-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Chivas USA (10 pm ET, UniMas)</li></ul>

<strong>16</strong>

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<p>Two-game unbeaten streak! Sure, we&#39;re snarking here, but the Power Rankings Politburo expects good things from the Convey-Osorio-Laba-Rey midfield quartet.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-TOR-v-CLB/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Columbus, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-L-L-D-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at New England (7:30 pm ET, <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="width: 30px; height: 30px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 16</p>

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<p>They&#39;ve lost five of six and six of eight. That sound you heard in Toronto was the bottom dropping out.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-TOR-v-CLB/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Toronto FC, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-L-W-L-L</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Saturday at Houston (9 pm ET, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li></ul>

<strong>18</strong>

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Pretty fun attacking core of &quot;Cubo&quot; Torres, Eric Avila, Tristan Bowen and Carlos Alvarez. And there&#39;s no question that with Carlos Bocanegra in the fold, the defense has looked better. Still clearly the bottom of the West.<br><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-28-SEA-v-CHV/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Seattle, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-D-L-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Saturday at San Jose (10 pm ET, UniMas)</li></ul>

<strong>19</strong>

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

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<p>Thanks to Luis Silva, D.C. United have scored in two straight games. That matches their season high.&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-07-27-DC-v-NE/recap" target="_blank">Lost to New England, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-L-D-L-L</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>:</strong>&nbsp;Saturday vs. Montreal (7 pm ET,&nbsp;<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li></ul>