MLS Power Rankings, Week 23: Sporting Kansas City back in charge after LA Galaxy tumble

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<strong>Trending</strong>

<strong>Club</strong>

<strong>Comment</strong>

<strong>1</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: 3</p>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sportingkc_logo.PNG" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: medium none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; width: 75px; height: 84px;">

<p>Toronto put up more of a fight than 4-1 would indicate, but SKC swept them aside just the same with that textbook relentlessness. They&#39;re now 7-1-2 since the start of June and top the Supporters&#39; Shield race.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-16-sporting-kansas-city-vs-toronto-fc/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Toronto, 4-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-D-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. D.C. United (8:30 pm; <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/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 5</p>

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<p>Forget those who laugh when we say <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/joao-plata" target="_blank">Joao Plata</a> is making a push for MVP consideration. He has more game-winning goals this season (4) than Dempsey, Keane or Valeri.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-16-real-salt-lake-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Seattle, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-D-W-W-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Friday at Dallas (9 pm; NBCSN)</li></ul>

<strong>3</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: 2</p>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/Sounders.png" style="width: 70px; height: 99px;">

<p>The Sounders have played the &quot;games-in-hand&quot; card for a while, but this week the schedule finally begins to tighten up. Three winnable games are out there in the next 12 days, if Sigi&#39;s crew can hold their nerve.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-16-real-salt-lake-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Real Salt Lake, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-L-W-L</li><li><strong><strong>This Week</strong>: </strong>Wednesday vs. San Jose (10 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)<br> Sunday at Portland (5 pm; ESPN2)</li></ul>

<strong>4</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 4</p>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/FC%20Dallas.png" style="width: 85px; height: 85px;">

<p><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/tesho-akindele" target="_blank">Tesho Akindele</a> had his coming-out party, but in our opinion,&nbsp;<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/fabian-castillo" target="_blank">Fabi&aacute;n Castillo </a>stole the show in Santa Clara. Can anyone come up with a plan to slow down the Colombian, who looks near-unstoppable at this point?</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-16-san-jose-earthquakes-vs-fc-dallas/recap" target="_blank">Won at San Jose, 5-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-D-W-W-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Friday vs. Real Salt Lake (9 pm; NBCSN)</li></ul>

<strong>5</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: 1</p>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/Los_Angeles_Galaxy_logo_%28alternative%29.png" style="width: 75px; height: 95px;">

<p>In <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/landon-donovan" target="_blank">Landon Donovan</a>&#39;s&nbsp;swansong at one of his favorite stadiums, the Galaxy&#39;s hot streak went ice cold. Again the defense was shaky, and RSL and Dallas both won to widen the gap at the top of the Western Conference standings.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-16-columbus-crew-vs-la-galaxy/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Columbus, 4-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-W-W-D-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at Colorado (9 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)<br> Saturday vs. Vanncouver (10:30 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>/TSN)</li></ul>

<strong>6</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 6</p>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/DC-United-Logo.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: medium none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato,sans-serif; line-height: 22.5px; width: 75px; height: 75px;">

<p>If <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/fabian-espindola" target="_blank">Fabi&aacute;n Esp&iacute;ndola</a> is back to his pre-injury and suspension form, Sporting KC are going to have their hands full. But if <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/eddie-johnson" target="_blank">Eddie Johnson</a>&nbsp;can&rsquo;t deal with a reduced role, what comes next?</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-17-dc-united-vs-colorado-rapids/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Colorado, 4-2</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-L-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Kansas City (8:30 pm; <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/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 8</p>

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<p>A scoreless draw against lowly Chivas was no way to build off a win over Sporting KC. It was yet another example of not knowing what to expect with this team.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-16-chivas-usa-vs-vancouver-whitecaps-fc/recap" target="_blank">Drew at Chivas USA, 0-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five:</strong> D-D-D-W-D</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at LA (10:30 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>/TSN)</li></ul>

<strong>8</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: 7</p>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/prp-toronto_150.png" style="width: 75px; height: 75px;">

<p>Ryan Nelsen&#39;s team has some glaring flaws &ndash; &quot;How do you solve a problem like <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/doneil-henry" target="_blank">Doneil Henry</a>?&quot; is just one example &ndash; but they&#39;re right in the thick of the playoff race and a fairly favorable stretch schedule should help them stay there.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week:<a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-16-sporting-kansas-city-vs-toronto-fc/recap" target="_blank"></a></strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-16-sporting-kansas-city-vs-toronto-fc/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Kansas City, 4-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five:&nbsp; </strong>L-L-W-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs.Chicago (7 pm; <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>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/portland_150.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: medium none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; width: 75px; height: 74px;">

<p>Began their wild week by picking up a valuable road point, but left Foxborough feeling shortchanged after <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/gaston-fernandez" target="_blank">Gast&oacute;n Fern&aacute;ndez</a>&#39;s would-be go-ahead goal was called back for offside.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-16-new-england-revolution-vs-portland-timbers/recap" target="_blank">Drew at New England, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-L-W-D</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday vs. Seattle (5 pm; ESPN2)</li></ul>

<strong>10</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>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/454_200x200.png" style="width: 75px; height: 75px;">

<br> Where has this been all year? Columbus were downright dirty in attack, getting a Goal of the Week contender from <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/justin-meram" target="_blank">Justin Meram</a> en route to mauling LA. The win, and any subsequent momentum, could solidify their playoff spot. <ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-16-columbus-crew-vs-la-galaxy/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. LA, 4-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-D-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Houston (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/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: 10</p>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/prp-philadelphia_150.png" style="width: 75px; height: 75px;">

<p>The Union missed out on crucial points with a loss to Houston, but promising MLS debuts from <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/andre-blake" target="_blank">Andre Blake</a> and <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/pedro-ribiero" target="_blank">Pedro Ribeiro</a> show that Jim Curtin should have Philly humming along again soon.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-15-houston-dynamo-vs-philadelphia-union/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Houston, 2-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-D-D-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday vs. San Jose (8 pm; Univ. Dep.)</li></ul>

<strong>12</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: 11</p>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/Redbulls.png" style="width: 85px; height: 68px;">

RBNY shouldn&#39;t struggle against Montreal, but after CCL play opens next week it&#39;s a four-game gauntlet against D.C. United (twice), Sporting KC and Philly. The grind is coming. <ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Did not play</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-D-D-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Montreal (7 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>/TSN2/RDS)</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: 16</p>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/1897_200x200.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: medium none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; width: 75px; height: 75px;">

<p>With <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/damarcus-beasley" target="_blank">DaMarcus Beasley</a> and <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/luis-garrido" target="_blank">Luis Garrido</a> slotting in well so far, have the Dynamo turned over a new leaf? A key win at home over Philadelphia shows Houston could be in the playoff reckoning yet.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-15-houston-dynamo-vs-philadelphia-union/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Philadelphia, 2-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-D-W-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at Columbus (7:30 pm; <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/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>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/san_jose_quakes_logo_detail2.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: medium none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; width: 60px; height: 74px;">

<p><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/sam-cronin" target="_blank">Sam Cronin</a>&#39;s halftime criticism of the Quakes&#39; &quot;lazy defending&quot; pulled no punches. The problem? They went out and conceded three more in the second half. An anomaly, or a sign of something worse to come for what was once one of the league&#39;s best backlines?</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-16-san-jose-earthquakes-vs-fc-dallas/recap" target="_blank">Lost vs. Dallas, 5-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-W-W-D-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at Seattle (10 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)<br> Sunday at Philadelphia (8 pm; Univ. Dep.)</li></ul>

<strong>15</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: 13</p>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/rapids.png" style="width: 85px; height: 107px;">

<p>This is free-fall territory &ndash;&nbsp;just ask New England and Montreal &ndash; and it doesn&rsquo;t get any easier with a midweek visit from LA. And now <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/drew-moor" target="_blank">Drew Moor</a>&nbsp;appears to be shelved? Uh-oh.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-17-dc-united-vs-colorado-rapids/recap" target="_blank">Lost at D.C. United, 4-2</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-L-L-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at LA (9 pm; <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/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>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/Chicago_Fire_Soccer_Club_logo_0.png" style="width: 75px; height: 75px;">

<p>Even against last-place Montreal, the Fire couldn&#39;t reliably hold possession and they remain inconsistent week in, week out on both attack and defense. No wonder Frank Yallop is openly begging for reinforcements, namely one Jermaine J. Jones.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-16-montreal-impact-vs-chicago-fire/recap">Lost at Montreal, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-D-D-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Toronto (7 pm; <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/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 18</p>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/928_200x200_0.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: medium none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; width: 75px; height: 75px;">

<p>For for the second straight match, the Revs saw their lead slip away due to a poor second-half effort. It&rsquo;s well past time for New England to turn in a complete 90-minute performance.<br></p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-16-new-england-revolution-vs-portland-timbers/recap" target="_blank">Drew vs. Portland, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-L-W-L-D</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Chivas USA (7:30 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)</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>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/Chivas.png" style="width: 75px; height: 99px;">

<p>Winless in five games, scoreless in four &ndash; a 366-minute drought &ndash; Chivas are suddenly back to doing what Chivas do. Wilmer Cabrera did focus on the positives of keeping a clean sheet against the &#39;Caps, though, so maybe it&rsquo;s the little things that count now?</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-16-chivas-usa-vs-vancouver-whitecaps-fc/recap" target="_blank">Drew vs. Vancouver, 0-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-L-L-L-D</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at New England (7:30 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)<br></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>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imapact-logo-3.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: 75px; height: 87px;">

<p>A quietly promising debut for <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/ignacio-platti" target="_blank">Ignacio PIatti</a>, a goal and an unexpected hint at a 2015 return from <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/marco-di-vaio" target="_blank">Marco Di Vaio</a>&nbsp;... and a full three points. By the standards of this difficult season, that qualifies as a great weekend for the Impact.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-16-montreal-impact-vs-chicago-fire/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Chicago, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five:&nbsp; </strong>L-L-L-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at New York (7 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>/TSN2/RDS)</li></ul>