We talk about parity all the time, but the Western Conference is starting to look exactly as it has since 2009 with RSL, Seattle and LA setting the pace. The East, meanwhile, still feels like a series of coin flips.
Note: Only MLS league games will be reflected in the rankings. The Power Rankings are voted on by the editorial staff at MLSsoccer.com, and all comments are written by Matthew Doyle. All game times are Eastern.
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
<strong>Rank</strong> |
<strong>Trending</strong> |
<strong>Club</strong> |
<strong>Comment</strong> |
<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> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/realsaltlake.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: 55px; height: 71px;"> |
<p>Holding pattern after the bye, though they got some bad, bad news <a href="http://www.realsaltlake.com/news/2013/09/saborio-returns-rsl-after-leaving-costa-rica-camp-due-injury" target="_blank">with Alvaro Saborio returning to the team early after suffering a calf injury on international duty</a>.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week:</strong> Bye</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-D-W-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Friday at Seattle (10 pm ET, NBCSN)</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: 3</p> |
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<p>Did what a good team should do: pummeled a short-handed opponent at home. With Feilhaber living up to his talent over the past six weeks, and Claudio Bieler seemingly out of his slump, they look like Eastern favorites again.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="https://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-07-sporting-kansas-city-vs-columbus-crew" target="_blank">Won vs. Columbus, 3-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-L-W-W</li><li><strong>Next MLS Game: </strong>Sept. 21 at Toronto</li></ul> |
<strong>3</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: 4</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/colorado_150.png" style="width: 75px; height: 87px;"> |
<p>The youth movement's gotten most – all? – of the love for Colorado's resurrection, but let's spare a round of applause for Edson Buddle. He's starting to look like his old self.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="https://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-07-la-galaxy-vs-colorado-rapids" target="_blank">Won at LA, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-D-W-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Saturday vs. Dallas (9 pm, <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>With their on- and off-the-ball movement, it's not a surprise they hung four on 10-man New England. Has to be scary for Impact fans, however, that the Revs punched back twice. Got to figure that out before the playoffs start.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="https://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-08-new-england-revolution-vs-montreal-impact" target="_blank">Won at New England, 4-2</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-W-W-D-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Columbus (2 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live)</a></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: 2</p> |
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<p><a href="http://www.lagalaxy.com/news/2013/09/bruce-arena-rips-ridiculous-mls-fixture-date-policy-starless-la-galaxy-fall-rapids" target="_blank">As Bruce Arena pointed out</a>, all three LA meetings with Colorado have come without the Galaxy's contingent of DPs. Not super-duper relevant, but other West teams played shorthanded this weekend and came away with points...</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="http://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-07-la-galaxy-vs-colorado-rapids" target="_blank">Lost to Colorado, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-W-W-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at D.C. United (4 pm, UniMas<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">)</a></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/seattle_150.png" style="width: 85px; height: 85px;"> |
<p>...like Seattle. The Sounders just keep winning ugly, grabbing six more points this past week on three goals that will not feature on anybody's "best of" reel.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="https://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-04-seattle-sounders-fc-vs-chivas-usa" target="_blank">Won vs. Chivas USA, 1-0</a></li><li><a href="https://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-07-seattle-sounders-fc-vs-chicago-fire" target="_blank">Won vs. Chicago, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five</strong>: L-W-W-W-W</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Friday vs. Real Salt Lake (10 pm ET, NBCSN)</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> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newyork_150.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: 75px;"> |
<p>Eric Alexander's added a lot in the central midfield even before that stunner of a goal, and Bradley Wright-Phillips looks like he's got a number of answers up top. With everything Red Bull, though, it comes down to one thing: Jámison Olave.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week:</strong><a href="https://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-08-houston-dynamo-vs-new-york-red-bulls" target="_blank">Won at Houston, 4-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-D-L-W-W</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>:</strong> Saturday vs. Toronto FC (7 pm, <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/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/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>Not a drop so much as the Power Rankings Politburo valuing New York's win at Houston more. Honestly, the Timbers shouldn't have had to wait for Diego Valeri to come in before throttling hapless TFC.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="https://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-07-portland-timbers-vs-toronto-fc" target="_blank">Won vs.Toronto, 4-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-D-L-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Saturday at Chivas USA (10:30 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/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 9</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newengland_150.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: 75px;"> |
<p>Bad luck on the penalty and reds, but a bit of hope given how productive the attack was even down a man. We get the feeling, by the way, that the Revs are already looking forward to next month's rematch up in Montreal.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="https://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-08-new-england-revolution-vs-montreal-impact" target="_blank">Lost to Montreal, 4-2</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-W-W-D-L</li><li><strong>This Week:</strong> Saturday at Chicago (8:30 pm, <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> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/philadelphia_150.png" style="width: 75px; height: 75px;"> |
<p>Offered precious little going forward, which is a theme: They've scored just one goal in the last four, and haven't scored multiple goals against anyone but Chivas or D.C. in two months.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="https://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-08-san-jose-earthquakes-vs-philadelphia-union" target="_blank">Lost at San Jose, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five:</strong> W-D-L-D-L</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/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/dallas_150.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: 75px;"> |
<p>Unbeaten in three, and fittingly moving up the standings. Mauro Diaz looks worth the price of admission on his own, and that Jair Benitez goal will live long in FCD archives.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="https://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-07-fc-dallas-vs-vancouver-whitecaps-fc" target="_blank">Won vs. Vancouver, 3-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-L-W-D-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Colorado (9 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/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/houston_150.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: 75px;"> |
<p>Hanging in the playoff picture by the skin of their teeth, but it honestly doesn't look like that'll be the case for much longer. Something's gone horribly wrong with this team.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="https://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-04-columbus-crew-vs-houston-dynamo" target="_blank">Lost at Columbus, 2-0</a></li><li><a href="https://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-08-houston-dynamo-vs-new-york-red-bulls" target="_blank">Lost vs. New York, 4-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-D-L-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Philadelphia (7:30 pm, <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/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/chicago_150.png" style="width: 75px; height: 75px;"> |
<p>Every time they get close, they just can't seal the deal. Chicago have been good since midsummer, but it's getting close to "they'll need a miracle to make the playoffs" territory.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="http://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-07-seattle-sounders-fc-vs-chicago-fire" target="_blank">Lost at Seattle, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-W-D-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at Toronto (7:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li><li>
Saturday vs. New England (8:30 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: 13</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/vancouver_150.png" style="width: 75px; height: 110px;"> |
<p>Just one win in their last eight, and no low-hanging fruit coming up. Saturday's trip to San Jose is a must-win on the road, which probably doesn't bode well given how ineffective the 'Caps are away from BC Place.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="http://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-07-fc-dallas-vs-vancouver-whitecaps-fc" target="_blank">Lost at Dallas, 3-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-L-D-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at San Jose (10:30 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/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 15</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sanjose_150.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: 75px;"> |
<p>Didn't exactly banish all memory of that 3-0 destruction by LA with the win over Philly, but all that matters right now for the Quakes is getting three points, prolonging their playoff hopes another week.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="http://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-08-san-jose-earthquakes-vs-philadelphia-union" target="_blank">Won vs. Philadelphia, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-W-D-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Vancouver (10:30 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/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 16</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chivas_150.png" style="width: 75px; height: 75px;"> |
<p>Cubo! What a fantastic pick-up he's been, working the channels and doing all the fox-in-the-box things you'd want from someone of his pedigree.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="http://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-04-seattle-sounders-fc-vs-chivas-usa" target="_blank">Lost at Seattle, 1-0</a></li><li><a href="https://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-08-chivas-usa-vs-dc-united" target="_blank">Won vs. D.C. United, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-W-D-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Portland (10:30 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/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 17</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/columbus_150.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: 75px;"> |
<p>If nothing else, that Houston game showed that the kids have some talent. Bernardo Anor and Justin Meram in particular looked fantastic, and Wil Trapp will have a long, long future in the league.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="http://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-04-columbus-crew-vs-houston-dynamo" target="_blank">Won vs. Houston, 2-0</a></li><li><a href="http://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-07-sporting-kansas-city-vs-columbus-crew" target="_blank">Lost at Kansas City, 3-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-L-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Saturday at Montreal (2 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/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 18</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/toronto_150.png" style="width: 75px; height: 75px;"> |
This week in TFC history brought to you by Bob Dylan's <em>Blood on the Tracks</em>.<br><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="http://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-08-30-toronto-fc-vs-new-england-revolution/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Potland, 4-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-L-D-D-L</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Wednesday vs. Chicago (7:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li><li>
Saturday at New York (7 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</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/dc_150.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: 75px;"> |
<p>Chris Pontius returned to action and didn't immediately get hurt. Perhaps the best news United fans have gotten all year.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="http://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-09-08-chivas-usa-vs-dc-united" target="_blank">Lost at Chivas USA, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-L-D-L-L</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>:</strong> Saturday vs. LA (4 pm, UniMas)</li></ul> |
