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 Matt Doyle. All times 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/Los_Angeles_Galaxy_logo_%28alternative%29.png" style="width: 75px; height: 95px;"> |
<p>Ho-hum, four goals – including <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2014/09/28/la-galaxy-string-together-16-passes-score-third" target="_blank">this 16-pass tika-taco beauty</a> – and a shutout against a team on a four-game unbeaten streak. Bet against them at your peril.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-28-la-galaxy-vs-new-york-red-bulls/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. New York, 4-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-D-D-W-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Toronto (10:30 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>/TSN/RDS2)</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> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/Sounders.png" style="width: 70px; height: 99px;"> |
<p>Rebounded from a predictable loss at Dallas with a predictable win vs. Chivas USA. We know the attack is great, but that defense has us concerned.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-24-fc-dallas-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Dallas, 3-1</a><br><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-27-seattle-sounders-fc-vs-chivas-usa/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Chivas USA, 4-2</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-L-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at Colorado (3 pm; UniMas)</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/FC%20Dallas.png" style="width: 85px; height: 85px;"> |
<p>David Texeira has had an anonymous first season in Big D, but he's been lights out against the Sounders. He'll need to keep it up in Vancouver, which is the least forgiving rug in the league. </p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-24-fc-dallas-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Seattle, 3-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-L-W-L-W</li><li><strong><strong>This Week</strong>: </strong>Saturday at Vancouver (7 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>/TSN2/Univ. Dep.)</li></ul> |
<strong>4</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: 3</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>Can't blame them for resting injury-prone Chris Schuler, even if it might have cost them an outside shot at the Supporters' Shield. Keeping him healthy for the playoffs is priority No. 1.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-27-vancouver-whitecaps-fc-vs-real-salt-lake/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Vancouver, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-W-L-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at Chivas USA (7 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/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 5</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>Another solid defensive effort, another opportunistic goal, another example of D.C. doing more with less (spending). This team is a Moneyball prototype.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-27-dc-united-vs-philadelphia-union/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Philadelphia, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-D-L-D-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Froday vs. Kansas City (8 pm; NBCSN/TSN2)</li></ul> |
<strong>6</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: 9</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>Credit to Jermaine Jones for his opportunism, and credit to Jay Heaps for preaching aggressive soccer even when on the road. The Revs have a lot of ways to beat you, and that's just what they want to do.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-26-sporting-kansas-city-vs-new-england-revolution/recap" target="_blank">Won at Kansas City, 3-2</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-W-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Columbus (7:30 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: 10</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/454_200x200.png" style="width: 75px; height: 75px;"> |
<p>True story: since mid-August the Crew are 5-1-1, a span that includes four multi-goal wins and started with <a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/741578" target="_blank">a 4-1 win over the high-flying Galaxy</a>. Stretch it back to mid-July and they're 7-2-2.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-27-columbus-crew-vs-montreal-impact/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Montreal, 2-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five:</strong> L-W-D-W-W</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>)</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: 6</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>Haven't shut out anybody but Chivas USA over the last three months, and have conceded multiple goals in six of their last eight. They look exhausted, and Friday's game is the biggest of the season.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-26-sporting-kansas-city-vs-new-england-revolution/recap" target="_blank">Lost vs. New England, 3-2</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-L-L-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Friday at D.C. United (8 pm; NBCSN/TSN2)</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: 8</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/Redbulls.png" style="width: 85px; height: 68px;"> |
<p>Giving them a mulligan for the pouding at StubHub center. Absolutely need to win against Houston this weekend, though. Anything less and they go into crisis mode. </p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-28-la-galaxy-vs-new-york-red-bulls/recap" target="_blank">Lost at LA, 4-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-D-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Houston (6 pm; NBCSN)</li></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: 7</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/prp-philadelphia_150.png" style="width: 75px; height: 75px;"> |
US Open Cup hangover has hit this team hard, and they've had no answers in the final third. Philly has the talent, but they also have a huge hole to dig out of and very little time to do so.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week:<a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-27-dc-united-vs-philadelphia-union/recap" target="_blank"></a></strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-27-dc-united-vs-philadelphia-union/recap" target="_blank">Lost at D.C. United, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-D-D-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Thursday vs. Chicago (8 pm; ESPN2)</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: 13</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/vancouver_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: 110px;"> |
<p>Huge win, and somehow they're above the red line despite winning just three of their last 14. Pedro Morales was a hero, but now they've got to get goals from the front line.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-27-vancouver-whitecaps-fc-vs-real-salt-lake/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Real Salt Lake, 2-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-W-L-L-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Dallas (7 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>/TSN2/Univ. Dep.)</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> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/prp-toronto_150.png" style="width: 75px; height: 75px;"> |
Speaking of heroes, Nick Hagglund had one of the greatest redemption arcs in MLS history in the second half of that win over Portland. He and the Reds showed mental toughness, which was a nice change.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-27-toronto-fc-vs-portland-timbers/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Portland, 3-2</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-L-D-W-W</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/RDS2)</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: 11</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>Gave up multiple goals for the third time in the last four, and once again did so against one of the league's feeblest attacks. Even that run of poor form <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/09/29/life-without-will-johnson-begins-can-injury-galvanize-portland-timbers" target="_blank">pales in comparison to the loss of Will Johnson</a>. The Timbers are a worse team without him.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-27-toronto-fc-vs-portland-timbers/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Toronto, 3-2</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-D-D-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at San Jose (11 pm; NBCSN)</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> |
<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>In theory they're still in the playoff race, but even after going 5-2-2 in their last nine they have too much ground to make up.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-28-houston-dynamo-vs-chicago-fire/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Chicago, 2-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-D-D-W</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at New York (6 pm; NBCSN)</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/Chicago_Fire_Soccer_Club_logo_0.png" style="width: 75px; height: 75px;"> |
<p>Build for 2015. The Fire have talent up and down the roster, and now just have to figure out how to use it correctly.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-28-houston-dynamo-vs-chicago-fire/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Houston, 2-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-D-D-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday vs. Montreal (5 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/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>Obviously this team is much, much more dangerous when Ignacio Piatti is available. They fought vs. the Crew, but that extra touch of quality wasn't there.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-27-columbus-crew-vs-montreal-impact/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Columbus, 2-0</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-D-L-W-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at Chicago (5 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/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>The flickering light of Goonie magic brought them that draw. Now the key is to not play too well, because a top-five SuperDraft pick is on the line.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-27-colorado-rapids-vs-san-jose-earthquakes/recap" target="_blank">Drew at Colorado, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-L-D-L-D</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Portland (11 pm; NBCSN)</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/rapids.png" style="width: 85px; height: 107px;"> |
<p>Two draws in the last three is an improvement, and now they have to focus on identifying which youngsters to build around next year. And please, for the love of God, play Dillon Powers in central midfield.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-27-colorado-rapids-vs-san-jose-earthquakes/recap" target="_blank">Drew vs. San Jose, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-L-D-L-D</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday vs. Seattle (3 pm; UniMas)</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/Chivas.png" style="width: 75px; height: 99px;"> |
<p>Seven losses in a row, and a winless streak that's hit 12. They had a five-game unbeaten run in June and early July, and have scored just five goals since. Awful.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-09-27-seattle-sounders-fc-vs-chivas-usa/recap" target="_blank">Lost at Seattle, 4-2</a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-L-L-L-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday vs. Real Salt Lake (7 pm; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>)</li></ul> |
