Week 3 saw a series of comebacks, golazos and great saves. What it didn’t produce was any kind of clear consensus, since more than half the week’s games ended tied and a couple of the league’s best had a bye. Still, there are always some winners and losers in the rankings, and if you've got an issue with ours, vote for your own! All match times for this week's games are ET.
<strong>Rank</strong> |
<strong>Trending</strong> |
<strong>Last </strong> |
<strong>Club</strong> |
<strong>Comment</strong> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>1</strong></span> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>1</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/saltlake_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>
Nothing anyone in the league did this past weekend could have knocked RSL out of the top spot: a 4-0-1 mark in all competitions heading into Tuesday’s CONCACAF Champions League semifinal second leg, Nick Rimando the Player of the Month for March and every reason to believe the RSL machine will keep chugging along indefinitely.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Bye</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Tuesday at Saprissa (CCL), Saturday at New England (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>2</strong></span> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>2</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="64" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/colorado_150.png" width="64"> |
<p>
Which isn’t to say the Rapids are far behind. It’s not often MLS Cup champs get better and deeper, but it looks like that’s exactly what happened this offseason with the addition of Caleb Folan and Sanna Nyassi. A midweek US Open Cup play-a loss at the Chicago Fire in which the Rapids played largely a reserve squad – is a blip, not a trend.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat D.C. United, 4-1 (<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/folan-strikes-twice-rapids-put-dc-deep-freeze" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=13387" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Friday at FC Dallas (9 pm, Fox Soccer)</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>3</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>3</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newyork_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>
New York are not the first team to have their night ruined by Tally Hall, but Juan Agudelo and especially Thierry Henry were complicit in the 1-1 scoreline. Despite the addition of Dwayne De Rosario, there are real questions to ask of this team, first and foremost being, “Where are the goals going to come from?” No definitive answers yet.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Houston, 1-1 (<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/weaver-dynamo-crash-de-rosarios-new-york-debut" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=13337" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Philadelphia (7 pm, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>4</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>4</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/losangeles_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>
The Power Rankings committee was right to give LA a mulligan for their 4-1 drubbing at RSL last week. The return of some key starters – none more so than Omar Gonzalez – and a clever tactical shift from Bruce Arena provided the best defensive performance of any team this year, even while down a man.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Philadelphia, 1-0 (<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/galaxy-hold-1-0-win-after-birchall-red-card" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=13370" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at D.C. United (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>5</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>5</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/philadelphia_150.png" width="55"> |
<p class="x_MsoNormal">
The Union kept their core pieces from 2010, but look like a totally different team. They’re now defined by a lock-down defensive unit and a solid veteran 'keeper. Gone too, though, is the attacking verve and creativity that was the highlight of the inaugural season. They need Sebastien Le Toux and Justin Mapp to get healthy — and Danny Mwanga to rediscover his confidence.</p><p class="x_MsoNormal"><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to LA, 1-0 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/galaxy-hold-1-0-win-after-birchall-red-card" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&id=13370" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p class="x_MsoNormal"><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. New York (7 pm, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>6</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>6</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chicago_150.png" width="55"> |
<p class="x_MsoNormal">
The place of the Fire is still up for debate since they’ve played most of the season up a man and then beat a Colorado side in the Open Cup play-in that was short-handed. But there’s no denying the attacking power of Gastón Puerari, Diego Cháves, Marco Pappa and Patrick Nyarko. Things are looking good in the Windy City.</p><p class="x_MsoNormal"><strong>Last Week: </strong>Bye</p><p class="x_MsoNormal"><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Seattle (4 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>7</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>7</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sanjose_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>
The Quakes still have some kinks to work out with Frank Yallop’s new 4-3-3, but there’s no question they’re generating chances and playing some good soccer. With Ike Opara returning to full health and fighting for minutes, there’s a good chance the defense will improve as well.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Seattle, 2-2 (<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/quakes-rally-twice-tie-still-winless-sounders" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=13373" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Toronto (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>8</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>8</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newengland_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>
On First Kick weekend, the Revs played a 1-1 draw at LA that probably felt like a win. This past Saturday, their 1-1 home result against the Timbers probably felt like a loss. The good news, though, is that last year’s leaky defense is a thing of the past and central defender A.J. Soares is an early Rookie of the Year contender.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Portland, 1-1 (<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/timbers-tie-revs-earn-first-ever-mls-point" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=13338" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Real Salt Lake (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>9</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>9</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="58" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sportingkc_logo.png" width="58"> |
<p>
For about 65 minutes they were climbing up the rankings behind some of the most exciting attacking play in the league. Then the questions about their outmanned defense cropped up again in what was a stomach-punch of a draw. How they bounce back can reveal a lot about this team.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Vancouver, 3-3 (<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/whitecaps-rally-stun-bunbury-sporting-kc" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=13333" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Bye</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>10</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>10</strong></span> |
<img alt="" height="58" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/vancouver_150.png" width="40"> |
<p>
It’s looking very likely that the ‘Caps aren’t your run-of-the-mill expansion franchise. Their 3-3 comeback draw sent the crowd into delirium – rightly so – and spoke to a heart and solidarity that any team in the world would envy. When Eric Hassli and Russell Teibert get back, and Jay DeMerit and Davide Chuimiento get healthy, Vancouver could be a force.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Kansas City, 3-3 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/whitecaps-rally-stun-bunbury-sporting-kc" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&id=13333" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Wednesday vs. New England (10 pm, TSN, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>), Sunday at Houston (7 pm, Galavisión)</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>11</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>12</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="62" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/seattle_150.png" width="62"> |
<p>
Getting a point from a very good San Jose team at their house is a positive result. Doubly so when two goals are part of the package, and newest signing Mauro Rosales shows his playmaking chops in the final third. Also, Steve Zakuani looks like he’s made the leap and become one of the top five players in the league.</p><p><strong>Last Week:</strong> Tied San Jose, 2-2 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/quakes-rally-twice-tie-still-winless-sounders" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&id=13373" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Chicago (4 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>12</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>16</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/columbus_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>
The Crew finally got the ship headed in the right direction with their 2-0 win over FC Dallas on Friday. Emilio Renteria provided the spark and Eddie Gaven iced the cake, but the questions about the team’s form in front of net will continue to be real until Andres Mendoza starts scoring from the run of play.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat FC Dallas, 2-0 (<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/crew-beat-fcd-first-win-season" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=13267" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Chivas USA (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>13</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><strong><strong><img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40"></strong></strong></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>14</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/houston_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>
For the second straight week, Tally Hall stood on his head and got his team a point on the road. He has faced nearly 50 shots in the last 180 minutes, and only two have found their way into the back of his net. It’s great to have a goalkeeper who can get you points, but Hall’s teammates are going to have to do some heavy lifting of their own soon.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied New York, 1-1 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/weaver-dynamo-crash-de-rosarios-new-york-debut" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&id=13337" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday vs. Vancouver (7 pm, Galavisión)</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>14</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><strong><strong><img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40"></strong></strong></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>15</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/toronto_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>
Hand-wringing about De Rosario, debates about sacred locker rooms and the miss of the century overshadowed what was a strong last 70 minutes from TFC. Tony Tchani protected the back line, Danleigh Borman got up and down the left wing and their shape was solid throughout. The new beginning looked good, even though the result was disappointing.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Chivas USA, 1-1 (<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/timbers-tie-revs-earn-first-ever-mls-point" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=13292" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at San Jose (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>15</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" width="40"></strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>11</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/dc_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>
This marks the second straight week that DC conceded goals in bunches, a worrying trend for Ben Olsen. Relying on rookie Perry Kitchen to come back and right the ship is promising but dangerous as Kitchen is just 19 years old. The offense, however, still looks good – even when playing at the champs, and even without a number of starters.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Colorado, 4-1 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/folan-strikes-twice-rapids-put-dc-deep-freeze" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&id=13387" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. LA (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>16</strong></span> |
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="file:///C:/Users/nfirchau/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.png"><img alt="" src="file:///C:/Users/nfirchau/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-3.png"></p><strong><strong><strong><img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" width="40"></strong></strong></strong> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>13</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/dallas_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>
It’s not crisis time in Dallas just yet: FCD were equally bad to start the 2010 season. But it looks like the loss of all the “little things” Dax McCarty did has taken a big-picture toll. Add in some defensive injuries, under-performing rookies and the fact that they keep giving their opponents a man advantage, and it’s been an ugly start to 2011 in Big D.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Columbus, 2-0 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/crew-beat-fcd-first-win-season" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&id=13267" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Friday vs. Colorado (9 pm, Fox Soccer)</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>17</strong></span> |
<strong><img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"></strong> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>17</strong></span> |
<img alt="" height="50" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/portland_150.png" width="50"> |
<p>
The Timbers got their first win in MLS with a midweek victory over Chivas USA in a US Open Cup play-in game, then got their first point in the league by going on the road and playing pretty well at New England. Jack Jewsbury was the key man in both results, and the Timbers now have something to build upon.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied New England, 1-1 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/timbers-tie-revs-earn-first-ever-mls-point" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&id=13338" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Bye</p> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>18</strong></span> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"> |
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>18</strong></span> |
<img alt="" border="1" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chivas_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>
A point on the road is a good result for a team looking for anything at all to be positive about. But they were lucky to get that much, and haven’t consistently been threatening in the final third. Robin Fraser & Co. have a lot of work yet to do to prevent a long season for the Rojiblancos.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Toronto, 1-1 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/timbers-tie-revs-earn-first-ever-mls-point" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&id=13292" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Columbus (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</p> |
