All is right in the Power Rankings again, after San Jose regained the top spot after a week spent looking up at Sporting Kansas City. But what about the New York Red Bulls? They took the biggest dive of the week after a lackluster outing against Chicago, and were passed up by D.C. United in the process.
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Only MLS regular-season games reflected on schedule. All times are Eastern.
<strong>Rank</strong> |
<strong>Trending</strong> |
<strong>Last </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: 40px; height: 40px; "> |
<strong>2</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sanjose_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>Back at the top after a dominant performance in Colorado. They have more weapons than anybody, and Chris Wondolowski is having the best season of any forward in MLS history. There, we said it.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Won at Colorado, 4-1</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/06/highlights-col-vs-sj" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><b><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-06-col-v-sj/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></b></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; ">W-D-W-D</span>-W</li><li><strong>Next Game: </strong>Oct. 21 vs. LA</li></ul> |
<strong>2</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; "> |
<strong>1</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sportingkc_logo.png" width="55"> |
<p>Gotta wonder if Aurélien Collin would have been tighter to the man on Eddie Gaven’s late equalizer. Lawrence Olum did not have a good game in the Frenchman’s place, and – more worries – Roger Espinoza is out for the rest of the regular season.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Drew at Columbus, 1-1</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/07/highlights-clb-vs-skc" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><b><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-07-clb-v-skc/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></b></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; ">D-W-D-W-D</span></li><li><strong>Next Game: </strong>Oct. 20 at New York</li></ul> |
<strong>3</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; "> |
<strong>4</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chicago_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>Statement game at Red Bull Arena. Sherjill MacDonald dominated the RBNY backline throughout the second half, and the Fire had enough midfield creators to get him the ball in space. Game, set, match.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Philadelphia, 3-1; Won at New York, 2-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/03/highlights-chi-vs-phi" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a> / <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-03-chi-v-phi/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong>(PHI)</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/06/highlights-ny-vs-chi" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a> / <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-06-ny-v-chi/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong>(NYI)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-L-L-W</li><li><strong>Next Game: </strong>Oct. 20 at New England</li></ul> |
<strong>4</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; "> |
<strong>5</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/saltlake_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>Three in a row, four of five, and most importantly Fabián Espíndola’s scoring again. RSL were a one-note team throughout the summer, but with the Argie forward now a threat, they can split even the best sides apart.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Won at LA, 2-1</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/06/highlights-la-vs-rsl" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</strong></a></li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-06-la-v-rsl/recap" target="_blank"><strong>FULL MATCHCENTER</strong></a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-W-W-W</li><li><strong>Next Game: </strong>Oct. 17 at Seattle</li></ul> |
<strong>5</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; "> |
<strong>7</strong> |
<img alt="" height="62" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/seattle_150.png" width="62"> |
<p>That was a ruthless beatdown of Portland, who were exposed repeatedly on the flanks. The Sounders are a team of vets that know how to exploit that kind of room against naïve teams.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Won vs. Portland, 3-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/08/highlights-sea-vs-por" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-07-sea-v-por/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-D-L-D-W</li><li><strong>Next Game:</strong> Oct. 17 vs. Real Salt Lake</li></ul> |
<strong>6</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"> |
<strong>6</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/losangeles_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>Let’s not blame Bryan Gaul and Tommy Meyer for that one. Neither rookie was great, but it was actually a lack of communication between Omar Gonzalez and Sean Franklin that hung LA out to dry.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Real Salt Lake, 2-1</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/06/highlights-la-vs-rsl" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</strong></a></li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-06-la-v-rsl/recap" target="_blank"><strong>FULL MATCHCENTER</strong></a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-W-W-D-L</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Oct. 21 at San Jose</li></ul> |
<strong>7</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; "> |
<strong>10</strong> |
<img alt="" height="62" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/dc_150.png" width="62"> |
<p>It hasn’t been at all pretty for D.C. over the past four or five weeks, but they’ve pretty much punched their playoff ticket and you can’t ever argue with road shutouts. Period.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Won at Toronto, 1-0</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/06/highlights-tor-vs-dc" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</strong></a></li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-06-tor-v-dc/recap" target="_blank"><strong>FULL MATCHCENTER</strong></a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; ">W</span>-W-W-D-W</li><li><strong>Next Game:</strong> Oct. 20 vs. Columbus</li></ul> |
<strong>8</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; "> |
<strong>3</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newyork_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>The Power Rankings Politburo may have lost faith with the Red Bulls. With seven games left they had five at home and two winnable road games; they’ve gone 2-2-1 to start that stretch off, and never looked threatening against either Chicago or Sporting.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Chicago, 2-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/06/highlights-ny-vs-chi" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-06-ny-v-chi/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five:</strong> W-L-D-W-L</li><li><strong>Next Game: </strong>Oct. 20 vs. Sporting KC</li></ul> |
<strong>9</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; "> |
<strong>8</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/houston_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>Hanging onto a rapidly fraying rope, it seems. The Dynamo have gone back to the 4-4-2 and gotten a couple of acceptable results out of ugly matches, but they’ll need at least one win from their last two to guarantee a postseason appearance.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Drew vs. Montreal, 1-1</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/06/highlights-hou-vs-mtl" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</strong></a></li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-06-hou-v-mtl/recap" target="_blank"><strong>FULL MATCHCENTER</strong></a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-D-L-W-D</li><li><strong>Next Game: </strong>Oct. 20 vs. Philadelphia</li></ul> |
<strong>10</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; "> |
<strong>11</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/columbus_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>The Crew were a team transformed when Dilly Duka came on in the second half, able to hold onto the ball and create in midfield despite SKC’s pressure. If they play like that in the next two, there’s a good chance they’ll make the playoffs.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Drew vs. Sporting KC, 1-1</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/07/highlights-clb-vs-skc" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><b><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-07-clb-v-skc/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></b></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-W-L-W-D</li><li><strong>Next Game: </strong>Oct. 20 at D.C. United</li></ul> |
<strong>11</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; "> |
<strong>12</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/vancouver_150.png" style="text-align: center; width: 50px; height: 73px; "> |
<p>Was that 4-0 pasting just an emblem of how bad Chivas USA are, or was it a tangible step on the road to improvement for Vancouver? Either way, it just about has the ‘Caps in the playoffs.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Won vs. Chivas USA, 4-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/04/highlights-van-vs-chv" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-03-van-v-chv/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-L-D-D-W</li><li><strong>Next Game: </strong>Oct. 21 vs. Portland</li></ul> |
<strong>12</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; "> |
<strong>9</strong> |
<img alt="" height="64" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/dallas_150.png" style="text-align: center; " width="64"> |
<p>Sunday’s trip to the Home Depot Center couldn’t have been bigger, and most of the FCD field players looked like they wanted nothing to do with it. Thank goodness for "El Gato," who kept their playoff hopes flickering.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Drew at Chivas USA, 1-1</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/07/highlights-chv-vs-dal" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</strong></a></li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-07-chv-v-dal/recap" target="_blank"><strong>FULL MATCHCENTER</strong></a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-D-W-D-D</li><li><strong>Next Game: </strong>Oct. 21 at Seattle</li></ul> |
<strong>13</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"> |
<strong>13</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imapact-logo-3.png" style="width: 52px; height: 60px; "> |
<p>Let’s say it how it is: Their run of solid midseason defensive form came to an end when Alessandro Nesta was inserted into the lineup. Calen Carr showed yet again what a liability the legendary Italian now is.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Drew at Houston, 1-1</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/06/highlights-hou-vs-mtl" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</strong></a></li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-06-hou-v-mtl/recap" target="_blank"><strong>FULL MATCHCENTER</strong></a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-L-D-D</li><li><strong>Next Game</strong><strong>: </strong>Oct. 20 at Toronto</li></ul> |
<strong>14</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"> |
<strong>14</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/philadelphia_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>Switching out of the 4-3-3 has paid real dividends for a team that looks like they’re finally figuring out who they are on the field. Too late for 2012, obviously, but it’s a nice look for 2013.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Won at Chicago, 3-1; Won vs. New England, 1-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/03/highlights-chi-vs-phi" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a> / <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-03-chi-v-phi/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong>(PHI)</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/06/highlights-phi-vs-ne" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a> / <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-06-phi-v-ne/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong> (NE)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>L-W-L-W-W</li><li><strong>Next Game: </strong>Oct. 20 at Houston</li></ul> |
<strong>15</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"> |
<strong>15</strong> |
<img alt="" height="50" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/portland_150.png" width="50"> |
<p>Didn’t defend well and didn’t finish well, which doesn’t get the job done in a rivalry game. We love Darlington Nagbe, but he needs to step up and be the man in situations like that. He certainly has the talent.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Seattle, 3-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/08/highlights-sea-vs-por" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-07-sea-v-por/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>D-D-L-D-L</li><li><strong>Next Game: </strong>Oct. 21 at Vancouver</li></ul> |
<strong>16</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"> |
<strong>16</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/colorado_150.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; "> |
<p>Has this been a season lost? The Rapids don’t seem to have made any progress toward a more fluid, possession-oriented style of play, which was the point of the overhaul, after all.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to San Jose, 4-1</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/06/highlights-col-vs-sj" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><b><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-06-col-v-sj/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></b></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-D-D-L</li><li><strong>Next Game</strong><strong>: </strong>Oct. 20 at Chivas USA</li></ul> |
<strong>17</strong> |
<img alt="" height="40" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40"> |
<strong>17</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newengland_150.png" style="text-align: center; " width="55"> |
<p>Even when they play fairly well they find a way to shoot themselves in the foot. Terrible mistake from both Bobby Shuttleworth and Ryan Guy on the goal, and a needless red from Benny Feilhaber after a strong two-way game.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Philadelphia, 1-0</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/06/highlights-phi-vs-ne" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-06-phi-v-ne/recap" target="_blank">FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>W-L-D-L-L</li><li><strong>Next Game</strong><strong>: </strong>Oct. 20 vs. Chicago</li></ul> |
<strong>18</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; "> |
<strong>19</strong> |
<img alt="" height="55" src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chivas_150.png" width="55"> |
<p>Pasted midweek, then showed signs of life (and maybe pride?) on Sunday. Where was that in August? Juan Agudelo, by the way, repeatedly tormented the entire Dallas backline, but just couldn’t find an end product.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Vancouver, 4-0; Drew vs. FC Dallas, 1-1</li><li><strong><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-03-van-v-chv/recap" target="_blank">WATCH HIGHLIGHTS / FULL MATCHCENTER</a></strong> (VAN)</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-07-chv-v-dal/recap" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS / FULL MATCHCENTER</strong></a> (DAL)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; ">L-L-L-L</span>-D</li><li><strong>Next Game: </strong>Oct. 20 vs. Colorado</li></ul> |
<strong>19</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; "> |
<strong>19</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/toronto_150.png" style="text-align: center; width: 52px; height: 60px; "> |
<p>Goalkeeping gaffe to lose in heartbreaking fashion and extend their winless streak to 12 games? Just another chapter in Toronto's historically bad season. Is it over yet? Thankfully, almost.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to D.C. United, 1-0</li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/10/06/highlights-tor-vs-dc" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH HIGHLIGHTS</strong></a></li><li><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-10-06-tor-v-dc/recap" target="_blank"><strong>FULL MATCHCENTER</strong></a></li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; ">L-D-L-L</span>-L</li><li><strong>Next Game</strong><strong>: </strong>Oct. 20 vs. Montreal</li></ul> |
