Only MLS league games will be reflected in the rankings. Rankings are voted on by MLSsoccer.com editorial staff and remarks were written by the editorial staff.
BIGGEST MOVERS: NE +4 spots | VAN, DAL -3 spots
1
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 8
They may not have looked their usual dominant selves against Montreal, but they got another win, hoisted a trophy and helped their US internationals get over their World Cup disappointment. With Atlanta being one of their toughest competitors in the East, a positive result on Decision Day is a must.
Previous: Won vs. MTL, 1-0 | Next: at ATL on 10/22
2
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 8
Is this a crisis? This feels like a crisis. They've got one win in six and have gone ice cold at the exact wrong time of the year. David Villa hasn't looked like an MVP lately, and nobody else is picking up the slack.
Previous: Lost at NE, 2-0 | Next: vs. CLB on 10/22
3
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 15
The Sounders have now posted two straight home blowouts, and also have two straight multi-goal road defeats. Finishing the year with a win or draw – and thus guaranteeing homefield advantage in the Knockout Round – is a pretty, pretty big deal.
Previous: Won vs. DAL, 4-0 | Next: vs. COL on 10/22
4
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 17
One of the league's highest-scoring sides found themselves held to a clean sheet at Red Bull Arena. With Miguel Almiron likely returning Sunday, that is unlikely to happen again.
Previous: Drew at NY, 0-0 | Next: vs. TOR on 10/22
5
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 5 | LOW: 19
Three straight wins, nine games without a loss and Pipa playing like he’s 23 and not 32. Nobody wants to play Crew SC in the playoffs, especially if they’re able to grab a home game. The best time to get hot in MLS is September, October and then November. That’s how you collect silverware in December…
Previous: Won at ORL, 1-0 | Next: at NYC on 10/22
6
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 14
If there were any doubts as to whether the Timbers were a legitimate contender in the West, those were quickly dispelled with their Week 32 steamrolling of D.C. United. Now with a win on Decision Day, Portland are in position to claim the No. 1 seed and a Cascadia Cup to boot.
Previous: Won vs. DC, 4-0 | Next: vs. VAN on 10/22
7
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 21
That Vako goal hurts as the 'Caps now need a result in Portland to secure their No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. The good news is that the Timbers have alternated wins and losses recently.
Previous: Drew vs. SJ, 1-1 | Next: at POR on 10/22
8
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 9
A four-game winless streak has sapped Sporting of a little of its sparkle, and the fact that they could again face two-time recent foe Houston in the postseason stings. Fingers crossed they regain the tough form that's gotten them this far.
Previous: Lost at HOU, 2-1; Drew vs. HOU, 0-0 | Next: at RSL on 10/22
9
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 21
Nemanja Nikolic craves goals. He had an empty belly for a long stretch there, but he’s filling up again and it looks like the Golden Boot is his to lose. Now, what’s Bastian Schweinsteiger’s status for the playoffs? They can survive without the German legend, but he changes this team’s ceiling.
Previous: Won vs. PHI, 3-2 | Next: at HOU on 10/22
10
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 14
If that match against Atlanta was a Knockout Round preview, count on the RBNY faithful feeling confident they’ll be cheering from RBA this postseason.
Previous: Drew vs. ATL, 0-0 | Next: at DC on 10/22
11
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 19
A five-match streak without a loss -- plus wins secured without their usual South American stalwarts -- proves the Dynamo are ready for the postseason berth they clinched this past weekend.
Previous: Won vs. SKC, 2-1; Drew at SKC, 0-0 | Next: vs. CHI on 10/22
12
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 21
Win and they're in. Who could have thought that a team with a -22 goal differential would have this chance?
Previous: Drew at VAN, 1-1 | Next: vs. MIN on 10/22
13
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 22
Welp. That was a dud. Gonna take them outpacing San Jose AND FC Dallas on Sunday if they want to complete this in-season comeback with a playoff run.
Previous: Lost at COL, 1-0 | Next: vs. SKC on 10/22
14
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 20
12-2-3 at home. 0-13-3 on the road. What the hell, man.
Previous: Won vs. NYC, 2-0 | Next: at MTL on 10/22
15
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 9 | LOW: 22
A noble showing until Chicago (and Nemanja Nikolic) found the second gear that’s separated them from the East’s playoff line. There’s a nice core in Philly. The right moves could mean a quick rise in 2018.
Previous: Lost at CHI, 3-2 | Next: vs. ORL on 10/22
16
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 15 | LOW: 22
The Loons have conceded 67 goals this season. The all-time record is 69. Adrian Heath will be looking to not make history against the Quakes.
Previous: Lost at LA, 3-0 | Next: at SJ on 10/22
17
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 19
The season didn't go the way he probably planned but let's shower some love on Patrice Bernier this Sunday. He deserves it.
Previous: Lost at TOR, 1-0 | Next: vs. NE on 10/22
18
LAST WEEK: 21
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 22
When Alan Gordon eventually retires everybody will remember the towering headers, and the rugged hold-up play, and the amazing celebrations. The Power Rankings Politburo will choose to remember his perpetually underrated feet and vision. That was a killer pass.
Previous: Won vs. RSL, 1-0 | Next: at SEA on 10/22
19
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 19
One of the biggest causes for hand-wringing in this second half of the season, Dallas' skid continued with a massive loss at Seattle, the same weekend fans turned over the Supporters' Shield to Toronto.
Previous: Lost at SEA, 4-0 | Next: vs. LA on 10/22
20
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 20
It wasn’t the send-off that Kaká or Orlando City were envisioning, but for all intents and purposes, the home loss to Crew SC marked a turning of the page for the Lions. A critical offseason for Jason Kreis and his technical staff begins in just a few days.
Previous: Lost vs. CLB, 1-0 | Next: at PHI on 10/22
21
LAST WEEK: 22
HIGH: 5 | LOW: 22
The Galaxy ended one of the worst home seasons to date with a promising win. That's about all we can say for positives.
Previous: Won vs. MIN, 3-0 | Next: at DAL on 10/22
22
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 22
It’s been a tough season – and Sunday was no walk in the park – but the second half of 2017 has been about building for 2018 anyway. First, though, one last game at RFK Stadium. It may have had its warts, but the building played host to some of American soccer’s biggest moments and best teams. Adios bouncing stands, crumbling concrete and local flora/fauna – you will be missed.
Previous: Lost at POR, 4-0 | Next: vs. NY on 10/22
