MLS Power Rankings, Week 7: A three-way run for the top spot in the poll

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<strong>1</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: 2</p>

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<p>Move up to the No. 1 spot sort of by default &ndash; that wasn&#39;t a great performance by any stretch. But it was a well-earned point on the road, and that&#39;s what good teams do.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-philadelphia-union-vs-real-salt-lake/recap" target="_blank">Drew at Philadelphia, 2-2</a></li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday vs. Portland (9:30 pm,&nbsp;<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li></ul>

<strong>2</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: 1</p>

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<p>That got ugly quick. Dallas couldn&#39;t answer Seattle&#39;s intensity in the second half, and were forced to repeatedly scramble in defense. They didn&#39;t look like the home team.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-fc-dallas-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/recap" target="_blank">Lost to Seattle, 3-2</a></li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday vs. Toronto (8:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li></ul>

<strong>3</strong>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" style="width: 30px; height: 14px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 3</p>

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<p>Holding steady for now, but don&#39;t underestimate the loss of <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/ike-opara" target="_blank">Ike Opara</a>. He gave Sporting crucial minutes last season.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Bye</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Montreal (8:30 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: 7</p>

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<p>Deuce is getting <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/04/14/clint-dempsey-wins-2nd-straight-player-week-unanimous-vote-after-brace-vs-fc" target="_blank">all the love</a>, but let&#39;s spare a thought for Sigi Schmid. Two weeks in a row he&#39;s made clever tactical adjustments to get his team a result on the road.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-fc-dallas-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/recap" target="_blank">Won at Dallas, 3-2</a></li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday at Chivas USA (10:30 pm, UniMas)</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: 4</p>

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<p>Very good first half followed by a so-so second half. Good enough for a point, though at times this weekend it felt like they should have had all three.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-13-san-jose-earthquakes-vs-columbus-crew/recap" target="_blank">Drew at San Jose, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday vs. D.C. United (7:30 pm,&nbsp; <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</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>

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<p>Weren&#39;t as rampant against Vancouver as they were against Chivas the week before. The diamond midfield still looks good at times, but still isn&#39;t firing on all cylinders.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week:&nbsp;</strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-la-galaxy-vs-vancouver-whitecaps-fc/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Vancouver, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday at Vancouver (7 pm,&nbsp;<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>/TSN2)</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: 9</p>

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<p>It was ugly and lacking in elegance, but it was a road win over a solid defensive team. <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/dillon-powers" target="_blank">Dillon Powers</a> has quietly been one of the league&#39;s best players this year.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-toronto-fc-vs-colorado-rapids/recap" target="_blank">Won at Toronto, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday vs. San Jose (6 pm,&nbsp;<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: 5</p>

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<p>A much tougher defensive team than anyone thought they&#39;d be. Obviously lacking punch without their two big names, however.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week:&nbsp;</strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-toronto-fc-vs-colorado-rapids/recap" target="_blank">Lost to Colorado, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday at Dallas (8:30 pm,&nbsp;<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/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 11</p>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/philadelphia_150.png" style="width: 75px; height: 75px;">

<p>Week after week after week, they look the part of a playoff team. Week after week after week, they cough up points. <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/04/12/armchair-analyst-how-philadelphia-union-have-become-most-frustrating-team-ml?module=from_footer" target="_blank">Nobody in MLS is more frustrating</a>.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-philadelphia-union-vs-real-salt-lake/recap" target="_blank">Drew vs. Real Salt Lake, 2-2</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at New York (7:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)<br> Saturday vs. Houston (4 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/vancouver_150.png" style="width: 75px; height: 110px;">

<p>Did really good work in LA, and had plenty of looks to come away with at least a point. Still trying to figure out the right formation and personnel.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-la-galaxy-vs-vancouver-whitecaps-fc/recap" target="_blank">Lost at LA, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday vs. LA (7 pm,&nbsp;<a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>/TSN2)</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: 16</p>

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<p>Are these the real Revs? Always seemed in control against the Dynamo, and were rarely threatened. And it seems like the goals are going to start to come.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-new-england-revolution-vs-houston-dynamo/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. Houston, 2-0</a></li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday at Chicago (4 pm, NBCSN)</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: 8</p>

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<p>Three straight losses, and not a lot in this last one to suggest the streak&#39;s going to end this coming week on the road.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-new-england-revolution-vs-houston-dynamo/recap" target="_blank">Lost at New England, 2-0</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Philadelphia (4 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/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 14</p>

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<p>Went on the road and got a point, which seems to be their thing. The single-season record for draws is 16. This year&#39;s Fire already have five.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-montreal-impact-vs-chicago-fire/recap" target="_blank">Drew at Montreal, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday vs. New England (4 pm, NBCSN)</li></ul>

<strong>14</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: 15</p>

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chivas_150.png" style="width: 75px; height: 75px;">

<p>Stayed compact and smart defensively, and were just opportunistic enough to get a share. The result, however, <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/04/14/chivas-usa-not-optimistic-after-rookie-thomas-mcnamara-goes-down-draw-vs-por" target="_blank">is overshadowed by Tommy McNamara&#39;s injury</a>.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-portland-timbers-vs-chivas-usa/recap" target="_blank">Drew at Portland, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday vs. Seattle (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/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" style="width: 30px; height: 32px;"><p class="rtecenter">Last: 18</p>

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<p>Two wins in a row even though they were on the back foot for about 85 minutes in this one. D.C. aren&#39;t playing great, but suddenly they&#39;re getting results.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-dc-united-vs-new-york-red-bulls/recap" target="_blank">Won vs. New York, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday at Columbus (7:30 pm,&nbsp;<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/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>

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<p>One of the things that defined the Timbers last year was how precise they were with the ball. That&#39;s been mostly absent so far in 2014, and they&#39;re paying the price.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-portland-timbers-vs-chivas-usa/recap" target="_blank">Drew vs. Chivas USA, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Real Salt Lake (9:30 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/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/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>Frustration is starting to boil over for New York fans, who didn&#39;t imagine their first title defense of any sort would be so depressing.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-dc-united-vs-new-york-red-bulls/recap" target="_blank">Lost at DC, 1-0</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. Philadelphia (7:30 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/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: 17</p>

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Dead last in the league on points, but showed a certain zest and flexibility with the addition of <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/yannick-djalo" target="_blank">Yannick Djalo</a> in the second half.&nbsp;<br><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-13-san-jose-earthquakes-vs-columbus-crew/recap" target="_blank">Drew vs. Columbus, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Colorado (6 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>

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<p>The Power Rankings Politburo doesn&#39;t have any easy answers for our friends in Montreal. And it only gets harder with this weekend&#39;s trip to KC.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong><a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-12-montreal-impact-vs-chicago-fire/recap" target="_blank">Drew vs. Chicago, 1-1</a></li><li><strong>This Week:&nbsp;</strong>Saturday at Kansas City (8:30 pm, <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS Live</a>)</li></ul>