Only MLS league games will be reflected in the rankings. Rankings are voted on by MLSsoccer.com editorial staff; words by Alicia Rodriguez.
BIGGEST MOVERS: ORL +5; RSL, CHI -4
1
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 4
Another win for LAFC, and more distance put between them and the chasing pack in MLS. Their nearly month-long break in MLS play could be a benefit for U.S. Open Cup play, but the question for a team this hot is whether the time away could slow down what currently looks like a runaway Black & Gold train.
Previous: 3-2 win at POR | Next: at COL on 6/29
2
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 20
The Union move to even greater heights in the Power Rankings after a four-point week, including a gutsy road win, the first for an away team at Allianz Field. They've got a big game at the weekend, hosting the Red Bulls, and if they can grab a win it'll be against a team likely to go the distance in competing for top of the East.
Previous: 1-1 draw vs. COL; 3-2 win at MIN | Next: vs. RBNY on 6/8
3
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 21
The same can be said of the Red Bulls themselves. After a sluggish start to the league campaign they are picking up results at a good rate, including a second-half blowout win over RSL. But that game against the Union could be a big one for Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs seeding for both teams come season's end.
Previous: 4-0 win vs. RSL | Next: at PHI on 6/8
4
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 18
They did it again, as NYCFC didn't win, but they didn't lose either, continuing their impressive run of losing just once all season. They seem to be in need of a game-breaker or two, and it's unclear if they'll get that this season. But the base to have a competitive team that can go toe-to-toe with anyone is certainly there.
Previous: 2-2 draw at CLB | Next: vs. CIN on 6/6
5
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 5
Weird night in Texas for the Sounders, who lost on two own goals, just the fifth team to score two own goals in a game in league history. Their road trip isn't over, with a jaunt all the way to Quebec midweek, but even with the injuries and other absences, the Sounders will like their chances against the Impact.
Previous: 2-1 loss at DAL | Next: at MTL on 6/5
6
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 19
Look who's coming, as Atlanta take care of business at home in a two-game week and are now just two points out of first place in the Eastern Conference. Nice to see Josef Martinez finding a vein of form, and woe to the hecklers in the crowd who fired up the striker to go on this recent rampage.
Previous: 3-0 win vs. MIN; 2-0 win vs. CHI | Next: at TOR on 6/26
7
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 13
Houston have been all over the place in terms of results the last five games and probably find the Gold Cup break is coming at the right time. They've still got a good squad likely to easily qualify for the playoffs, but with recent games being a bit jagged, a rest and reset is in order.
Previous: 1-1 draw vs. SKC | Next: at POR on 6/22
8
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 24
Seems more and more likely that the Timbers will agree they have a rivalry with LAFC brewing, and while they were on the wrong side of it, their game to re-open Providence Park was a terrific spectacle. Five points below the playoff line, they can now really get to work in picking up wins to move up the table.
Previous: 3-2 loss vs. LAFC | Next: vs. HOU on 6/22
9
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 9
The paradox is fully on for United, who haven't won in five but still sit in second place in the East, a point out of the top slot. They seem to be a side increasingly getting caught in momentary lapses, but they're also capable of scoring golazos and digging out results, often in the same game.
Previous: 3-3 draw vs. CHI; 1-1 draw vs. SJ | Next: vs. ORL on 6/26
10
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 15
It was going to be a tough week for Minnesota, and so it proved to be, with two losses. The one at home, their first at Allianz Field, will hurt more, especially after grabbing a late equalizer. Adrian Heath's side is above the playoff line but there is still an air of insecurity about their postseason prospects right now.
Previous: 3-0 loss at ATL; 3-2 loss vs. PHI | Next: at COL on 6/8
11
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 24
San Jose, meanwhile, are below the playoff line at present but surging, with a 3-1-1 record in their last five games. They have nothing sewn up yet, but after a terrible start they are clicking, and even with forecasts that Matias Almeyda's style wouldn't be easy on the eye, they look more entertaining than they have in years.
Previous: 1-1 draw at DC | Next: vs. DAL on 6/8
12
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 5 | LOW: 15
They all count the same, Dallas learned, after winning 2-1 on two own goals by the Sounders. It was their first win in seven and it looked like it meant a lot. Next up, a feisty Quakes side in San Jose, but Dallas are more than capable of taking a result in that game, too.
Previous: 2-1 win vs. SEA | Next: at SJ on 6/8
13
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 13
"Maybe this is who we are," said by Zlatan Ibrahimovic after Bruce Arena's Revolution put in a road upset over the Galaxy, is one of the most surprising statements of the season. He may be right, but the surprise is that Ibrahimovic seems to be lacking belief, maybe for the first time ever?
Previous: 2-0 win at SKC; 2-1 loss vs. NE | Next: at CIN on 6/22
14
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 14 | LOW: 23
The Whitecaps are on their longest unbeaten streak of the season, four games, and they're firmly competitive every time out. It still looks like the bounces aren't going their way, but sitting just a point below the playoff line they are far from out of the reckoning at this stage.
Previous: 1-1 draw vs. TOR | Next: vs. COL on 6/22
15
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 14 | LOW: 21
Whispers Could this be the year Orlando make the playoffs? They still have a lot of work to do, but they are coming off another good win and sitting under the playoff line only on points per game. Their defense still struggles mightily at times, but the fullbacks have been underrated and the squad might be clicking.
Previous: 3-0 win at MTL | Next: at DC on 6/26
16
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 19
TFC are winless in six and put simply, have not been playing like a contender. There's talent and experience, to be sure, but if they can't get some wins, a handful of teams will be challenging them for their spot in the standings the entire way to Decision Day presented by AT&T.
Previous: 1-1 draw at VAN | Next: vs. SKC on 6/7
17
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 13 | LOW: 20
RSL had arguably the hardest slate of the week and came up short, with no points in two road games. All in all, they look like a team that is trending to win most of their home games and lose most of their road tilts. It's nothing innovative, but to paraphrase Zlatan, maybe this is who they are this year.
Previous: 2-1 loss at MTL; 4-0 loss at RBNY | Next: at CHI on 6/22
18
LAST WEEK: 22
HIGH: 20 | LOW: 23
The Revs worked hard to get to a point per game pace, which they've hit, and there's a sense they can do good things with Bruce Arena leading the way. Time will tell, but this new coach bounce looks like it will last far longer than the first game.
Previous: 2-1 win at LA | Next: vs. PHI on 6/26
19
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 21
Sporting ended the week on a decent note, with a road draw in Houston where no one has won, but they're still at the "treading water" stage with all the players hobbled or missing. They have one more league game before the Gold Cup break in MLS...any chance SKC throw caution to the wind and go for another Open Cup, too?
Previous: 2-0 loss vs. LA; 1-1 draw at HOU | Next: at TOR on 6/7
20
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 20
The Montreal Enigma, sorry, Impact, had another mixed week. Their spot in the standings is still good, fourth in the East, ninth overall, but the only reliable thing about this team game to game is that they are unreliable.
Previous: 2-1 win vs. RSL; 3-0 loss vs. ORL | Next: vs. SEA on 6/5
21
LAST WEEK: 21
HIGH: 16 | LOW: 24
Only LAFC and the Red Bulls have won more games than the Rapids in their last five, believe it or not. They may look like a credible competitive team in MLS at the moment, but the voting panel still remembers the eight-game losing streak that preceded it and want to see some more before Colorado really rises.
Previous: 1-1 draw at PHI; 3-1 win vs. CIN | Next: vs. MIN on 6/8
22
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 13 | LOW: 21
The Fire had a tough schedule in a double-game week, so picking up just a point could be excused, but Dax McCarty was right -- this team needs to take a look in the mirror. They have talent, but too often, they've been playing well for 30 or even 60 minutes in a game. At this stage, that's not good enough to be successful.
Previous: 3-3 draw at DC; 2-0 loss at ATL | Next: vs. RSL on 6/22
23
LAST WEEK: 23
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 23
The Crew are 1-8-1 in their last 10 games. Worse, their stellar goalkeeper, Zack Steffen, is now gone. Joe Bendik has shown he can be busy stand tall in net, but he's got some mighty big shoes to fill and a team that is struggling around him.
Previous: 2-2 draw vs. NYC | Next: vs. SKC on 6/23
24
LAST WEEK: 24
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 24
With a new GM in place and the Gold Cup break on the horizon, FC Cincy are ready for a break and looking for a half-season reset for their inaugural campaign.
Previous: 3-1 loss at COL | Next: at NYC on 6/6
