Jul 07
MLS Power Rankings: Week 15
There were six games spread over this holiday weekend culminating in an exciting double header. Only DC and Toronto didn’t play, making the potential for a lot of movement. We saw 9 out of 14 teams switch positions and with Superliga coming up, teams needed to make these last games count.
1. (1) New England Revolution (10-4-3)
It’s hard to say in words what New England has been capable of doing in the unpredictable MLS. Usually in MLS, if you can string together three or four wins, you’ll be right near first place but, New England keeps distancing themselves from the pack. This time, a 2-1 win over the Galaxy and New England has to be considered a favorite going into next week’s Superliga.
2. (2) DC United (7-7-1)
DC was idol this past weekend but nobody made a convincing surge to go by them so they will retain the number two spot for now. DC in fact won’t play a league game until July 22nd because of Superliga so if someone can make a push, DC could be moving down the rankings.
3. (3) Columbus Crew (8-4-3)
An exciting 2-2 draw against Chicago was a fun game to watch but it won’t propel them by DC. Columbus scored a fortuitous 87th minute goal to tie and for most of the night, Chicago were the better team. Columbus was slightly handicapped as their coach Sigi Schmid was at his daughter’s wedding so his assistant was managing the game.
4. (5) Chicago Fire (6-5-3)
Chicago was once considered the best team in MLS but a horrid loss of form has seen them drop down the standings and the power rankings. With that said, it appears that Chicago is back to early season form, after they played excellent possession oriented football for almost the whole game against Columbus. Chicago rises up a spot because of their great play even though they squandered the three points in the last minutes of the game.
5. (6) Toronto FC (6-4-4)
Toronto was idle this week and with nobody behind them pushing hard up the rankings, Toronto will actually move up a spot. A week of rest hopefully will serve them well as MLS reaches its busiest part of the season.
6. (7) Houston Dynamo (4-4-8)
Houston Dynamo are the “Kings of ties.” Houston continues to play well but no wins are coming. On national TV thursday, Houston played to a 0-0 draw with plenty of goal mouth action between Houston and Salt Lake. Houston moves up because of their good play recently even though they didn’t get the desired results.
7. (4) LA Galaxy (6-6-3)
LA, for the past two weeks has showed why they will only ever be a mediocre team unless they get defensive help. New England ran circles around Abel Xavier and company and can consider themselves unlucky not to have scored four or five goals. The offense still showed up to play, but LA’s defense is so debilitating that sometimes they can’t overcome themselves. It is rumored that they will sign a Argentinean defender soon so hopefully they can improve the back line.
8. (10) Chivas USA (6-6-3)
Chivas USA dominated a horrendous San Jose team for a full ninety minutes plus stoppage time. It was by pure grit and determination that San Jose survived as long as they did. Ante Razov’s curling free kick two minutes from time saved Chivas from an embarrassing draw. Chivas jumps ahead of Salt Lake because of the way the dominated San Jose and the fact that they picked up a win.
9. (9) Real Salt Lake (5-6-5)
Real Salt Lake seems to be a real contender for the Western Conference title. They continue to play an aggressive attacking style with has seen them move up not only the rankings, but the standings. Real stays still due to their draw and Chivas’s comprehensive victory.
10. (13) Colorado Rapids (6-8-1)
Colorado shocked me on friday. They played in front of a sell out crowd in Denver and beat New York 4-0. The same Colorado team that has been quite abysmal all year. It was a beautiful game played by Colorado and they scored some spectacular goals. If they can keep this run going, they could easily be vying for the Western Conference crown come fall.
11. (11) FC Dallas (4-6-6)
Dallas got another draw, what else is new. This one was however quite lucky. A beautiful 40 yard cross was headed on the run by Abe Thompson. It should probably be the best goal of the season. Dallas however, continues to struggle for wins and until they get their act sorted out, they are not real contenders.
12. (13) Kansas City Wizards (4-5-5)
Kansas City earned four points in their past two matches, a good sign for a team that has been struggling since the first few weeks of the season. They also have signed Josh Wolff so maybe, their offensive woes will be solved.
13. (8) New York Red Bulls (5-5-5)
A 4-0 dismantling by Colorado shows how badly New York needs re-enforcement’s. It is said that Juan Carlos Osorio has 4 or 5 players who will join soon, so hopefully there is relief ahead for New York fans. Five spots is a lot for a team to fall but after their display against Colorado, they deserve nothing better.
14. (14) San Jose Earthquakes (3-9-3)
Another week, another disappointing result. The only record San Jose is chasing right now is the first team to ten losses. That’s how sad their season has been. I’d like to be optimistic about San Jose’s chances at a playoff spot but, they simply don’t have a shot.
So, that was week 15′s power rankings. Did you agree or disagree with anything? Your thoughts below.
July 7th, 2008 at 5:52 am
I feel that DC United, although their record is just about average, deserves to have the number 1 power ranking. Since May 24, they have gone undefeated with a record of 5-0-1. Although they had a shaky start, they have clearly pulled it together and proven that they are the team to beat.
July 7th, 2008 at 6:27 am
i agree somewhat DC is yet to beat New England i beliee. but DC is top class the only thing that has held them back was
probably the lack of ben olsen and getting chemistry going with marcello
gallardo their early season misfortunes are a thing of the past DC is
legit and lets just see if they can carry that over from regular season
to the playoffs. BTW they went from last to third i the spand of a
month in a half. BUt did anyone watch the chicago columbus game?
that was a phenamonal game best game ive seen in a while
July 7th, 2008 at 6:29 am
Since that date, New England is 5-1-2 and also has 11 more points than DC. I agree, DC is the hottest team in the league but New England has played as well as they have all year so I think their top spot is justified. Even though DC is my favorite team.
July 7th, 2008 at 6:31 am
agreed julian, When DC played New England, they threw away a 2 goal lead so i guess that argument is somewhat valid. I’m really pumped for Superliga because DC is hot right now and they could easily run right threw their group and probably to the finals.
July 7th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Friedel is worth way more than $3M. In my mind, he was a top 3 keeper last season.
July 7th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Sorry comments intended for next article.
July 8th, 2008 at 4:40 am
I think that D.C. will easily come away with the a MLS victory. I mean aren’t they due?
July 8th, 2008 at 4:43 am
agreed soccerlover. DC is my favorite to win the MLS Cup right now, although I am a little biased because they’re my favorite team. Every year they have a great squad, one of these times they’re gonna win the whole thing. It’s a shame the east is so good because we would run right through the western conference this year.
July 10th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
lol superliga lol does the winner still get a million dollars?
July 10th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
yeah, that’s the sad existence of american soccer. For the clubs though, that’s big money.
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