So another week has passed, another round of MLS matches have been played, and another arbitrary list based on my subjective opinions ranks the various clubs of Major League Soccer because it drives hits and is easier than thinking of something new after I get home from work. Power Rankings are in, people.
1. Real Salt Lake (1)Is Jason Kreis the American Mourinho? Not a chance, Real are too fun to watch. They're good, too. Without a doubt the best team in the league, and the only one left undefeated. The Supporters Shield is theirs to lose.
2. Philadelphia Union (5)
With their win over New York, the Union are in control of the Eastern Conference, and with an average of .25 goals allowed per game, they have the stingiest defense in the league. The only cause for concern is the somewhat limp attack.
3. Los Angeles Galaxy (3)
Did enough for the win against D.C., but were robbed by Charlie Davies's last-minute dive. The most dangerous set piece team in the country, but the offense needs to produce more.
4. Colorado Rapids (2)
The defending Champs were in the wrong place at the wrong time when Dallas decided to wake up and join the 2011 season, but they're currently second overall, and have little to complain about.
5. New York Red Bulls (4)
New York lost not only a close match to rivals Philadelphia, but also their position as Eastern Conference favorites. The midfield was very effective, almost dominant, but the offense was nowhere to be found. Thierry Henry has been disappointing. (Puts on "Captain Obvious" hat)
6. D.C. United (10)
It may not have been pretty, but Ben Olsen and his squad will view the the draw against LA as a point against an MLS heavyweight. Dive or not (it was), Charlie Davies could be one of the best signings of the season.
7. San Jose Earthquakes (6)
A point against a not-that-great Toronto team, but the Quakes remain unbeaten since their opening-weekend loss to RSL and in the hunt for a playoff spot in a top-heavy Western Conference.
8. Chicago Fire (7)
An away loss to a Seattle team that finally found its scoring boots saw the Fire fail to take points for the first time this season, but winning their game in hand against expansion Portland would put Chicago in 2nd in the East.
9. Toronto FC (13)
TFC got a point away to San Jose, meaning that the Reds are now unbeaten in three games. TFC are officially on a "streak." Which is nice for them. Their game against LA tomorrow should show how far they have come.
10. Houston Dynamo (14)
Houston are one of three teams who woke up and got their first wins of 2011 this past weekend. The Dynamo have too much talent on their roster to be slumming it as low as they were.
11. Sporting Kansas City (11)
KC didn't play this weekend, and so fared better than a number of clubs in the middle of the power rankings pack.
12. Vancouver Whitecaps (8)
An away loss to Houston and a draw at home with New England brings them down to Earth somewhat after the thrilling comeback in their game against Kansas City, but Vancouver is still doing quite well for an expansion team.
13. Seattle Sounders (15)
The Sounders finally got their first win of the season, but there's still a ways to go to salvage the season. Fredy Montero's lack of goals will not help. The Colombian striker has failed to find the net in over 1000 minutes of play.
14. Columbus Crew (12)
There aren't many teams in this league playing worse than Chivas USA, but Columbus failed to even score a goal on the goats. They can't afford to let attainable points escape so easily.
15. New England Revolution (9)
The Revs had two winnable games this week, away to expansion Vancouver and at home against what were effectively RSL's reserves. They came away with just one point, a disappointing take.
16. FC Dallas (18)
Dallas's stay on the bottom of the rankings was short-lived, as they turned on the style to win a rematch of the 2010 Cup Final. They're still a long way off if they want to get back to that stage this year.
17. Chivas USA (16)
Chivas aren't an expansion team, so there really is no excuse for their dire performance so far. 2 points from 4 games is laughable. Must improve.
18. Portland Timbers (17)
Back on the bottom after a brief respite. Had the week off to prepare for their Thursday night game against Chicago.
