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SBI MLS Power Rankings (Week 8)

Photo by Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports
Photo by Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports

In a week that saw no ties across MLS, several contenders faltered while a few struggling teams emerged with big-time wins.

Previously-unbeaten Real Salt Lake was thrashed by the LA Galaxy, while the Montreal Impact, Sporting KC and FC Dallas each fell to defeat. In their stead, teams like the LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids picked up statement wins to assert themselves in the Western Conference standings.

In the East, the New York Red Bulls finally put things together in a controversial win over Orlando City. The Columbus Crew and D.C. United also appear to be on the right track as each added their second wins of the campaign.

Here’s a closer look at this week’s Power Rankings:

SBI MLS Power Rankings (Week 8)

1. (Last Week-4) LOS ANGELES GALAXY (4-1-2)

LA Galaxy

LAST WEEK: Defeated Real Salt Lake, 5-2, on Saturday

THIS WEEK: at Sporting KC on Sunday

OUTLOOK–It was essentially a perfect performance from the Galaxy, whose stars stepped up to lead the way against previously-unbeaten RSL. Giovani dos Santos and Steven Gerrard are playing their best soccer since joining the club, while Emmanuel Boateng provided the best effort of his young MLS career. The Galaxy have now won their past two games by a combined 9-3 scoreline to once again emerge as a real power out West.

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2. (1) REAL SALT LAKE (4-1-2)

RSL Logo

LAST WEEK: Lost, 5-2, to LA Galaxy on Saturday

THIS WEEK: vs. Houston Dynamo on Saturday

OUTLOOK– RSL came crashing back down to Earth with a resounding loss to the Galaxy. Previously the league’s lone unbeaten, RSL looked uncharacteristically sloppy and completely caved as the Galaxy poured on goals. Still, every team is allowed to have a stinker every now and then, and RSL will have to prove Saturday’s let down was exactly that rather than anything more.

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3. (5) COLORADO RAPIDS (5-2-1)

RapidsLogo

LAST WEEK: Defeated Seattle Sounders, 3-1, on Saturday

THIS WEEK: at Montreal Impact on Saturday.

OUTLOOK– It’s time to stop doubting the Rapids. Jermaine Jones netted his second goal in as many games, while Kevin Doyle provided a finish of his own to cap his return from injury. The Rapids aren’t going away and, with Tim Howard coming in the summer, it appears Pablo Mastroeni’s side is ready to compete throughout the 2016 season.
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4. (2) FC DALLAS (5-2-2)

DAL_Primary_COL

LAST WEEK: Lost, 3-0, to Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday

THIS WEEK: At New York Red Bulls on Friday

OUTLOOK– In a game that’s scoreline is slightly misleading, FC Dallas was swarmed by a previously-struggling Whitecaps team. While slightly sloppy defensively, FC Dallas’ issues came on the attacking end as David Ousted stopped shot after shot. Going forward, FCD will need to be a bit crisper in the final third if they hope to get on any real run.

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5. (8) PHILADELPHIA UNION (4-3-0)

UNI_Primary_COL

LAST WEEK: Defeated NYCFC, 2-0, on Saturday

THIS WEEK: vs. San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday

OUTLOOK– The Union have quietly moved atop the Eastern Conference with Saturday’s defeat of NYCFC. C.J. Sapong is playing at a top, top level, while Tranquillo Barnetta has proven to have the skill the Union need to pull the strings. There’s still a long way to go, but it looks like the Union have some legitimate pieces together to make some noise in the Eastern Conference.
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6. (13) TORONTO FC (3-2-2)

TOR_Primary_COL

LAST WEEK: Defeated Montreal Impact, 2-0, on Saturday

THIS WEEK: At Portland Timbers on Sunday

OUTLOOK– Sebastian Giovinco was phenomenal as usual, leading TFC to a statement victory over the Impact. TFC was certainly the better side throughout this past weekend’s clash and appear to be hitting their stride. With just one game remaining on the team’s season-opening road trip, TFC looks set for more success in the coming weeks with a return to BMO Field imminent.

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7. (10) SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES (4-2-2)

Image (3) NewSanJoseLogo-150x200.jpg for post 70945

LAST WEEK: Defeated Sporting KC, 1-0, on Sunday

THIS WEEK: at Philadelphia Union on Saturday

OUTLOOK– Chris Wondolowski continues to lead the way, with Sunday’s effort coming from the penalty spot. The Earthquakes have proven unbeatable at Avaya Stadium, but now face a difficult stretch of road games that could determine where exactly they fit in a rapidly-evolving Western Conference.
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8. (3) MONTREAL IMPACT (4-3-0)

Logo Impact MLS

LAST WEEK: Lost, 2-0, to Toronto FC on Saturday

THIS WEEK: at New York City FC on Wednesday; vs. Colorado Rapids on Saturday

OUTLOOK– In Didier Drogba’s first start of the season, the Impact were outplayed by their Canadian rivals. The Impact were dominated in the center of the field as Drogba was all but held in check throughout the entire contest. The performance will be a bit of a letdown, but the Impact now have a double game week to raise spirits.

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9. (7)  ORLANDO CITY (2-2-3)

OCSCprimary

LAST WEEK: Lost, 3-2, to New York Red Bulls on Sunday

THIS WEEK: vs. New England Revolution on Saturday

OUTLOOK– Orlando City just can’t escape the wrath of the referee. Undone once again by a missed call, Orlando City have every right to feel a bit wronged by Sunday’s result. However, the Lions’ lack of composure in the aftermath also played a part in their demise and that lack of maturity will need to be rectified going forward.

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10. (6) SPORTING KANSAS CITY (4-4-0)

SportingKClogo

LAST WEEK: Lost, 1-0, to San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday

THIS WEEK: at Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday; vs LA Galaxy on Sunday

OUTLOOK– Although unlucky on the day, Sunday’s loss the the Earthquakes did show some overarching problems. Sporting KC deserved a penalty kick, but no referee’s decision can make up for the fact the Sporting KC has now lost four of their last five. After starting so hot, it is time to be concerned, especially with two tough games coming up this week.
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11. (9) PORTLAND TIMBERS (2-3-2)

TimbersLogo

LAST WEEK: BYE

THIS WEEK: at New England Revolution on Wednesday; vs. Toronto FC on Sunday

OUTLOOK– Following a bye, the Timbers now have a difficult double game week ready to greet them. The week off came at the best possible time, as the Timbers hope to see several key pieces recover from injury in the near future.

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12. (14) COLUMBUS CREW (2-3-2)

CCSC-Primary

LAST WEEK: Defeated Houston Dynamo, 1-0, on Saturday

THIS WEEK: at Seattle Sounders on Saturday

OUTLOOK–  The Crew finally have their mojo back. Although the win over the Dynamo was far from the team’s best, the Crew have now won two straight after an abysmal start to the season. Now back in the mix, the Crew appear to have emerged from their rough patch following what looked to be an extended MLS Cup hangover.
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13. (16) VANCOUVER WHITECAPS (3-4-1)

WhitecapsLogo

LAST WEEK: Defeated FC Dallas, 3-0, on Saturday

THIS WEEK: vs. Sporting KC on Wednesday; at NYCFC on Saturday

OUTLOOK– The Whitecaps ended their goal drought in a major way, exploding to a 3-0 win over FC Dallas. Kekuta Manneh played his best game of the season, while David Ousted continued to provide a series of highlight-reel saves to keep things scoreless. Carl Robinson will hope Saturday’s victory will serve as a springboard that allows the Whitecaps to put their attacking woes behind them.
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14. (18) D.C. UNITED (2-3-3)

D.C. United logo

LAST WEEK:Defeated New England Revolution, 3-0, on Saturday

THIS WEEK: at Chicago Fire on Saturday

OUTLOOK– Two weeks after a four-goal performance, D.C. United hung three on the Revs. Luciano Acosta’s chip was as pretty a goal as one could score, and served as a signature moment from a signature win. Defensively, D.C. will always be solid, but Ben Olsen’s team will need to keep scoring goals if they hope to continue to move up the rankings.

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15. (11) SEATTLE SOUNDERS (2-4-1)

Seattle Sounders FC

LAST WEEK: Lost, 3-1, to Colorado Rapids on Saturday

THIS WEEK: vs. Columbus Crew on Saturday

OUTLOOK– Playing without Clint Dempsey and Nelson Valdez, the Sounders could not overcome a surging Rapids team. Jordan Morris looked good for the second week in a row, but, overall, the Sounders could muster little on Saturday. Brad Evans was sent off as frustrations boiled over for a team that still hasn’t put it all together.
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16. (20) NEW YORK RED BULLS (2-6-0)

NY_Primary_COL

LAST WEEK: Defeated Orlando City, 3-1, on Sunday

THIS WEEK: vs. FC Dallas on Friday

OUTLOOK–  After giving up a goal early, the Red Bulls appeared destined for another loss. However, fortunes finally turned at Red Bull Arena. Bradley Wright-Phillips netted twice, while helping to end the Red Bulls’ woes in the process. The reigning Supporters’ Shield winners are far from back, but Sunday was a great first step.

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17. (15) CHICAGO FIRE (1-2-3)

Chicago-Fire-Main

LAST WEEK: BYE

THIS WEEK: vs. D.C. United on Saturday

OUTLOOK– With a week off to regroup, the Fire bring their strong defensive record to Toyota Park for a clash with suddenly surging D.C. United.
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18. (12) NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION (1-2-5)

NE_Primary_COL

LAST WEEK: Lost, 3-0, to D.C. United on Saturday

THIS WEEK: vs. Portland Timbers on Wednesday; vs. Orlando City on Saturday

OUTLOOK– Through eight games, the Revs have collected just one win, and it’s time to be concerned. While Saturday’s scoreline was probably a bit harsh, the Revs just haven’t had it click on the attacking end to this point. The Revs need something to change before the team digs a hole for themselves prior to the summer months.
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19. (17) HOUSTON DYNAMO (1-4-2)

HOU_Primary_COL

LAST WEEK: Lost, 1-0, to Columbus Crew on Saturday

THIS WEEK: At Columbus Crew on Saturday

OUTLOOK– The results just aren’t coming for the Dynamo. Undone by a red card to Tyler Deric, the Dynamo were always up against it in the loss to the Crew. It’s been a difficult few weeks for the Texas club, who have sunk pretty far after a promising start to the season.
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20. (19) NEW YORK CITY FC (1-3-3)

NYCFC_Badge

LAST WEEK: Lost, 2-0, to Philadelphia Union on Saturday

THIS WEEK: vs. Montreal Impact on Wednesday; vs. Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday

OUTLOOK–  NYCFC continues to struggle, with the latest setback coming via a defeat to D.C. United. Without Andrea Pirlo, NYCFC looked toothless in attack, despite maintaining a bulk of possession. Patrick Vieira’s team is now winless since Week 1 and will need plenty of help in a difficult double game week.
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What do you think of the SBI MLS Power Rankings? Which teams do you see being ranked too highly? Who didn’t get enough respect?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. After 7 (or 8) games, the MLS Stats leaders among US players are:

    MLS GOALS BY US INTERNATIONAL ELIGIBLE PLAYERS
    Player
    Club POS GP GS MINS G A SHTS SOGGWG PKG/AHm Rd G/90 SC%
    Chris Wondolowski
    SJ F 8 8 720 7 0 22 9 2 2/2 4 3 0.88 31.8
    Gyasi Zardes
    LA M-F 7 6 569 4 1 14 10 1 0/0 3 1 0.63 28.6
    C.J. Sapong
    PHI F 7 7 622 4 1 22 7 1 0/0 4 0 0.58 18.2
    Mike Magee
    LA M 7 6 514 3 3 16 7 1 0/0 3 0 0.53 18.8
    Will Bruin
    HOUF 6 6 486 3 2 11 6 0 0/0 1 2 0.56 27.3
    Chris Pontius
    PHI M-F 7 7 543 3 1 16 8 2 0/0 1 2 0.50 18.8
    Jack McInerney
    POR F 5 1 222 3 0 10 6 0 0/0 1 2 1.22 30.0
    Andrew Wenger
    HOUF 7 7 550 2 2 12 7 0 0/0 2 0 0.33 16.7
    Justin Meram
    CLB M 7 5 432 2 2 16 10 1 0/0 1 1 0.42 12.5
    Diego Fagundez
    NE M 8 8 641 2 2 18 5 1 0/0 1 1 0.28 11.1
    Benny Feilhaber
    SKC M 5 4 405 2 1 6 3 1 1/1 1 1 0.44 33.3
    Jermaine Jones
    COL M 2 2 177 2 1 6 4 0 0/0 2 0 1.02 33.3
    Mike Grella
    NY M 8 6 594 2 1 12 7 0 0/0 2 0 0.30 16.7
    Thomas McNamara
    NYC M 7 6 514 2 1 12 4 0 0/0 1 1 0.35 16.7
    Lamar Neagle
    DC M-F 8 8 686 2 1 14 7 1 1/1 1 1 0.26 14.3
    David Horst
    HOUD 7 6 555 2 0 5 3 1 0/0 2 0 0.32 40.0
    Jordan Harvey
    VAN D 8 8 720 2 0 6 2 0 0/0 2 0 0.25 33.3
    Chad Marshall
    SEA D 7 7 630 2 0 7 4 0 0/0 1 1 0.29 28.6
    Jordan Morris
    SEA M-F 7 6 514 2 0 8 6 1 0/0 1 1 0.35 25.0
    Sacha Kljestan
    NY M 8 7 632 1 4 7 5 0 0/0 1 0 0.14 14.3

    MLS ASSISTS BY US INTERNATIONAL ELIGIBLE PLAYERS
    Player
    Club POS GPGS MINS G A SHTS SOG GWGPKG/AHm Rd G/90 SC%
    Sacha Kljestan
    NY M 8 7 632 1 4 7 5 0 0/0 1 0 0.14 14.3
    Mike Magee
    LA M 7 6 514 3 3 16 7 1 0/0 3 0 0.53 18.8
    Shea Salinas
    SJ M 8 2 270 0 2 2 2 0 0/0 0 0 0.00 0.0
    Jozy Altidore
    TOR F 5 3 293 0 2 4 2 0 0/0 0 0 0.00 0.0
    Boniek Garcia
    HOUM 6 2 297 0 2 1 1 0 0/0 0 0 0.00 0.0
    Saad Abdul-Salaam
    SKC D 5 3 315 0 2 3 0 0 0/0 0 0 0.00 0.0
    Justin Meram
    CLB M 7 5 432 2 2 16 10 1 0/0 1 1 0.42 12.5
    Mix Diskerud
    NYC M 6 5 461 1 2 12 6 1 0/0 0 1 0.20 8.3
    Will Bruin
    HOUF 6 6 486 3 2 11 6 0 0/0 1 2 0.56 27.3

    MLS players who would be goal-scorers, make assists or be play-makers for the US and are not leading on these lists need to step it up.

    Reply
  2. Man, hard to argue that LA isn’t for real now. Crazy.

    I still think there will be some turnover and changes and I don’t mean that Lampard comes back and makes NYCFC BETTER instead of worse.

    Reply
  3. When Galaxy want to play they are tough to beat, of course the second half of last season they didn’t really look like they cared. Wonder if Gio has turned it up trying to secure a spot for Copa America?

    Reply
  4. Good thing Vieira swooped in to save NYCFC from the clutches of Jason Kreis. The turn around in results is proof that this was clearly the best decision possible.

    Reply
    • Indeed! Views,…as if. Claudio is responsible as well. This team has not improved. Granted it is only year two but it does not seem they made any strides forward.

      Reply

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