Good morning folks. With the MLS season set to begin in just two days it is time to consider how the teams shape up heading into the season. It is time for the SBI MLS Pre-season power rankings.
My rankings are based on how the teams look heading into the season, so teams that are still missing pieces as of today won’t get credit for players it is supposed to be getting (think Red Bulls and Toronto FC). Their rankings can and will change if and when they make some key additions and those new players show they can make an impact.
There aren’t too many surprises near the top, though if there is a team I probably rate higher than most it is the Kansas City Wizards. I feel like they made some additions (and subtractions) that should help push them into the upper tier of teams.
Here is the first edition of this year’s SBI MLS Power Rankings:
MLS POWER RANKINGS
- Houston
- D.C. United
- New England Revolution
- Kansas City
- Chivas USA
- Chicago Fire
- Red Bulls
- FC Dallas
- Los Angeles Galaxy
- Colorado Rapids
- Columbus Crew
- Real Salt Lake
- Toronto FC
- San Jose Earthquakes
Some people will argue that I have the Red Bulls rated too highly. I think their forwards and Juan Carlos Osorio’s penchant for building strong defenses gives them the edge over the teams behind them in the rankings. I can’t see them going much higher though without some impact additions.
I’m sure folks in Salt Lake will argue that RSL made a ton of acquisitions and is ready to take the leap. I’m not convinced. If and when I am convinced, I will let it be known and adjust the rankings accordingly.
The same goes for San Jose. Yes, I know the Earthquakes won the Carolina Challenge Cup but I’m just not sold on that team having enough offense to do much this year.
I originally had the Galaxy ranked much higher in my mind a few weeks back but the more I look at that defense the more I wonder how LA will stop anybody. That said, it wouldn’t shock me at all if the Galaxy starts destroying people with that attack.
If there is a lower ranked team I can see putting it together it’s Columbus. The Crew has a good nucleus of young players who just might be ready to grow up and turn the Crew into a serious playoff contender.
Now I want to hear from you, SBI readers. Give me your rankings, who you see surprising and who you see being just plain awful. Also feel free to share your thoughts on my rankings.
Share your thoughts below.