The Los Angeles Galaxy can’t be stopped.
Well, at least that goes for an offense that has rattled off 14 goals in its past five league matches. Edson Buddle’s hat-trick provided a boost for an offense that has been rolling despite not having Landon Donovan.
Winners of four of their last five, the Galaxy has a firm hold on the West lead and look like they have solved the defensive problems that plagued the squad earlier in the season. What remains to be seen is whether Los Angeles can beat the top teams in the East (the Galaxy don’t have a win against a team with a winning record, and just one win against East competition).
The Galaxy check in at No. 3 in the new SBI MLS Power Rankings. Here is how the rest of the rankings shook out:
SBI MLS Power Rankings
1. (2) New England Revolution (8-3-2)
Win in Houston cements the Revs’ status as the league’s top team and Matt Reis as the early front-runner for MVP.
2. (Last week- 1) Chicago Fire (6-4-1)
Second straight loss was also the Fire’s first road loss after perfect 4-0 start..
3. (3) Los Angeles Galaxy (6-4-2)
Offense scores at least three goals for fourth time in five games. As impressive as that is, the Galaxy are about to face toughest stretch of games to date in coming weeks.
4. (5) Toronto FC (6-4-2)
TFC returns to winning ways at home (league-best 5-0-2 at BMO Field), with Rohan Ricketts providing two goals.
5. (8) Columbus Crew (7-4-1)
Snapped its four-match winless streak with a comprehensive shellacking of the struggling Wizards on the road.
6. (9) D.C. United (5-7-1)
With Luciano Emilio looking like an MVP again, D.C. is poised to start putting heat on the East leaders.
7. (4) Houston Dynamo (4-4-5)
Outplayed by the Revs at home, Houston still doesn’t quite have that championship form and you wonder who the Dynamo will bring in to bolster the squad.
8. (12) FC Dallas (4-5-4)
Win vs. Chicago was very impressive as Kenny Cooper continues his all-star caliber season.
9. (13) Real Salt Lake (4-5-3)
Win against Chivas USA was team’s first road win of the season. With San Jose and KC on the upcoming schedule, RSL will have a chance to make a push in the standings.
10. (6) New York Red Bulls (4-4-3)
They may sport a .500 record but the Red Bulls are a sinking ship that looks poised to hit rock-bottom if reinforcements don’t show up ASAP.
11. (7) Chivas USA (4-6-2)
Played well against Real Salt Lake, but losing to RSL at home is still inexcusable and second straight shutout loss is worrisome.
12. (10) Colorado Rapids (5-7)
Rapids lose second straight to fall further down the West standings. Their inconsistency is mind-numbing.
13. (11) Kansas City Wizards (3-5-3)
What happened to the Wizards? A terribly long road trip was a good excuse, but losing 3-0 at home to Columbus leaves us wondering whether KC is just that bad.
14. (14) San Jose Earthquakes (3-7-1)
Just when you think San Jose might put something together after an impressive win, they turn around and deliver another stinker. How’s this for a stat: The Earthquakes are 0-3 and have been outscored 8-1 in matches after victories.
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