The top four remained the same in this week's poll, but there are rumblings in the middle of the pack. The Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbersand Houston Dynamo all rode big wins to big strides in the poll, while the Colorado Rapids took a dive after a surprising loss in Toronto.
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All match times for this week's games are ET; only MLS regular-season games reflected on schedule.
<strong>Rank</strong> |
<strong>Trending</strong> |
<strong>Last </strong> |
<strong>Club</strong> |
<strong>Comment</strong> |
<strong>1</strong> |
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<strong>1</strong> |
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If LA were still steaming about the awful offside call in Morelia –
and really, how could they not be? – it didn’t show in the weekend’s 3-0
shellacking of Vancouver. They look every bit as good as their record
indicates, and Omar Gonzalez may very well be the best player in the
league right now at any position.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Vancouver, 3-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19207">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week:</strong> Saturday at Columbus (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>WWTWW</li></ul> |
<strong>2</strong> |
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<strong>2</strong> |
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<p>They got the job done midweek down in Costa Rica then brought it back
home with a dominant display against a rough and rugged DC side. The
bad news, of course, was Mauro Rosales’ knee injury, and the club
revealed on Monday that he'll miss 2-4 weeks. Obviously not helpful, but
not devastating either.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat D.C. United, 3-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19192">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Vancouver (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TWWLW</li></ul> |
<strong>3</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>3</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/saltlake_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
They allowed a ton of shots and open play on the wings from Sporting
KC, but Nick Rimando and the defense made the result stand up. RSL
still aren’t clicking like they were in March and April, but they’re
starting to grind out wins now and have a championship pedigree. If
Javier Morales comes back as well, watch out.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Sporting KC, 1-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19188">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday at New York (8 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>), Saturday at D.C. United (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LWWWW</li></ul> |
<strong>4</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>4</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/dallas_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
They played 180 minutes last week with heavy hearts, and did so down
crucial pieces thanks to injuries and suspension. A depressing draw at
home in CCL play – where they were outright robbed of a clear goal – and
the 1-0 loss to NY in which they lacked any kind of finishing touch
should be the wake-up call they need.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to New York, 1-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19186">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Houston (4 pm, TeleFutura)</li><li><strong>Last Five:</strong> LTLWL</li></ul> |
<strong>5</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>5</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sportingkc_logo.png" alt="" width="55"> |
<p>Sporting waltzed into Rio Tinto and gave RSL everything they could
handle, but couldn’t solve Nick Rimando & Co. It’s a loss, but Peter
Vermes seemed determined to make sure it was a learning experience as
well as he continues to shape his team’s mentality in advance of the
playoffs.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Real Salt Lake, 1-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19188">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Friday vs. Philadelphia (8:30 pm, Fox Soccer)</li><li><strong>Last Five:</strong> WLTWL</li></ul> |
<strong>6</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>10</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/philadelphia_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>The defensive lapses have stopped as Philly have now strung together
five-straight halves of shutout soccer. The offense is still a bit of a
mess, though, with only a bit of Sébastien Le Toux brilliance saving
them from another scoreless draw at home. As it is, the 1-0 win stopped
the bleeding for now.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Columbus, 1-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19175">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Friday at Sporting KC (8:30 pm, Fox Soccer)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LLTTW</li></ul> |
<strong>7</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>8</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/portland_150.png" alt="" width="50" height="50"> |
<p>The Timbers have won three of their last four and face a
season-defining two-game stretch this week: Wednesday at home against
San Jose, then a weekend match at RBNY, the team standing between them
and the playoffs. If they get all six points, they can pretty much punch
their ticket.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat New England, 3-0 <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18640">(</a><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19112">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. San Jose (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>), Saturday at New York (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LWWTW</li></ul> |
<strong>8</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>12</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/houston_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>Houston are a different team with Geoff Cameron at the back, able to
deal with quick attackers and make the field small for them. They’re
still frail because of mental lapses on set pieces, but were the better
team for 180 minutes last week. If this keeps up, they’ll be getting hot
at just the right time.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Columbus, 2-2 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19040">HIGHLIGHTS</a>), Beat San Jose, 2-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19187">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at FC Dallas (4 pm, TeleFutura)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>WLLTW</li></ul> |
<strong>9</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>9</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/columbus_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>The fight they showed midweek by coming back against Houston left
them sapped for the Philly game on the weekend. The good news is that
the defense doesn’t look as vulnerable as it did earlier in the month,
and with Emmanuel Ekpo, Eddie Gaven and Chad Marshall expected back,
things should pick up again.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Houston, 2-2 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19040">HIGHLIGHTS</a>), Lost at Philadelphia, 1-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19175">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. LA (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>WLLTL</li></ul> |
<strong>10</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>6</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/colorado_150.png" alt="" width="64" height="64"> |
Right now Colorado are somewhere between “teetering on the brink”
and “going down in flames.” Their hot summer still has them sitting
pretty in the playoff race, but last week was a brutal bludgeoning: 4-1
at home vs. Santos Laguna, then 2-1 on the road at TFC. The ship needs
righting, quick.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Toronto, 2-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19129">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Saturday vs. San Jose (9 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>WTLLL</li></ul> |
<strong>11</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>11</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newyork_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
They showed a toughness against FC Dallas that they’d been missing
since April. They’ll need to keep that same attitude this week against
RSL and Portland – two teams that dominate on set pieces, which just so
happens to be NY’s biggest weakness. They’ll want at least four points
from these two games.
<ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat FC Dallas, 1-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19186">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Wednesday vs. Real Salt Lake (8 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>), Saturday vs Portland (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LTTTW</li></ul> |
<strong>12</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>7</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/dc_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>They got properly thrashed at Seattle, but that can happen when you
play a talented, motivated team on their home field. The real test for
DC will be how they handle themselves this week with crucial home games
against Chivas and RSL. Three points is the bare minimum from that pair
of contests.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Seattle, 3-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19192">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesday vs. Chivas USA (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>), Saturday vs. Real Salt Lake (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>WTLWL</li></ul> |
<strong>13</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>14</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/toronto_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>Why are the Reds prioritizing the regular season over the CCL? TFC
have virtually no shot at making a playoff run, but they’re still alive
in continental play, and you’d think that would be where Aron Winter
went all in. The nice win against Colorado really meant nothing, while
the huge loss at Pumas probably meant the end of their CCL chances.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Colorado, 2-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19129">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Chivas USA (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>WLTWW</li></ul> |
<strong>14</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>16</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chicago_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>Their 10-man 3-2 win over Chivas made last week’s loss to San Jose
look like an aberration. They’re still mathematically in the playoff
hunt, and a real danger to ruin somebody’s season one way or the other.
How the defense fares without Cory Gibbs will be something to keep an
eye on.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Chivas USA, 3-2 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19145">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday vs. New England (4 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five:</strong> TWWLW</li></ul> |
<strong>15</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>13</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/newengland_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>Benny Feilhaber has been one of the league’s best players over the
past two months, expending incredible energy on both sides of the ball.
The rest of the team ... maybe not so much. New England have plenty of
offensive building blocks for 2012, but their defense is a total mess.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Portland, 3-0 <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=18640">(</a><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19112">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at Chicago (4 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TTTWL</li></ul> |
<strong>16</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>16</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/chivas_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>Even up a man, even with numerous breakaways, the Rojiblancos just
couldn’t get it done against Chicago. The remainder of this season
should be about figuring out who fits around Nick LaBrocca and building
upon that. Finding a bit more defensive depth wouldn’t hurt, either.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Chicago, 3-2 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19145">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Toronto (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>TLLLL</li></ul> |
<strong>17</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>17</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/sanjose_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<p>The Quakes were actually pretty good against Houston, coming out and
attacking for 90 minutes but generally lacking that one guy who could
open up play. Basically, they never replaced Geovanni from last year –
his stats may not have been awe-inspiring, but his effect was measured
in wins.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at Houston, 2-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19187">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Wednesdayat Portland (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LLTWL</li></ul> |
<strong>18</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/straight-line.png" alt="" width="40" height="40"> |
<strong>18</strong> |
<img src="//saltlake-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/vancouver_150.png" alt="" width="40" height="58"> |
<p>The ‘Caps have a bunch of nice pieces that don’t quite work together
as a team. They’ll have plenty of chances to give themselves a make-over
this offseason, keeping the building blocks that they want and getting
value for the players they will surely make available via trade.</p><ul><li><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost at LA, 3-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&id=19207">HIGHLIGHTS</a>)</li><li><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Seattle (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>)</li><li><strong>Last Five: </strong>LLWTL</li></ul> |
