First Team

MLS Power Rankings: Week 2

Danny Califf and the Philadelphia Union are making an impression on the Power Rankings.

There's no doubt about who's ruling the rankings this week (Real Salt Lake and Colorado stay put atop the polls for another week), but look who's climbing. It's the unbeaten Philadelphia Union and Chicago Fire making some noise, while D.C. United and FC Dallas take a tumble. Got an issue? Vote for your own!


All match times for this week's games are ET.

<strong>Rank</strong>
<strong>Trending</strong>
<strong>Last <br></strong>
<strong>Club</strong>
<strong>Comment</strong>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>1</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40" height="40"><br>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>1</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/saltlake_150.png" width="55" height="55" border="1">
<p>If there was any doubt at all, they erased it with the 4-1 thrashing they administered to the Galaxy at Rio Tinto. Yeah, LA were short-handed, but so were RSL, and it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. Clinical, undeniable dominance.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat LA, 4-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/morales-strikes-twice-rsl-dominate-their-westen-foes" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13152" target="_blank">WATCH</a>) </p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Bye</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>2</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40" height="40">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>2</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/colorado_150.png" width="64" height="64" border="1">
<p>While RSL are charging out like Mike Tyson, the Rapids are content to rope-a-dope like Ali. They were willing to let Chivas USA have the bulk of possession, knowing they’d eventually have a breakaway chance thanks to the Rojiblancos’ high line and patchwork D.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Chivas USA, 1-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/rapids-win-1-0-behind-first-half-amarikwa-strike" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13170" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday vs D.C. United (7 pm, Galavision)</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>3</strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>4</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/newyork_150.png" width="55" height="55" border="1">
<p>Even without more than half of week one’s starters, New York had enough to go on the road and get a point at a division rival’s house. Veteran Carlos Mendes was immense in the back, and they get bonus points for Agudelo’s goal vs. Argentina.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Columbus, 0-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/decimated-red-bulls-hold-crew-scoreless-tie" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13114" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong> This Week: </strong>Satuday vs. Houston (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>, Direct Kick)</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>4</strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>3</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/losangeles_150.png" width="55" height="55" border="1">
<p>Should they get a mulligan? Leonardo had a howler, the back-up keeper conceded a penalty, Morales hit a screamer and DeLaGarza and Franklin went all Keystone Cops. It happens occasionally, even to good teams.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Real Salt Lake, 4-1 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/morales-strikes-twice-rsl-dominate-their-westen-foes" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13152" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Philadelphia (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>, Direct Kick)</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>5</strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>9</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/philadelphia_150.png" width="55" height="55" border="1">
<p class="x_MsoNormal">All fans gripe and complain about that one team that grinds out 1-0 wins every week – except for the supporters of said team. It looks like the Union will wear that mantle this year, much to the pleasure of the Sons of Ben.</p><p class="x_MsoNormal"><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Vancouver, 1-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/ruiz-scores-union-edge-past-10-man-whitecaps" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13110" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p class="x_MsoNormal"><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at LA (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>, Direct Kick)</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>6</strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>10</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/chicago_150.png" width="55" height="55" border="1">
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Win at home, draw on the road is the mantra most managers live by, so Carlos de los Cobos is probably a satisfied man at the moment. Can’t ignore the fact that they’ve spent half the season playing 11v10, though. That won’t continue much longer.</p><p class="x_MsoNormal"><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Kansas City, 3-2 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/fire-outlast-kansas-city-after-bravo-sees-red" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13111" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p class="x_MsoNormal"><strong>This Week: </strong>Bye</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>7</strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>12</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/sanjose_150.png" width="55" height="55" border="1">
<p>Jon Busch has been the best keeper in the league through two games, and the defense in front of him isn’t too shabby, either. This team isn’t going to beat itself, and they still know how to get the ball to Wondo – which remains priority No. 1.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat FC Dallas, 2-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/wondolowskis-brace-spoils-castillos-dallas-debut" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13149" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Seattle (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>, Direct Kick)</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>8</strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>6</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/sportingkc_logo.png" width="58" height="58" border="1">
<p>Bad luck with the Omar Bravo red card meant the first loss of the season for Sporting. There are real concerns about the defense in KC, as they’ve now given up five goals in two games, but they’ll score a bunch and play fast, exciting soccer.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Chicago, 3-2 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/fire-outlast-kansas-city-after-bravo-sees-red" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13111" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Vancouver (7 pm ET, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>, Direct Kick)</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>9</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40" height="40">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>11</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/newengland_150.png" width="55" height="55" border="1">
<p>They’re not going to win many beauty contests, and they still have real issues at central midfield. But AJ Soares looks very much like a Rookie of the Year candidate and Domi’s return added a new dimension to the attack. They’re a tough out.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat D.C. United, 2-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/revolution-hold-back-united-whistle-filled-affair" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13116" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week</strong><strong>: </strong>Saturday vs. Portland (7:30 pm ET, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>, Direct Kick)</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>10</strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>8</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/vancouver_150.png" width="40" height="58">
<p>The ‘Caps have only themselves to blame for coming out of PPL Park empty-handed. They defended well enough for the draw even without Demerit and Boxall, and if they’d kept their composure, they would have gotten the point.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Philadelphia, 1-0 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/ruiz-scores-union-edge-past-10-man-whitecaps" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13110" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)<strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Kansas City (7 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>, Direct Kick)</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>11</strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>5</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/dc_150.png" width="55" height="55" border="1">
<p>United are still a young team in rebuilding mode, and bad stretches like the first 20 minutes in New England happen to teams like that. Work needs doing on the defense, but offensively this team looks like it will be fun to watch all year.</p><p><strong>Last Week:</strong> Lost to New England, 2-1 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/revolution-hold-back-united-whistle-filled-affair" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13116" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Sunday at Colorado (7 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>, Direct Kick)</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>12</strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><strong><strong><img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40" height="40"></strong></strong></strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>14</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/seattle_150.png" width="62" height="62" border="1">
<p>In the moments leading up to Steve Zakuani’s goal last Friday everyone was beginning to think that the Sounders would never score. Now that the monkey’s off their back, they should be able to find their footing and begin climbing up the standings.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied HOU, 1-1 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/sounders-dominate-hall-dynamo-hold-tie" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13042" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at San Jose (10:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>, Direct Kick)</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>13</strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" width="40" height="40"></strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>7</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/dallas_150.png" width="55" height="55" border="1">
<p>If points were awarded for pure excitement then FC Dallas would be near the top of the rankings. Instead, they slip toward the bottom as their young defense continues to struggle. Up top, veteran Milton Rodriguez had a miserable time finishing against the Quakes.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to San Jose, 2-0 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/wondolowskis-brace-spoils-castillos-dallas-debut" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13149" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Friday at Columbus (7:30 pm, Fox Soccer)</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>14</strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" width="40" height="40"></strong></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>13</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/houston_150.png" width="55" height="55" border="1">
<p>Houston’s formula this year is going to be set-pieces and, apparently, Tally Hall. The first-year starter had an huge game at Seattle on Friday, keeping the Dynamo in the game as his goal was peppered with nearly 30 shots.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied Seattle, 1-1 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/sounders-dominate-hall-dynamo-hold-tie" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13042" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at New York (7:30 pm, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>, Direct Kick)</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>15</strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><strong><strong><img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/arrow-up-with-shadow_1.png" width="40" height="40"></strong></strong></strong></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>18</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/toronto_150.png" width="55" height="55" border="1">
<p>A week after knocking the ball around but leaving gaps in the back, TFC played more pragmatically at home and were rewarded with a 2-0 win. Martina’s brace was the story, but keep an eye on the defense. If it’s truly revitalized, things could be looking up in Toronto.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Beat Portland, 2-0 (<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/martinas-brace-leads-toronto-first-win-11" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13056" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)<strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday vs. Chivas USA (1 pm, TSN, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a> in United States)</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>16</strong></span>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="file:///C:/Users/nfirchau/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.png"><img src="file:///C:/Users/nfirchau/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-3.png"></p><strong><strong><strong><img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" width="40" height="40"></strong></strong></strong>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>15</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/columbus_150.png" width="55" height="55" border="1">
<p>It’s early in the season for “must-wins,” but playing at home against a half-strength divisional rival after being manhandled the week before? That comes close. The Crew, however, did not, and it looks like it’ll be a long year in Ohio.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Tied New York, 0-0 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/decimated-red-bulls-hold-crew-scoreless-tie" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13114" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Friday vs. FC Dallas (7:30 pm, Fox Soccer)</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>17</strong></span>
<strong><strong><strong><strong><img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/red-arrow-down2_0.png" width="40" height="40"></strong></strong></strong></strong>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>13</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/portland_150.png" width="50" height="50">
<p>Portland came to Toronto and played a lot like you’d expect an expansion team to play. Loose and uncoordinated at the back, they were exposed first by a quick build-up, then by a quintessential Route-1 goal. This project will take time.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Toronto, 2-0 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/martinas-brace-leads-toronto-first-win-11" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13056" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at New England (7:30 pm ET, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>, Direct Kick)</p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>18</strong></span>
<strong><strong><strong><img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/straight-line.png" width="40" height="40"></strong></strong></strong>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>18</strong></span>
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/chivas_150.png" width="55" height="55" border="1">
<p>Another team crippled by absences, the Rojiblancos were also crippled by their inability to remotely threaten the Colorado net. On a positive note, absent striker Alejandro Moreno scored for Venezuela in their 2-0 win over Jamaica on the weekend.</p><p><strong>Last Week: </strong>Lost to Colorado, 1-0 (<a href="../../matchcenter-recap/rapids-win-1-0-behind-first-half-amarikwa-strike" target="_blank">RECAP</a>/<a href="../../videos?catid=1822&amp;id=13170" target="_blank">WATCH</a>)</p><p><strong>This Week: </strong>Saturday at Toronto (1 pm, TSN, <a href="https://mdl.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/secure/registerform" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a> in United States)</p>