After a lackluster start, the Houston Dynamo are now atop of this week’s MLS power rankings after winning 5 of 6 and moving into 2nd in the Western Conference. Chicago had an up and down week with a win at Chivas on Thursday but a terrible loss to Dallas on the weekend. In other games, San Jose were able to pick up a much needed win, the Galaxy earn yet another draw, and New England got a win over DC at home. Overall, the standings in each conference have tightened up with no team out of the playoff race yet. Here’s the latest Major League Soccer Power rankings through Monday June 1, 2009.
- Houston Dynamo – Maybe its a bit premature to call Houston the best team right now but they’ve won 5 out of 6 (and one draw) and have been playing great soccer. The defense has been solid all season, only conceding 7 goals, and they’ve now moved into 2nd place in the Western Conference standings. This team, even without De Rosario, will be dangerous in the playoffs.
- Chivas USA – A loss against Chicago was disappointing but the team still remains in 1st in the Western Conference and in good shape.
- Chicago Fire – A great game against Chivas on Thursday, and then a horrible loss to FC Dallas at home on Sunday. Which team is the real Chicago Fire? They remain in 1st in the East with 21 points.
- Seattle Sounders FC – It’s been a struggle for Seattle in the last month as they were only able to get a draw at home against Columbus. They are now 3rd in the Western Conference and need a victory to regain their confidence from the start of the season.
- Kansas City Wizards – A draw at the LA Galaxy and KC are now in 2nd in the Eastern Conference. If they can get consistent scoring from Lopez, Arnaud, and Wolff, they will make the playoffs. As usual, goalkeeper Kevin Hartman has been solid all season.
- Colorado Rapids – The Rapids extended their unbeaten streak to 5 matches with a win at New York. Conor Casey now leads the league with 8 goals in the 2009 season.
- DC United – A loss at New England has DC in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference with 16 points. Their home form has been solid but conceding 11 goals on the road is not a good sign.
- Toronto FC – Toronto has been in poor form on the road and very inconsistent. After an early win at KC, they’ve lost 2, drawn 2, and overall have a -3 goal difference. They are in position to make the playoffs but have to be able to get some points away from BMO Field.
- Columbus Crew – The Crew had a slow start but have picked it up in the last month. They are only 3 points out of a playoff spot and Schelotto remains a MVP candidate this season.
- New England Revolution – A much needed win for the Revolution who are finally getting healthy at the right time. They seem ready to go on a run in the next month and don’t be surprised to see them in the top 2 spots by July.
- Los Angeles Galaxy – Another draw for this team who has trouble getting leads. It seems just about every game they get down a goal and have to recover to salvage a draw. Will Beckham return for sure or are rumors or him staying in Europe real?
- Real Salt Lake – A loss at San Jose is disappointing but they scored their first away goal of the season. Only 1 point on the road for RSL this season.
- FC Dallas – A 3-0 win at Chicago could get this team believing they can make a run. They are currently 7 points out of a playoff spot.
- San Jose Earthquakes – A win at home against RSL still has San Jose dead last in the league with 8 points. They have to improve their away form, as they are 0-5-0 with a -10 goal differential.
- New York Red Bulls – You can always count on the Red Bulls to underachieve and disappoint. They were finally able to score a few goals against Colorado but the defense conceded 3. How much does NY miss Dave van den Bergh right now?
