It was an interesting week in Major League Soccer as there was a light schedule because of many teams playing friendlies against the top European clubs. The LA Galaxy played AC Milan and Seattle Sounders FC hosted English Premier League club Chelsea FC. Here’s the latest MLS Power Rankings through Monday July 20, 2009.
- Chicago Fire – A nice win for Chicago who will be without forward Brian McBride for 3-4 weeks. Blanco continues to be one of the best midfielders in the league and a deep run into the playoffs would be a fitting end to his time in Major League Soccer.
- Seattle Sounders FC – Seattle played Chelsea FC in a friendly and had several chances as they lost 0-2. They continue to be near the top of the Western Conference and Ljungberg has been one of the best designated player signings in MLS history.
- Houston Dynamo – The Dynamo went down 0-1 against Toronto but fought back to earn a draw. They remain at the top of the West with 32 points and showed the ability to get results with key players (Ching, Holden).
- DC United – A strong win for DC who responded after allowing an own goal to win 3-1 against Colorado. With Gomez, Moreno, Fred, and Emilio, they could be the most dangerous team in the attack.
- Columbus Crew – Columbus is starting to return to last season’s form and should still be the favorites to repeat in the East.
- Los Angeles Galaxy – A great game from the Galaxy against the Red Bulls as they showed the ability to play as a team with Beckham. He wasn’t great in the match but the team is playing with good chemistry.
- Chivas USA – Chivas continues to struggle after a great start. Where has Kljestan gone this season?
- Toronto FC – Toronto had a lead at home but couldn’t hold it as their defensive problems continue. They have the offense but need to play a little more disciplined defensively.
- New England Revolution – A nice win for the Revs who seem ready to make a strong push for the lead in the East in the next few months.
- Colorado Rapids – Another road loss for the Rapids who have conceded 16 on the road and only 7 at home. They are still in reach of a playoff spot and need to find some consistency.
- Kansas City Wizards – A bye week for the Wizards who will play the Galaxy without Arnaud and Conrad (with National Team). They will need a solid game from Wolff and Lopez to provide some scoring.
- Real Salt Lake – Its tough to make the playoffs when you have a -8 goal differential on the road as they lost another road game at Columbus
- FC Dallas – A bye week for Dallas who has showed signs of bouncing back in recent weeks.
- San Jose Earthquakes – San Jose appears out of the playoff picture and had seriously underachieved this season.
- New York Red Bulls – The loss to the Galaxy shows this team is definitely the worst in the league. They continually get behind and can’t score enough goals to ever come back. Is there any hope in this season?
