The latest Major League Soccer Power Rankings for this week are out and the Columbus Crew have climbed to the top after a rough start while the New York Red Bulls continue to be the worst team. Overall the playoff races in both conferences are getting very close and almost every team still has a chance at earning a spot. Here are the latest power rankings through Monday July 27, 2009.
- Columbus Crew – The Crew are back in first place in the Eastern Conference and looking like serious contenders to repeat as MLS Cup champions. A 6-0-4 home record has been one of the keys to their success.
- Chicago Fire – They were able to hang on for a draw against Seattle and wil have to finish the season without McBride who is injured. Does Blanco have enough to help carry this team to the top of the East?
- Seattle Sounders FC – A disappointing draw for the Sounders who had many chances against the Fire at home and couldn’t convert. Ljungberg continues to be one of the best midfielders but has to be a little frustrated by players like Jaqua not finishing his chances.
- Houston Dynamo – A loss against the Revolution but the Dynamo are playing without Ching and Holden. When they have everyone available they are one of the top 3 teams.
- Los Angeles Galaxy - Finally, this team appears to be playing as a team with Donovan and Beckham in the lineup. They were the better team at KC but couldn’t convert on a few chances and should have had a win if not for Ricketts being asleep on the first goal.
- DC United – DC had a 2-0 lead in the 1st half but couldn’t hold it as they ended up with a draw at San Jose. They’ve scored more than enough goals this season (31) but conceded way too many (28).
- Colorado Rapids – The Rapids continue to dominate at home and are only 5 points back of Houston.
- Toronto FC – A inconsistent team that needs to improve their defense as they’ve conceded 30 goals. They have enough offense but could play a little less aggressive in the attack as they are prone to the counterattack.
- New England Revolution – A nice win for the Revolution as they seem ready to go on a winning streak. They have experience and as long as they are healthy will be in the playoff hunt.
- Real Salt Lake – A nice come from behind win for RSL who will host the All Star Game on Wednesday. They continue to show their offensive power at home but need to find that on the road.
- Kansas City Wizards – A good draw considering the team is without Arnaud and Conrad. Still, they lacked much of an attack the whole match and could have easily lost the match against the Galaxy.
- Chivas USA – Chivas continues to fall from the top after a great start. Maybe a bye week will allow the team to refocus.
- FC Dallas – They had a 2-0 lead then gave up 4 second half goals against RSL. A perfect example of why this team is struggling this season.
- San Jose Earthquakes – They were able to get a draw with DC and have played a little better of late but still a long way to go.
- New York Red Bulls – Time to get ready for next season? Maybe the most disappointing team in recent years.
