The Major League Soccer season is winding down with just a few matches left in the 2009 season before the start of the playoffs. Three teams have now clinched a spot, the Columbus Crew, Los Angeles Galaxy, and Houston Dynamo. The remaining five spots are up for grabs and several teams within a few points of each other.
The Galaxy continue to have a strong season and now lead the Western Conference while the Crew lead the Eastern Conference. The New York Red Bulls and San Jose Earthquakes are both dead last and each out of the playoff picture. Here are the latest Major League Soccer Power Rankings through Tuesday, October 6, 2009.
- Los Angeles Galaxy – They are playing as well as any team in the last few months and have the best midfield of Beckham, Lewis, and Donovan.
- Columbus Crew – Probably the most consistent team for the second half of the season and could easily repeat as MLS Cup Champions.
- Houston Dynamo – Besides the Crew and Galaxy, the Dynamo are the other favorite heading into the playoffs. With a spot clinched, they can rest some key players (Ching, Holden) who will be busy with the US National Team.
- Seattle Sounders FC – A great win for the Sounders at Columbus has them within reach of a playoff spot. Easily the best success in year one of an MLS franchise with over 30,000 at every home match.
- Chicago Fire – A tough loss for the Fire at the Galaxy as they were without Blanco again. The defense is a liability that usually forces them to outscore teams to win matches.
- Chivas USA – After a horrible midseason slump, they’ve recovered and Sacha Kljestan seems to be finding his form.
- Colorado Rapids – Conor Casey is near the top of the MVP race with 16 goals as the Rapids drew with the New England Revolution. They probably need 3 to 4 points out of the final two matches to guarantee a playoff spot.
- New England Revolution – A draw at Colorado keeps their playoff chances in good shape. They still have a game on hand on most clubs but probably need two wins to earn a spot.
- DC United – A disappointing loss against Chivas USA has them needing to win their final two matches to have a chance of making the playoffs.
- Toronto FC – TFC just hasn’t had the consistency all season and the defense is the reason with 42 goals conceded in 27 matches.
- Real Salt Lake – They are virtually out of the playoff race unless they can win their final three matches and hope that other results go their way. A poor road record (2-10-2) is the main reason.
- Kansas City Wizards – Another team with no chance to make the playoffs and not much to play for.
- FC Dallas – Jeff Cunningham has been on fire but its been too late as Dallas won’t make the playoffs.
- San Jose Earthquakes – A team that has talent but never got any momentum in the season.
- New York Red Bulls – There’s a lot of work to be done on this team to be competitive for next season. The last few weeks they’ve shown some fight and need to make some moves in the offseason transfer market.
