MLS POWER RANKINGS (06/11):
- Chicago Fire [last week 1]: Though the Fire dropped one to DCU, it was because of an extra time miracle goal. While not on top in the East anymore, I still think the Fire are the best team in the league, bar none.
- New England Revolution [last week 2]: The Revs are rolling. Nicol’s bunch is performing like a well-oiled machine despite playing without three of its four best players from last year. Coach of the Year?
- Columbus Crew [last week 3]: Ouch. Ronnie O’Brien made the Crew his bitch. What’s happening Sigi? Moreno’s early poise has become panic, and the defense looks confused. Schelotto needs to lead again.
- Los Angeles Galaxy [last week 5]: Who is that forward playing for the Galaxy, and what has he done with the old Edson Buddle? L.A. ran away with this one, then almost gave it away late, but hung on.
- Toronto FC [last week 4]: An ugly loss for TFC. Unfortunately, their home heavy schedule early on I think inflated their status in these rankings. Unless they start to play on the road, expect them to sink.
- New York Red Bulls [last week 6]: Juan Pablo Angel must have sensed the NYRB faithful needed a boost after learning their beloved Jozy would be leaving. He delivered, and NYRB is showing they’ve got scrap.
- Houston Dynamo [last week 10]: Though rain postponed their game against DCU, HOU looked extremely sharp on Sunday vs. TFC. Ching and De Rosario finally worked together, which is scary for foes.
- Colorado Rapids [last week 8]: I wanted to drop them. But, everyone below them also looked sucky. The Rapids were beaten soundly and looked frustrated. Gomez needs to worry about his play, not the refs.
- Chivas USA [last week 9]: While early in the year, a lack of defense hampered the Goats, now that the D is playing strong again, the offense just can’t get it going. Preki needs to put it all together soon.
- Kansas City [last week 7]: What is happening to the Wiz? They look utterly impotent on offense. The defense still does their duty. Never thought I’d see the day where the loss of EJ looked so devastating.
- Real Salt Lake [last week 11]: RSL isn’t over the mediocrity hump yet. They say home is where the heart is, but for the less-famous Lakers, it needs to be where points reside b/c they are awful away.
- DC United [last week 13]: A nice win, but at what cost? Two ejections, including their offensive and defensive leaders. I’ve heard of playing tough, but DCU and CHI were playing prison rules out there.
- FC Dallas [last week 12]: When will it end? The Burn’s season is starting to look grim. They’re not even rebuilding, they have the players, they just don’t have chemistry. Oduro is working, but is anyone else?
- San Jose Earthquakes [last week 14]: I wanted to bump SJE after a great away win against the Crew, but its just not feasible. They’re still averaging less than a goal a game, but the D will win them a few.
Player of the Week: Brian Ching. Left out of the MNT roster pool, Ching may have felt he had something to prove Sunday when he was in Texas and the rest of his mates were in NYC for the big ARG showdown. He proved it alright. Two goals and an assist to boot. Its nice to see Ching play up to his potential.
