MLS POWER RANKINGS (05/07):
- Columbus Crew [last week 1]: Another week, another gutsy win for the Crew. No team has a better mix of young talent and veteran experience. Though, they have played more @ home than anyone.
- Chicago Fire [last week 2]: It’s tough to keep the Fire at #2 because they have been pummeling people. Rolfe appears to have fully healed, meaning Chicago’s deadly attack now has increased depth.
- FC Dallas [last week 3]: Dallas is no doubt disappointed to come away from San Jose with a draw, but credit those Quakes’ fans who can make their tiny venue seem as frenzied as the Coliseum.
- Colorado Rapids [last week 7]: Christian Gomez showed DCU why they were foolish to relinquish his rights. Meanwhile, his replacement, Gallardo, was contained by Colorado’s defensive core.
- New York Red Bulls [last week 6]: Finally, someone scored for a visitor’s side @BMO! Despite injuries, NYRB continues to plug along. Once (if ever) healthy, this team will be a force.
- Kansas City [last week 4]: A second straight loss for Conrad’s contingent shouldn’t have Onalfo too worried. The Crew are unstoppable at home, and Espinoza’s early ejection was costly.
- Toronto FC [last week 9]: I know their record justifies them being ranked higher, but I still worry TFC is not for real. Guevara and Robert are playing great, but implosion is not an impossibility.
- New England Revolution [last week 5]: The Revs seem to have multiple personalities. One game, they play stingy, grinding soccer, but the next they let their opponent score at will.
- Los Angeles Galaxy [last week 10]: The Galaxy needed both Beckham’s benders to erase two early defensive miscues. He and Donovan appear to be progressing, and Gordon is relentless.
- DC United [last week 8]: I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, DCU just cannot get it done away from RFK. If this team travels by plane to away games, I say mix it up by renting a bus for the next one.
- Chivas USA [last week 11]: The defense looked better (granted it was HOU though), but no goals against Kinnear’s porous defense? Four cards though. So at least they have that going for them.
- Real Salt Lake [last week 12]: Despite jumping out to an early lead, RSL pissed away a win with penalties. You can’t blame Rimando for Beckham’s second, which had “goal of the week” written all over it.
- Houston Dynamo [last week 13]: Ugly game with Chivas. The cards were raining like cats and dogs (which is the most non-sensical simile ever concocted if you ask me). Houston’s offense is impotent.
- San Jose Earthquakes [last week 14]: Shame the Quake’s offense is so poor, because the defense is playing with inspiration and dedication. They may break the single season record for 0-0 draws.
Player of the Week: I was tempted to go with C. Gomez because he dominated a team that disregarded him even though he contributed so much to the squad over the years. But, you have to go with Beckham this week for singlehandedly securing a draw with RSL. Great players make mediocre teams contenders, and Beckham appears to be making the Galaxy a playoff squad.
