MLS Offside Power Rankings: Week Eight

By: travis | May 13th, 2009

After Chivas, it’s a bit of a toss up in terms of where teams should go. A few teams–like D.C. United– are on a bit of a hot streak. But does that mean they should go in the second spot? Like I said, it’s difficult to know who should go where, aside from the first place Goats.

One thing that’s obvious so far this season? Teams are tying at what seems like a record pace. That makes things even more difficult, when so many results are even. Full rankings after the jump. Don’t forget to follow MLS Offside on Twitter and to email ideas and tips to mlsoffside[at]gmail[dot]com.

1. Chivas USA
Record: 7-1-1
Previous: 1
Comment: The only concern I have about Chivas is that they are getting too hot, too soon. Save some of it for November.

2. D.C. United
Record: 2-1-5
Previous: 5
Comment: A big jump for the Black-and-Red, despite drawing twice last week. For now, you shouldn’t be worried about too many draws. Wake me up if they’re still doing this in September.

3. Seattle Sounders FC
Record: 4-2-2
Previous: 2
Comment: Anyone who draws with Los Angeles deserves to slip down a notch or two, though a lot of that can be blamed on Tim Weyland.

4. Toronto FC
Record: 3-2-4
Previous: 3
Comment: An insane draw against United on Saturday was bittersweet. Toronto had no business being in the game, yet will rue the fact they dropped two points on the road.

5. Chicago Fire
Record: 2-0-6
Previous: 4
Comment: Yawn. Let me know when this team actually holds onto a lead and wins for a change.

6. Houston Dynamo
Record: 3-2-2
Previous: 9
Comment: The Dynamo continue their ascent up the MLS Power Rankings, defeating Dallas in a rather bland 1-0 match up Saturday. Pat Onstad is still a spry goalkeeper, and his defense is performing well in front of him.

7. New England Revolution
Record: 2-2-3
Previous: 10
Comment: Credit to Steve Nicol for inserting Shalrie Joseph as a holding forward. Joseph’s ability to hold the ball started the play he eventually scored on to earn a draw in Chicago.

8. Real Salt Lake
Record: 3-4-1
Previous: 7
Comment: I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again — this team cannot be viewed as a legitimate, consistent contender until they find a way to win on the road.

9. Columbus Crew
Record: 1-2-5
Previous: 11
Comment: Finally nabbed that elusive first win. But where will they go from here?

10. Kansas City Wizards
Record: 3-4-2
Previous: 6
Comment: Slipping a bit, as their defense has started to spring a few leaks.

11. Colorado Rapids
Record: 3-2-2
Previous: 8
Comment: Slipping three spots without playing, mostly because of the solid play of other teams. Plus, they’re Colorado.

12. New York Red Bulls
Record: 2-5-2
Previous: 15
Comment: I think most people want the Red Bulls to be better than they actually are. A 4-1 demolition of San Jose is a good start, but let’s see what happens next game.

13. Los Angeles Galaxy
Record: 1-1-6
Previous: 12
Comment: Say what you want to say, but a draw at Qwest field is a good thing, especially for this team. It’s too bad they bore you to tears sometimes.

14. San Jose Earthquakes
Record: 1-5-2
Previous: 13
Comment: It’s not looking for the Quakes right now. Huckerby remains sidelined and they’re struggling to put together a consistent performance.

15. FC Dallas
Record: 1-6-1
Previous: 14
Comment: A disaster zone if there ever is one this season.