MLS Power Rankings: Week 16

By: travis | July 9th, 2009

The first full weekend of action means that change is afoot in the weekly MLS Power Rankings. For some, it’s more of the same, as a lot of clubs around the league have held serve with their performances.

Gold Cup absences continue to be the story, as a number of clubs will be missing top players through this weekend and probably more. The success of U.S. and Canada will no doubt be a bane on a number of clubs, with a lengthy list looking to move on to the quarterfinal round in Philadelphia.

It’s a true test of both the new roster size and a coach/front office and their ability to build the right team or call in the right reinforcement. With the player window opening up soon, look for big moves to start.

Full rankings are 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. Houston Dynamo
Record: 9-3-4
Previous: 1
Comment: No reason for them to budge.

2. Chivas USA
Record: 8-4-3
Previous: 2
Comment: Same with Chivas.

3. Seattle Sounders FC
Record: 6-3-7
Previous: 5
Comment: Big game for Seattle this weekend, with Houton coming to town. A win against the Dynamo would send a signal to the rest of the league that this team is a legitimate MLS Cup contender.

4. D.C. United
Record: 5-3-9
Previous: 5
Comment: Doing ok in handling their Gold Cup losses, but the health of Moreno and Emilio remain a concern. Fortunately, another weekend off.

5. Chicago Fire
Record: 6-3-6
Previous: 6
Comment: Rebounded nicely with a win in Colorado—their first since 1999.

6. Columbus Crew
Record: 5-3-8
Previous: 7
Comment: Held United to a draw, but can’t be ecstatic about their performance at home.

7. Colorado Rapids
Record: 5-4-6
Previous: 4
Comment: A disappointing loss for the Rapids who would have liked a better showing at DSG. Need Conor Casey to recover ASAP.

8. Toronto FC
Record: 6-6-4
Previous: 10
Comment: Quietly bounding back up the ladder—though with the East as tight as it is, everyone but the Red Bulls are in it.

9. Kansas City Wizards
Record: 5-6-4
Previous: 8
Comment: Struggling to score at home, and while their defense is doing just fine without Conrad, it’s the offense that is letting them down.

10. Real Salt Lake
Record: 5-6-4
Previous: 9
Comment: Inconsistency thy name is Real. Javier Morales and Clint Mathis are two very important players right now with Will Johnson and Kyle Beckerman away on Gold Cup duty.

11. Los Angeles Galaxy
Record: 4-3-9
Previous: 12
Comment: Will the return of Beckham cause their season to unravel, or will they put it all together and finish with aplomb?

12. New England Revolution
Record: 4-5-4
Previous: 11
Comment: Struggles continue for the Revolution who deserved more against Los Angeles. Steve Nicol has a lot of work to do if he wants to save this season.

13. FC Dallas
Record: 4-7-5
Previous: 13
Comment: What’s this you say? A Dallas victory? Sure, it was over the Red Bulls, but suddenly signs of life are creeping out of Frisco.

14. San Jose Earthquakes
Record: 3-8-4
Previous: 14
Comment: Blew a chance at a rare road victory with a Keystone Cops-like own goal.

15. New York Red Bulls
Record: 2-13-4
Previous: 15
Comment: Entrenched in this spot for a long, long time, even if they actually win a game for once.

What do you think? Am I completely mad with these rankings or do you agree?