MLS Power Poll Week 17: A new No. 2

Defeated at Colorado 1-0.

2. New York Red Bulls (8-6-3)

Last week: 3.

Defeated Chicago 3-1.

3. Philadelphia (9-5-5)

Last week: 2.

Drew at New England 1-1 and defeated at NYCFC 4-2.

4. Atlanta United (9-6-2)

Last week: 4.

Defeated at Toronto, 3-2, and defeated Montreal, 2-1.

If not for a curious non-decision by Alan Kelly, they should have had four points from last week.

5. San Jose (7-6-4)

Last week: 9.

Defeated Houston 2-0 and defeated L.A. Galaxy 3-0.

This team is for real. The midfield plays little defense, but it is fun to watch.

6. NYCFC (6-1-8)

Last week: 10.

Defeated Philadelphia 4-2.

7. D.C. United (8-4-7)

Last week: 6.

Defeated Orlando 1-0 and drew with Toronto 1-1.

8. L.A. Galaxy (10-7-1)

Last week: 5.

Defeated by San Jose 3-0.

I know this team has 10 wins, but it feels like a paper tiger.

9. Minnesota (7-7-3)

Last week: 12.

Defeated Cincinnati 7-1.

10. Montreal (9-8-3)

Last week: 7.

Defeated Portland 2-1 and defeated at Atlanta United 2-1.

11. Seattle (8-4-5)

Last week: 13.

Defeated Vancouver 1-0.

12. Portland (6-8-2)

Last week: 15.

Defeated at Montreal 2-1 and defeated Dallas 1-0.

13. Houston (7-6-3)

Last week: 8.

Defeated at San Jose 2-0 and defeated at New England 2-1.

The summer tailspin that Houston typically experiences is on.

14. Dallas (7-7-5)

Last week: 11.

Draw with Vancouver 2-2 and defeated at Portland 1-0.

15. Orlando (6-8-3)

Last week: 14.

Defeated at D.C. United 1-0 and won at Columbus 2-0.

16. Real Salt Lake (7-8-2)

Last week: 17.

Defeated Sporting KC 2-0.

17. Colorado (5-9-4)

Last week: 18.

Defeated LAFC 1-0.

18. Toronto (6-7-5)

Last week: 22.

Defeated Atlanta United 3-2 and drew at D.C. United 1-1.

Bereft of its stars, this team actually seems to be playing well.

19. Vancouver (4-7-8)

Last week: 16.

Draw at Dallas 2-2 and defeated at Seattle 1-0 on another controversial call by Alan Kelly.

I predicted before the season that this team would finish with the fewest points. Cincinnati will take that honor, but it’s going to be close.

20. New England (5-8-5)

Last week: 19.

Drew with Philadelphia 1-1 and defeated Houston 2-1.

21. Sporting KC (4-6-7) 

Last week: 20.

Defeated at Real Salt Lake 2-0.

One win from its past five and two since April 7.

22. Chicago (4-7-7)

Last week: 21.

Defeated at Red Bulls 3-1.

Haven’t won in its past six.

23. Columbus (5-11-2)

Last week: 23.

Defeated by Orlando 2-0.

Hard questions must be asked of Caleb Porter, whose team is in a tailspin with one win from its last 12.

24. Cincinnati (3-13-2)

Last week: 24.

Defeated at Minnesota 7-1.

NOW, they’ve hit bottom.