There are two definites in MLS so far this season: Dallas is the best team and Philadelphia is the worst. Everything else is wonky, as is reflected in this week’s power poll. Last week’s results shook things up a great deal with Orlando and Sporting KC rising high.
At least we got a goal of the year candidate from the mess that was Week 7.
Here we go:
1. Dallas (3-0-2).
Last week: 1.
Result: 1-1 draw at San Jose.
Dallas keeps doing what it needs to do, getting a point in a tough spot at San Jose. They shouldn't be happy to give up the goal in the 94th minute that robbed them of all three points.
Next game: vs. Sporting KC, 8 p.m., Saturday, MLS Live.
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2. Orlando (4-1-0).
Last week: 4.
Result: 2-1 win over L.A. Galaxy.
Do I think Orlando is the second-best team in MLS? No. But they aren’t losing at home. Now, let’s see how they do in the Bronx.
Next game: at NYCFC, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, FS1.
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3. Portland (4-2-1).
Last week: 2.
Result: 1-0 loss to Sporting KC.
I’ve overlooked Sporting KC for most of this season. It appears the Timbers may have done the same.
Next game: vs. Vancouver, 4 p.m., Saturday, CTV.
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4. Columbus (4-2-1).
Last week: 7.
Result: 2-1 win over Toronto.
Columbus can solidify its status as a contender in the Eastern Conference if it can get all three points in New York this weekend.
Next game: at New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, MLS Live.
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5. Sporting KC (3-0-3).
Last week: 15.
Result: 1-0 win over Portland.
There are two unbeaten teams left in MLS. Hands up if you thought Sporting KC would be one. Liar!
Next game: vs. FC Dallas, 8 p.m. Saturday, MLS Live.
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6. NYCFC (3-2-1).
Last week: 8.
Result: 2-0 win over Philadelphia.
If you haven't seen the second goal by David Villa in last week's game. Here it is.
Next game: vs. Orlando, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, FS1.
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7. New York Red Bulls (3-3-1).
Last week: 9.
Result: 2-0 win over D.C. United.
Just when it appeared that the Red Bulls’ offense was out of ideas, it drops two on D.C. United. This will be a tough game on Saturday.
Next game: vs. Columbus, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, MLS Live.
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8. Atlanta United (2-2-2).
Last week: 3.
Result: 2-1 loss at Montreal.
Another game, another red card. Two points from four road games doesn’t look nearly as appetizing as it did when the team had two points from its first two road games in this four-game stretch.
Next game: at Real Salt Lake, 9:30 p.m. Saturday, MLS Live.
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9. Chicago (3-1-2).
Last week: 10.
Result: 3-0 win over New England.
Chicago is 2-0-1 since acquiring Bastian Schweinsteiger. Duluth’s Daniel Johnson made another cameo and had a pass that was pretty awesome.
Next game: at Toronto, 7:30 p.m. Friday, TSN4.
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10. San Jose (2-2-2).
Last week: 6.
Result: 1-1 draw with Dallas.
They remain unbeaten at home, but needed a late goal to make that happen. Still, a point against the best team in the league is a good thing.
Next game: at New England, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, MLS Live; at Houston, 4 p.m. Saturday, UniMas.
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11. Houston (3-2-1).
Last week: 5.
Result: 2-2 draw with Minnesota United.
Well, Houston should win this week because it’s back at home. It didn’t help last week, though.
Next game: vs. San Jose, 4 p.m. Saturday, UniMas.
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12. Toronto (1-1-4).
Last week: 11.
Result: 2-1 loss to Columbus.
Toronto’s defense was pretty good last season. This season it’s having all sorts of issues.
Next game: vs. Chicago, 7:30 p.m. Friday, TSN4.
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13. Los Angeles (2-4-0).
Last week: 12.
Result: 2-1 loss to Orlando City.
It is it too soon to ask if the Galaxy are in danger of not making the playoffs?
Next game: vs. Seattle, 4 p.m. Sunday, ESPN.
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14. New England (2-3-1)
Last week: 13.
Result: 3-0 loss to Chicago.
After doing so well to slow down Houston’s high-powered offense the week before, the Revs were torn open by Chicago. Now, they face two games in less than a week. Not good.
Next game: vs. San Jose, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, MLS Live; vs. D.C. United, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, MLS Live.
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15. Vancouver (2-3-1)
Last week: 18.
Result: 2-1 win over Seattle.
A huge win for Vancouver, which was struggling. A late goal from Seattle made the scoreline more flattering than it actually was. Another tough game is upcoming. If they can get another three points…
Next game: at Portland, 4 p.m. Saturday, CTV.
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16. Seattle (1-2-3).
Last week: 14.
Result: 2-1 loss at Vancouver.
The defending champs are dropping points left and right as its offense continues to struggle.
Next game: at L.A. Galaxy, 4 p.m. Sunday, ESPN.
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17. D.C. United (2-3-1).
Last week: 16.
Result: 2-0 loss to New York Red Bulls.
After two consecutive wins the D.C. United laid an egg in a loss to the Red Bulls.
Next game: at New England, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, MLS Live.
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18. Real Salt Lake (2-3-2).
Last week: 19.
Result: 2-1 win over Colorado.
Two consecutive wins for Real Salt Lake, which could easily make it three consecutive against an Atlanta United team that will be playing its fourth road game in four weeks, and will likely be without its best defensive player.
Next game: vs. Atlanta United, 9:30 p.m. Saturday, MLS Live.
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19. Montreal (1-2-3).
Last week: 20.
Result: 2-1 win over Atlanta United.
Despite the return of Ignacio Piatti, Montreal was very, very luck to defeat Atlanta United. A bad decision that led to a red card and a lucky backheel in the stoppage time proved to be the difference.
Next game: at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Saturday, TVAS.
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20. Colorado (1-3-1).
Last week: 17.
Result: 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake.
The Rapids can’t gain any traction in a tough Western Conference and this week’s game is no longer a penciled-in win.
Next game: at Minnesota United, 6 p.m. Sunday, MLS Live.
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21. Minnesota United (1-4-2).
Last week: 21.
Result: 2-2 draw with Houston.
Atlanta’s Sam Cronin will get a chance to face the team that recently traded him.
Next game: vs. Colorado, 6 p.m. Sunday, MLS Live.
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22. Philadelphia (0-4-2).
Last week: 22.
Result: 2-0 loss to NYCFC.
Just a dull team playing a dull season.
Next game: vs. Montreal, 1 p.m. Saturday, TVAS.
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