My weekly MLS Power Poll is out. As with player ratings, this is just meant to start conversation and not to be taken too seriously.
Here we go:
1. Dallas (2-0-1).
Last week: 1.
Result: No game.
They neither won nor lost, so they will remain No. 1.
Next game: vs. Minnesota, 8 p.m., Saturday, MLS Live.
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2. Portland (3-1-1).
Last week: 2.
Result: 1-1 tie with New England.
After starting like a freight train, the Timbers express is starting to sputter with just one point in their past two games.
Next game: at Philadelphia, 7 p.m., Saturday, MLS Live.
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3. Houston (3-1-0).
Last week: 5.
Result: Defeated New York Red Bulls 4-1.
The Dynamo are arguably the most exciting team in MLS right now because of Erick Torres, the league’s leading scorer with six goals.
Next game: at New England, 2 p.m., Saturday, MLS Live.
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4. Columbus (3-1-1).
Last week: 14.
Result: 2-0 win over Orlando.
The Crew have found their form are now atop the Eastern Conference. How will Kekuta Manneh add to their offense
Next game: at Chicago, 2 p.m., Saturday, MLS Live.
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5. Atlanta United (2-1-1).
Last week: 4.
Result: 0-0 draw with Seattle.
It wasn’t pretty, but Atlanta United did what it needed to secure a point at Seattle. With Kenwyne Jones and Carlos Carmona back and rested, expect a different looking starting 11 for Saturday’s game.
Next game: at Toronto, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, TSN4.
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6. NYCFC (2-1-1).
Last week: 7.
Result: 2-1 win over San Jose.
While David Villa continues to shine, Andrea Pirlo looks as if he’s starting to run out of gas in his Ferrari of a tank.
Next game: at D.C. United, 4 p.m. Saturday, UniMas.
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7. San Jose (2-2-0).
Last week: 6.
Result: Lost to NYCFC 2-1.
Two wins at home, two losses on the road.
Next game: vs. Seattle, 10:30 p.m. Saturday.
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8. New York Red Bulls (2-2-1).
Last week: 3.
Result: 4-1 loss to Houston.
Something is wrong with the Red Bulls. What that is remains to be seen, but it could be trading away Dax McCarty.
Next game: at Orlando, 4 p.m. Sunday, ESPN.
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9. Toronto (1-0-3).
Last week: 8.
Result: 0-0 draw with Sporting KC.
This team has too much firepower to continue to post draw after draw. Now, it must do without injured goalkeeper Clint Irwin.
Next game: vs. Atlanta United, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, TSN4.
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10. Orlando (2-1-0).
Last week: 9.
Result: 2-0 loss to Columbus.
A loss to Columbus isn’t a bad thing. I think several teams are going to experience that. But the Lions must bounce back against the reeling Red Bulls.
Next game: vs. New York Red Bulls, 4 p.m. Sunday, ESPN.
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11. Seattle (1-1-2).
Last week: 10.
Result: 0-0 draw with Atlanta United.
Seattle, with its stable of international palyers, should be back to full strength this week.
Next game: at San Jose, 10:30 p.m., Saturday.
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12. Colorado (1-1-1).
Last week: 11.
Result: No game.
They traded their captain, Atlanta’s Sam Cronin, to Minnesota in one of the odder moves in the league this season.
Next game: at Sporting KC, 7 p.m., Sunday, FS1.
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13. Chicago (1-1-2).
Last week: 12.
Result: 2-2 tie with Montreal.
Bastian Schweinsteiger gave them a lift in their quest to the win the World Cup. If you don’t know the reference, look it up.
Next game: vs. Columbus, 2 p.m., Saturday, MLS Live.
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14. Los Angeles (1-3-0).
Last week: 13.
Result: Lost to Vancouver 4-2.
Injuries or not, the wheels are close to coming off for one of the league’s marquee franchises following this latest loss.
Next game: vs. Montreal, 10:30 p.m., Friday, TVAS.
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15. Sporting KC (1-0-3).
Last week: 15.
Result: 0-0 draw with Toronto.
Leaving them here for now.
Next game: vs. Colorado, 7 p.m., Sunday, FS1.
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16. New England (1-2-1)
Last week: 17.
Result: 1-1 draw with Portland.
The Revs seem like they are starting to figure out their issues on offense.
Next game: vs. Houston, 2 p.m., Saturday, MLS Live.
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17. Vancouver (1-2-1).
Last week: 18.
Result: 4-2 win over L.A. Galaxy.
They made some moves to improve their strength up the middle by trading for Tony Tchani. The move seems to have given them an emotional lift.
Next game: at Real Salt Lake, 9:30 p.m., Saturday, TSN4.
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18. D.C. United (1-2-1).
Last week: 21.
Result: 2-1 win over Philadelphia.
A win is a win, even if it came against Philadelphia.
Next game: vs. NYCFC, 4 p.m. Saturday, UniMas.
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19. Montreal (0-1-3).
Last week: 20.
Result: 2-2 draw with Chicago.
The team that ties like no other.
Next game: at L.A. Galaxy, 10:30 p.m., Friday, TVAS.
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20. Minnesota United (1-3-1).
Last week: 22.
Result: 4-2 win over Real Salt Lake.
Break up the Loons! Frankly, the team deserves credit not just for the win, but for continuing to try to build a roster that at the very least will compete following last week’s trades.
Next game: at Dallas, 8 p.m., Saturday, MLS Live.
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21. Philadelphia (0-2-2).
Last week: 16.
Result: 2-1 loss to D.C. United.
Just a dull team playing a dull season.
Next game: vs. Portland, 7 p.m., Saturday, MLS Live.
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22. Real Salt Lake (0-3-2).
Last week: 19.
Result: 4-2 loss to Minnesota United.
Congrats Salt Lake, you are now the worst team in MLS after getting your doors blown off by the previous worst team in MLS.
Next game: vs. Vancouver, 9:30 p.m., Saturday, TSN4.
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