Week 6 Power Rankings

1. New England Revolution (LW: 2 / 4-2-1)
Firing on all cylinders, it’s easy to see that the Revs are not going to settle for anything less than an MLS Cup victory this year. It’s nice to see Twellman performing at such a high level, especially after his new contract signing. His contract seems very justified at the moment; perhaps management can start justifying new contracts for some of their other players as well....

2. Red Bull New York (LW: 1 / 3-2-1)
I would drop them down even further after their abysmal performances in the past couple of weeks but no one besides the Revs stepped up to the challenge. Reyna haters have to admit that the Bulls look like a completely different team without his steady presence in the midfield. Their player acquisitions have focused on revamping the offense but the defense should be the biggest concern for the New York side at the moment. And let’s not get started on the attendance woes either.

3. Houston Dynamo (LW: 6 / 2-1-2)
Although primarily moving up because everyone in front of them lost, I still believe the Dynamo deserve this high ranking. De Rosario should be getting paid DP money soon as he is easily a top-five forward in this league and I think Houston is finally ready to put behind the wear and tear of the CONCACAF Champions Cup and is ready to move up the standings.

4. Los Angeles Galaxy (LW: 5 / 1-1-2)
I know, I know, this may seem questionable since they lost this past week, but if I had to bet in a game between the Galaxy and either the Wizards, Rapids, or Fire, I’d have to go with the Hollywood boys. They played an extremely tight game against the Revs and were unlucky not to get any points from it.

5. Kansas City Wizards (LW: 3 / 4-0-2)
Poised to stay in pole position, they got tripped up this week by Dallas but are still in contention for the top spot in the east. To be fair, they doubled Dallas’ shot output and probably should’ve gotten the win. On a positive note, Harrington is looking like the early favorite for Rookie of the Year.

6. Colorado Rapids (LW: 7 / 3-2-2)
Can this team make up its mind on how good they want to be? In the same week they can only get a draw against arguably the worst team in the league and then travel cross-country on three days rest to beat one of the best teams in the league away from home….are you kidding me? I think the Rapids have the potential to be a really good team but they need to start playing well on a consistent basis to pose any real threat in the standings.

7. Chicago Fire (LW: 4 / 3-1-2)
A shock result against Toronto leaves this team reeling shortly after getting stumped by the same margin against New England just a week ago. That defense is looking absolutely porous right now and some adjustments need to be made immediately or things could get out of hand in a hurry.

8. FC Dallas (LW: 8 / 3-1-2)
Who needs Ruiz? With “El Pescadito” on the bench, the Hoops looked just fine in dismantling a solid Kansas City team. Led by Cooper and the surprising play of Juan Toja, perhaps Dallas has finally turned the corner and found the scoring touch I said was lacking earlier in the year. If I was the GM of FC Dallas, I would be seriously entertaining any trade options for Ruiz this instant. I think they’re better off without his antics.

9. D.C. United (LW: 9 / 1-1-3)
The week off earlier this season helped United get back on track so hopefully for D.C. faithful this additional bye week will continue the recent return to form. That match in Toronto though just got a lot more difficult.

10. Columbus Crew (LW: 10 / 1-4-1)
They may just break the record for most MLS ties this year. It was a pretty even match against Chivas however, and Schelotto finally got some action with his first assist of the year on Grabavoy’s second goal of the year. This Crew team may not be as talented as some other MLS sides but they’ll be a tough team to beat each and every week. I smell a potential upset against New York this week.

11. Chivas USA (LW: 11 / 2-1-3)
Can’t really complain with getting a point on the road, but they’ll need to start picking up full points soon to keep up with the suddenly competitive west. Razov is looking sharp and on form, which can only spell good things for Chivas as the season progresses. They have a great chance for Revenge in the second Superclasico against LA this week so let’s see how Chivas recovers from their first encounter.

12. Toronto FC (LW: 13 / 1-0-4)
Bravo Toronto, Bravo. BMO Field is going to have an electric atmosphere the entire year and Toronto really raised the ante (and its level of play) to respond to the enthusiasm espoused by its fans. Ronnie O’Brien and Danny Dichio made an ENORMOUS difference for the squad, as O’Brien backed up his several all-MLS selections with an absolutely sensational performance. A great start for the franchise and a big matchup against D.C. awaits the boisterous Canadian crowd.

13. Real Salt Lake (LW: 12 / 0-4-2)
At least Toronto had an excuse for being winless. Admittedly, they looked increasingly better against Colorado this past week but being the sole MLS team without a win is still depressing for a squad that doesn’t have much to look forward to. Coach Kreis needs to remove Ballouchy from the center and finally let Adu start running the show.

http://thecruzpitch.blogspot.com

 

Aww man, you got to put Toronto at #12, at least!

 

1. New England - It seems that in a lot of their games, the Revs only control the game for about 20 minutes. However, in those 20 minutes, they flat-out dissect and destroy their opponents, and show you why they've been one of the elite teams in the league over the past couple of years.

2. New York - Want to know what that loud rumbling sound is? Everybody jumping off the Red Bulls bandwagon.

3. Colorado - Tops of the West (for now), but this team is so inconsistent that it was really difficult to put them here, especially after the draw on Thursday night.

4. FC Dallas - Had a chance to rest, and it showed. Solid performance against a very good offensive opponent. Should be a decent game in Chicago.

5. Kansas City - First test against a solid team and they were defeated. Still, Sala was making some ridiculous saves against them. Minor bump in the road, I'd say.

6. Houston - Tough 4-day stretch for the Dynamo: visiting TFC and their wild fanbase on Wed., then welcome the league leaders to their house on Saturday. This is a real test of their mettle - if they can get 4 points or more this week, they'll be in good shape heading into the summer.

7. Chicago - Not having Armas (or Gutierrez in the 2nd half) showed, as the Fire was outplayed for much of the game against Toronto (and where was their right back??). 6 GA in 2 games - and maybe a suspension for Pickens? - spells trouble for the Fire defense on Thursday.

8. Columbus - You guys can't keep drawing and expect to get a playoff spot. However, Schelotto is a beast, and I'll be so bold as to predict that by the end of the season, we'll regard Guillermo as the best foreign acquisition of the year (well, on-the-field, anyway).

9. Los Angeles - They have the offensive tools to be a major force in the league, but their back line is certainly not up to snuff. It's a damn good thing their goalie - and his back-up - are stopping as many shots as they are.

10. DC United - Bye week. May be well rested for TFC. Let's see if Soehn got those defensive kinks worked out.

11. Toronto FC - If FSC and ESPN were smart, they'd have more telecasts at BMO this season. The place was jumping, and TFC finally showed what they're capable of (as long as O'Brien is healthy). The Dichio red kinda sours things a bit, though.

12. Real Salt Lake - Only two ties to start the Second Coming of Kreis, but you get the feeling they're finally starting to click, particularly Freddy, who was all over the place at DSG and was by far the best player on the pitch. Let's hope that becomes a trend instead of a one-off.

13. Chivas USA - Yes, you tied a pretty solid Crew squad. But you guys could do better than that. Nice free kick by Razov. The offense didn't really seem very dynamic that game. I expect a turn-around from them over the next couple of weeks, perhaps in the SuperClasico.

 

1. Revolution - Twellman is the difference. Surely he'll play at the Gold Cup or Copa America... won't he?

2. Red Bulls - A loss, but at least it was a dominating one. Maybe Arena will learn from this and change the lineup around when Reyna is hurt for the other 13 games.

3. Rapids - Counter and bunker, Clavijo played his cards right. Niko's celebration gets extra credit.

4. Dynamo - DeRosario plays Ching at ping-pong for $50K of their salaries at Uncle Phil's ranch. DeRo loses, but refuses to pay sighting the fact that Oliver Luck has already overcompensated Brian with DeRo's money in his renewed contract.

5. Wizards - The 'LH' in the 'Wiz' font looked extra 'Gay' on TV. At least it was a very honorable thing to do.

6. FC Dallas - Dichio might have won the popularity vote for goal of the week, but Cooper had the nicest goal by far (of the choices).

7. Crew - Why wasn't Grabavoy's shot up for Goal of the Week? Because MLS hates Columbus. Ties don't help TV ratings!

8. Fire - Chris Armas to Dave Sarachan: "You know coach, I could have been a great help on this road trip. I do speak Canadian."

9. Chivas - This team hasn't been the same since Amado Guevara left the club. No one else wants to take responsibility of providing halftime oranges.

10. United - "Would be nice if you put the most decorated team in league history somewhere in the rankings. I know it's been a rough year, but it hasn't been THAT bad." - onefineesq

11. Galaxy - Super Club, Lalas' wet dream comes to fruition. Donovan, Beckham, now Xavier, soon maybe even Zidane. They'll start playing much better once the DPs arrive.

12. Toronto FC - Not only the first win, but in dominating fashion. Two things to note on Dichio. He likes to send messages with his arms after scoring goals, and he enjoys biting opponents' fingers. He could be dangerous in this league.

13. Real - Yet to win playing 4 out of the 6 games at home. At least they're starting to turn it around. Tying NY was step 1, exchanging own goals with Colorado was step 2, not starting Nick Rimando on Sunday will be step 3.

 

Would be nice if you put the most decorated team in league history somewhere in the rankings. I know it's been a rough year, but it hasn't been THAT bad.

 

1. New York I am convinced they are better than the #2 side and if they win thier game in hand they have just as many points. Until i see someone outplay them for 90 minutes instead of just stealing a result i am hesitant to displace them.

2. New England- They are winning, they dont look like a dangerous side but they dont need to be with Twellman playing as well as he has been.

3.Houston - Best in the west hands down. They will likey be in the top 3 the rest of the year.

4. Kansas City- i was waiting for them to playt someone good, while i wouldnt call FC Dallas good they are good enough, test failed. KC could be an imposter.

5. Chicago- Yeah they lost to TFC, but it wasnt as bad as the scorelin elooked, Chicago looked better until the red cards came out, and someone was going to lose to TFC at some point.

6. Colorado- the teams really start to nose dive here. Rapids afre first in west for now, but have been far from convincing on the field.

7. FC Dallas- Skitzo club, one minute they suck the next the dont look half bad.

8. Los Angeles- So much talent so little substance. Big Top Alexi has the circus running in LA. Look out BArnum and Bailey.

9. Chivas USA- Win at home, lose away. Stil a fun side to watch.

10. Columbus- Decent side but need to show they have the foritudude to win matches.

11. DC United- Bye week again. Last time they follwed up one with a loss. They need to play better to prove they are not the over hyped.

12. Salt Lake- playing better, could be the draw champions.

13. Toronto- good win, but they need to show it wasnt a fluke.

 

1. NER
2. RedBull
3. Houston
4. Colorado
5. Dallas
6. Kansas City
7. LA
8. Chicago
9. DC
10. Columbus
11. Chivas
12. Toronto
13. RSL

This what I thought before tonight's game.

 

1. New York- I think. The coach is factor and plays develope under him.
2. New England- I don't know how but again sweep standings. If this team can hold it together. It will be a tough playoff contender for anyone. They do find the net at the most inopertune time (Mr. Noonan Mr. Twellman).
3. Kansas City- No ties is great and standings says so. This team is solid and it will slip occassionaly. However this team could be back in the US Cup and League finals.
4. Colorado- Again I always see them as slow and you have to pay attention. If you don't; they would sneak a 1-0:2-1 result. Especially if its not a tie in the maker. Only West side with more wins than lossess and that should carry weight.
5. Chicago- Looks better than a fourth place side in East. On paper might not be the best but they do play team ball. Which always helps and Mr. Rolfe stakes claim.
6. FC Dallas- This team, like much of the West; hasn't potenialized as of yet. First two games was a Mr. Ruiz Mr. Cooper dominator. After that; its been a bit in preperations for other duties outside league. Hit week seven and that all changes with 6 points.
7. Chivas- Team makes all the right moves since inception. A graduate coach and a top notice strike for the mens side. This might be a divisional strategy. Take down LA Galaxy this week and the points would be nice before the others show up.
8. Houston- A strong eight which did just lose to Tornoto FC. Team has the strikers and has the defense. It only needs to think about the US Cup with missing members for nats showmanship. If it can rock it there; this team should round into second thirds nicely.
9. Columbus- It idealy takes Last years Red Bull stance with ties. Thats what makes team dangerous. You convert two ties out of three for a win. This will tack a couple of weeks into the season. You loss those and you stay the same. Still a contender with anything.
10. LA Galaxy- Least amount in play. Which only makes sense with you know who coming. The sad thing is. I do fell he will get injured early on. It has plagued him since World/European Competeions. Still could be the fast gun in the west like the Detroit Tigers or the Cincinattii Reds. I think they lose this week though which will drop them some. Mr. Donavan does like smacking whats his.
11a. Tronoto FC- Back to back wins just took you from nowhere to somewhere early on. I think. You lose the second game on week seven. Tie or win and stock improves.
11b. DC United- Second least amount in play. That doesn't mean anything bad. A whole different team. A whole differnet standing. Still a decade lead on accomplishments and I don't know how long you'll stay there. I think week seven win in the books.
12. Real Salt Lake- Team isn't affraid to change and still looks to get over middle table. It has shown it can but just not on year. Grab a victory over FC Dallas and your on the way toward Colombus rankings. You have the scoring threats. It just needs to happen.

 

Just because a team loses doesnt mean they didnt play well, they doubled the Hoops shot total and one of Dallas' goals was scored on a handball in the box. Other than the Chicago game, KC has controlled every single game they have played this season.

 

Yeh, sorry about that. Some personal stuff kept me from doing that. I won't have time this week either, but I'll try to get back to it next week.

 

01. New England
02. New York
03. Colorado
04. Houston
05. Kansas City
06. Dallas
07. Chicago
08. Los Angeles
09. Columbus
10. DC
11. Toronto
12. Chivas USA
13. RSL