It's tough to argue that the New York Red Bulls are not the hottest team in MLS, having rattled off five straight victories before Wednesday night. Yet, at the same time, they haven’t exactly been tearing opponents apart or setting a new standard for the game.
The Red Bulls could careless.
Every three points they collect with a patchwork starting lineup, is one another step closer the Red Bulls are to being at full-strength again. Make no mistake, as impressive as the Red Bulls have been during this winning streak, they still cannot win a title without Thierry Henry, or without the other injured starters they have been missing.
Real Salt Lake also knows what it means to miss key players, but we’ve seen in recent weeks a glimpse of just how good RSL can be. They didn’t play last week, and they will be losing Nick Rimando and Kyle Beckerman to US national team duty, but RSL still has enough weapons to maintain their standing as the top team in MLS.
As for the worst team in MLS, Toronto FC puts together stretches of decent play. Yet, week after week they find a way to lose. As much as TFC might try to take solace that they sometimes can put together decent soccer, the standings don’t lie. Aron Winter cannot last much longer with that zero under Toronto’s win column.
Here are the latest FOX Soccer MLS Power Rankings:
1- REAL SALT LAKE
The week off should help RSL, but losing players to international duty could cost them in upcoming matches. To their credit, Real Salt Lake has impressive depth and will have the chance to show it off.
2- SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Fredy Montero is looking more and more like an MVP candidate, but the Vancouver Whitecaps exposed some weaknesses in Seattle’s defense, which had enjoyed a strong run before the 2-2 draw.
3- SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
The Earthquakes will walk away disappointed from a home draw against Columbus, but another late rally to snatch a point shows the kind of fortitude San Jose has this season. Playing without Chris Wondolowski will be a challenge, particularly if he sticks with the US national team beyond this week.
4- NEW YORK RED BULLS
The Red Bulls just keep winning. Taking all three points despite a red card in Montreal, shows that New York has to be taken seriously by all MLS club. With Henry on the verge of returning, the Red Bulls could carry the momentum of their current five-game winning streak into the summer.
5- D.C. UNITED
Consecutive victories have D.C. United every bit like the most dangerous team in the East. Being able to win without several key starters is a good sign for the quality on the bench.
6- VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
Vancouver will kick themselves for squandering a chance for three points in Seattle, but the Whitecaps have to feel good about how they played against a Sounders team that looked dominant in recent weeks. As Davide Chiumiento stated, the gap between the Cascadia clubs isn’t all that wide.
7- CHICAGO FIRE
The Fire’s defense looked so sharp a week earlier, but struggled to stop Portland’s offense. Chicago’s offense continues to be inconsistent and as much as the defense has been promising, the offense still feels like it needs a player in the summer transfer window.
8- SPORTING KANSAS CITY
Four straight without a victory has to be a cause for concern, and blowing a two-goal lead at Colorado makes you wonder if the defense is being found out a bit. On the bright side, Teal Bunbury showed some real fire and purpose with his two goals against the Rapids.
9- HOUSTON DYNAMO
Rallying back for a tough road draw has to be a confidence builder, particularly for Luiz Camargo, who has been inconsistent for the Dynamo. A big game against the LA Galaxy looms at home, and Houston needs to win to show they are serious about contending for the top spot in the East.
10- COLORADO RAPIDS
The Rapids defense looked atrocious early on against Sporting KC, but quickly redeemed itself as defenders Tyrone Marshall and Kosuke Kimura scored goals to tie things up. The real question is whether the offense can start producing on a consistent basis. Having Conor Casey back helps, but they need to reunite the Casey-Cummings tandem in a hurry.
11- NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
The Revs are clearly an improved team, and playing far more attractive soccer than they did last year. Squandering points by allowing a late goal can’t become the norm at Gillette Stadium, and it’s sure to bother Jay Heaps that the Revs gave up another late goal.
12- MONTREAL IMPACT
The Impact are playing better than most would have expected them to play, but they need to start producing results to go along with the improving play. Being up a man at home against the New York Red Bulls and not coming away with at least a point, has to be thoroughly disappointing.
13- PORTLAND TIMBERS
A sorely-needed victory before the summer break had to feel like heaven for a Timbers side that has played better than their record indicates. The attack still needs to start playing with more consistency, and it’s unclear whether the defense is really good enough to get the team into the playoffs. Stopping the bleeding with a big home win is a good start for a turnaround.
14- CHIVAS USA
The additions of Dan Califf and Juan Agudelo could help propel the Goats from cellar dwellar to potential playoff contender. Finally beating the LA Galaxy is a major milestone for a team fighting for respect. Are the new players enough to make Chivas USA a playoff team? We will find out in the next month.
15- COLUMBUS CREW
Give goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum credit. His heroics helped the Crew salvage a point from a game they were thoroughly out-played in. Giving up the late goal to San Jose had to hurt Robert Warzycha, but he should also take some comfort in knowing his team is starting to produce some results after a slow start to the season.
16- FC DALLAS
Dallas continues to be an enigmatic team. They’re dealing with injuries, and suspensions, but still have enough talent to play better than they have. Losing Brek Shea to a three-game suspension hurts, but the time off might actually help Shea rest up and potentially find the MVP-caliber form he flashed a year ago.
17- PHILADELPHIA UNION
The Union are starting to look like a more athletic team, but they also look like a flawed team that needs a reliable goal scorer and a top-notch defender. Sheanon Williams looks serviceable in central defense, but look for the Union to add a center back in the summer. As for their offensive game. Lionard Pajoy needs to finish his chances at a higher rate or else Peter Nowak will need to buy another forward as well.
18- LA GALAXY
The Galaxy look flat, and in real danger of throwing the season away. Yes, they show glimpses at times, but given the talent on this team alone just won’t do. Landon Donovan going away for national team duty and Robbie Keane going away for Euros won’t help matters. Bruce Arena will be hoping his reserves can turn things around the way the New York Red Bulls’ did earlier this month.
19- TORONTO FC
Yet another loss and more questions arise about Aron Winter’s club future. He will be given the Canadian Championship Final to try and win a trophy with TFC, but even that may not be enough to save him from being given the boot for the team’s 0-9 record in MLS play.
