BIGGEST MOVERS: New England +3 spots | Montreal -3 spots
1
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 9
Toronto's attack (Jozy!) had to pick up the defense after the Red Bulls ran out to a two-goal lead at BMO on Sunday. The opposite has been the case for much of the season – the Reds have allowed the third fewest goals in MLS (32) and fewest in the Eastern Conference by far.
Latest result: Drew vs. NY Red Bulls, 3-3
Last five results: W-W-L-W-D
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Philadelphia (TSN2 in Canada | MLS LIVE in US)
2
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
Days after celebrating their first trophy in 19 years, FC Dallas went to the Bronx and came agonizingly close to a huge road win against NYCFC. The double (USOC and Supporters' Shield) seems like a good bet. We know Oscar Pareja's starting XI is elite, but does this team have the depth to absorb a significant blow and still make a run at the treble?
Latest result: Drew at NYCFC, 2-2
Last five results: L-W-W-L-D
Next MLS match: Saturday at Real Salt Lake (MLS LIVE)
3
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 9
The Power Rankings politburo is still wondering why Giovani dos Santos didn't play on Sunday, but it appears Landon Donovan might just be the super sub the Galaxy need to complete their Race to Seis. Who is going to bet against Bruce, LD, Keano, GDS and LA in the playoffs? Anyone?
Latest result: Drew at Sporting KC, 2-2
Last five results: D-W-D-W-D
Next MLS match: Sunday vs. Seattle (ESPN in US | MLS LIVE in Canada)
4
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 17
Jesse Marsch's went to five in the back up 3-1 in Toronto on Sunday. It's not the first time that tactical gambit has backfired on the Red Bulls. They'd be Shield favorites if they could convert leads into points consistently.
Latest result: Drew at Toronto, 3-3
Last five results: D-W-W-D-D
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Montreal (MLS LIVE)
5
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 20
Played out the least surprising scoreless draw of the season against San Jose, the only team with fewer goals scored than the Rapids. There's no doubt Tim Howard has been a great addition, but the attacking DPs need to justify their status with goals if this team is going to make a playoff run.
Latest result: Drew vs. San Jose, 0-0
Last five results: D-L-L-W-D
Next MLS match: Saturday at Vancouver (MLS LIVE in US | TSN in Canada)
6
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 20
It seemed Jack Harrison had hit the rookie wall, but then he broke through with two gorgeous assists against FC Dallas. NYCFC need more of that considering Frank Lampard will be on the shelf for close to a month with a calf injury.
Latest result: Drew vs. Dallas, 2-2
Last five results: W-L-W-L-D
Next MLS match: Friday vs. Chicago (UniMás in US | MLS LIVE in Canada)
7
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 12
With Darren Mattocks playing like this, Lucas Melano may have to get comfortable on the bench. The Timbers are in good position to make the playoffs, now they just need to grab a few road results. That's easier said than done: Portland are the only team in MLS without a road win.
Latest result: Won vs. Philadelphia, 2-1
Last five results: L-W-L-W-W
Next MLS match: Saturday at Houston (MLS LIVE)
8
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 19
The Union train has stalled over the past three games, and Jim Curtin's boys have trips to Toronto and Harrison ahead of them. Can they hold on to the No. 4 seed and avoid a road trip in the Knockout Round?
Latest result: Lost at Portland, 2-1
Last five results: W-W-L-D-L
Next MLS match: Saturday at Toronto (MLS LIVE in US | TSN2 in Canada)
9
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 11
Real Salt Lake hadn't lost at home until Saturday's 1-0 setback to last-place Houston. Like Philly, they're in a dog fight for the right to host a home game in the Knockout Round. They need it. Their nine road losses are the most of any current playoff team.
Latest result: Lost vs. Houston, 1-0
Last five results: W-W-D-L-L
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Dallas (MLS LIVE)
10
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 20
Jordan Morris and Nicolas Lodeiro saved the Sounders season – again. The duo will have to do that a couple more times for Seattle to keep their playoff streak alive.
Latest result: Won vs. Vancouver, 1-0
Last five results: W-D-L-D-W
Next MLS match: Sunday at LA Galaxy (ESPN in US | MLS LIVE in Canada)
11
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 18
One win in six games has Sporting in a precarious position just above the red line. A loss at San Jose would give the Quakes and Sounders, both with two games in hand, reason to believe they can catch Kansas City.
Latest result: Drew vs. LA Galaxy, 2-2
Last five results: D-W-L-D-D
Next MLS match: Saturday at San Jose (MLS LIVE)
12
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 20
The switch to the diamond looks like a masterstroke from Jay Heaps. Remember when Caleb Porter changed his formation at the end of 2015? How did the Timbers' season end again?
Latest result: Won at Montreal, 3-1
Last five results: D-L-W-W-W
Next MLS match: Sunday at Columbus (FS1 in US | MLS LIVE in Canada)
13
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 13
This time last year, Didier Drogba was basically unstoppable. He's got five goals in the Impact's last 16 games, from which Montreal have taken just 17 of 48 points. An even bigger issue, though, is that leaky backline.
Latest result: Lost vs. New England, 3-1
Last five results: D-W-L-D-L
Next MLS match: Saturday at NY Red Bulls (MLS LIVE)
14
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 13 | LOW: 20
Grinding out draws on the road is something playoff teams do. Now, can they get the job done at home against one of the other red-line hopefuls? Six-pointer, no doubt.
Latest result: Drew at Chicago, 2-2
Last five results: D-W-L-D-D
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Orlando City (MLS LIVE)
15
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 17
Two straight wins had the Lions thinking playoffs. Two straight losses have them clinging to eighth place. Still, a win at D.C. and a New England loss would thrust Orlando above the red line.
Latest result: Lost vs. Columbus, 4-1
Last five results: L-W-W-L-L
Next MLS match: Saturday at D.C. United (MLS LIVE)
16
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 16
Sporting KC at home really is a must-win game if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Latest result: Drew at Colorado, 0-0
Last five results: L-D-L-W-D
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Sporting KC (MLS LIVE)
17
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 20
Alex has been one of the pleasant surprises in MLS this year, as the the Brazilian midfielder has been effective on both sides of the ball in a role he had not previously flourished in.
Latest result: Won at Real Salt Lake, 1-0
Last five results: W-D-L-D-W
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Portland (MLS LIVE)
18
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 5 | LOW: 20
Ola Kamara is a starting-caliber forward in MLS. That's good to know ahead of a big offseason in Columbus.
Latest result: Won at Orlando City, 4-1
Last five results: L-W-L-L-W
Next MLS match: Sunday vs. New England (FS1 in US | MLS LIVE in Canada)
19
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 19
Kekuta Manneh may be back before the end of the season. Does it make sense to risk him at this point? Meanwhile, Carl Robinson says players are playing for their jobs before the calendar hits October. It's been that kind of season in Vancouver.
Latest result: Lost at Seattle, 1-0
Last five results: L-D-L-W-L
Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Colorado (TSN in US | MLS LIVE in Canada)
20
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 18 | LOW: 20
David Accam is a special talent. Now, can Chicago figure out how to surround him with players that make 2017 special? One loss in four is a start, at least.
Latest result: Drew vs. D.C. United, 2-2
Last five results: D-W-L-D-D
Next MLS match: Friday at NYCFC (UniMás in US | MLS LIVE in Canada)
Only MLS league games will be reflected in the rankings. Rankings are voted on by MLSsoccer.com editorial staff and remarks were written by Associate Editor Ben Baer (@BenBaer89).
