The Daily Scoop

MLSU Power Rankings

by MLS Underground - July 24, 2007

In a new addition to the starting line-up, ASD is proud to welcome MLS Underground to handle the weekly MLS Power Rankings. Though it is their first appearance in our game, MLSU has been tracking since the beginning of the season - thus the updates on movement from last week.

Week 17

After the much hyped debut of David Beckham for the Los Angeles Galaxy over the weekend, the focus shifts back to the field as the race for playoff positions continues to tighten.

#1 Houston Dynamo (Unchanged) - Even though Houston's 700+ minute shutout streak came to an end in New England, the Dynamo still managed to get an important road point against the East's top club. The difference between Houston and the rest of the clubs in the league is their plethora of attacking options, led by US international Brian Ching.

#2 FC Dallas (Unchanged) - Dallas might have had a bye this week, but that doesn't mean they weren't busy. The Hoops acquired Brazilian forward Ricardinho, and look on the verge of signing Denílson. Those moves could make Dallas the team to beat come playoff time.

#3 New England Revolution (+1) - The Revolution ended Houston's shutout streak in shocking fashion, putting three shots into the back of the net. Taylor Twellman, who scored against Houston, needs to continue to lead this team if they are to win the conference title.

Typical of the Goats, Galindo has only scored one of his seven goals on the road. (photo: Victor Decolongon/Getty)

▪ Fire to Net Wanchope

▪ Adu in Benfica Haggle

▪ MLS Sunday Review

#4 Kansas City Wizards (+1) - Eddie Johnson is back on a roll after scoring his league leading 12th goal and second of the game in a 2-2 tie with Colorado. Jose Burciaga's red card will force him to sit out against a potent Chivas USA offense primed to score goals.

#5 New York Red Bulls (+3) - A vital victory over DC United sees the Red Bulls jump into a tie for first place. Fun fact: Did you know the last time New York defeated United at Giants Stadium was the first time Freddy Adu scored a goal in a MLS match?

#6 DC United (-3) - I'm not sure what's more surprising: that DC lost to New York or how bad United's defense has become. Tom Soehn needs to add another quality defender in the back or United will be sitting at home watching some other team win MLS Cup at RFK Stadium in November.

#7 Columbus Crew (Unchanged) - I know it is only July, but Guillermo Barros Schelotto is making a case for the MVP award. He has turned around this Crew franchise and given them some hope for success this season. Who would have thought halfway through May that the Crew would be six points clear of the lead playoff race chaser?

#8 Chivas USA (-2) - The Goats have become a one trick pony, no pun intended. They are nearly flawless at home, but can't muster much at all on the road. Road games at New York and Kansas City this week could show if the Goats will be a contender this year.

#9 Toronto FC (Unchanged) - It appears Mo Johnston's version of musical cheers has finally subsided and the team can now focus on the push for the playoffs. However, they did not get off to a great start to the second half of the season with a 2-0 loss to Columbus.

#10 Chicago Fire (+2) - The Fire are poised to really increase their attack. First Blanco, and now it appears Paolo Wanchope is set to sign for the Fire. I'm sure Fire fans are drooling over the prospect of the trio of Blanco, Wanchope and US international Chris Rolfe.

#11 Los Angeles Galaxy (-1) - Is everything okay in Tinseltown? Sure, the Beckham hysteria has increased media attention to the franchise, but will the players be able to handle the scrutiny. Surely Beckham can, but will anybody else?

#12 Colorado Rapids (-1) - I just don't understand the philosophy of this club. Trading fan favorite Kyle Beckerman for an unproven playmaker. If Fernando Clavijo is not fired at the end of the season, I'll be shocked.

#13 Real Salt Lake (Unchanged) - I like what Jason Kreis has done with this club. He brought in good young players Robbie Findley and Nathan Sturgis. He also made a great trade acquiring two-way midfielder Kyle Beckerman. And if he can land flashy playmaker JayJay Okocha, RSL will be a lot of fun to watch this season even if Freddy Adu bolts for Europe.

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