5.10.2007

Power Rankings - Week 6

Not a lot has changed at the top of the league - the teams in the middle are shuffling around a bit - the teams at the bottom will have to work harder to avoid relegation... err... yeah. Here's The MLS Zone's power rankings, week 6 style.

1. (1) Red Bull New York
As tempted as I was to swap them with the Galaxy this week, I couldn't do it. I saw Juan Pablo Angel's debut in the Open Cup qualifying game and I have to say that he is going to make a very solid team even better. Give Bruce Arena credit - he's assembled a quality squad. Hopefully more people will take the time to go see them play.

2. (2) Los Angeles Galaxy
The Galaxy let their younger guys tire out a stronger Red Bulls side in their Open Cup qualification game and then Landon Donovan stepped up in overtime with a goal and two assists. Steve Cronin was magnificent in goal... his 14-save performance was magical to say the least. As a reward, he gets to ride the pine some more as Joe Cannon steps back in for the G's in a big game against the Revolution.

3. (9) New England Revolution
Jumping up six places this week, this Revolution side is as good as previous ones, if not better. If they can pull three points away from the warming Galaxy while on the road, maybe nobody can stop them. Taylor Twellman should have a good game against a less-than-stellar L.A. backline.

4. (3) Chicago Fire
Their goal is to keep things steady until Cuauhtemoc Blanco joins the side this summer. So far, they are doing very well. Evin still, I believe Toronto will get their first points when the two teams meet this weekend.

5. (8) Kansas City Wizards
No team has more points than the Wizards, but expect them to come back to Earth as talented defender Jimmy Conrad has been sidelined with his 2nd broken jaw in less than a year. Eddie Johnson is going to have to carry this team, and I'm not so sure he can't do it.

6. (4) Colorado Rapids
Herculez Gomez goes down more than anyone else in the league... except maybe Carlos Ruiz. If he can get more physical while attacking, he'll add to his goal total. I still like his aggressiveness, but his attitude is holding him back.

7. (6) Houston Dynamo
De Rosario is back on track with a new 'do. Trading for Joseph Ngwenya was a smart move for the men in orange and could move them safely into the playoff picture in the crowded West.

8. (5) Chivas USA
Chivas wants their DP spot back after Amado Guevara - shocking! - let his ego get in the way of his game. Back in reality land, Sacha Kljestan's return from suspension will benefit Chivas greatly. I like them to steal three points on the road against Columbus this weekend.

9. (10) D.C. United
Just as DCU started gaining momentum, they run into another bye week. No matter - it will just give them more time to sort out their early problems. Their defense is still troubling, but Goff says DCU officials are scouting a Polish central defender that could solve their biggest problem so far this season.

10. (7) Columbus Crew
Not sure what direction this team is going right now. Alejandro Moreno will certainly see his role increase in Columbus. But Guillermo Barros Schelotto is still getting used the physicality of MLS. Without making any other moves, Columbus could be on the outside looking in for the rest of the year.

11. (13) Real Salt Lake
The final three positions are basically interchangeable for me. I'll give RSL the edge for coming from way behind against the Red Bulls, even if it was slightly controversial. Freddy Adu looked a bit better in Thursday's game against Colorado but couldn't get much support from the team around him. It's only a matter of time before he loses his cool...

12. (12) Toronto FC
Toronto will finally give their fans something to cheer about - I'm thinking a 2-1 win over Chicago. It could be the jump start that this club needs.

13. (11) FC Dallas
Carlos Ruiz has gotten himself benched, atleast for the start of FC Dallas' key clash with Kansas City. When he picks up his next yellow card, he will already find himself facing a 1-game suspension. Sounds like new coach Steve Morrow is running a really tight ship... unfortunately, he's running it right into the ground.

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