Major League Soccer Week 5 Rankings – Chivas USA Remains On Top
As the Major League Soccer season reaches its 2nd month, several teams are showing they are early favorites. Chivas USA continues its impressive early form while FC Dallas once again disappointed. Here are the MLS rankings for Week 5.
- Chivas USA – Playing in the same city as the Galaxy often makes Chivas go under the radar, but they are right now the best team in MLS. The team has been solid from the defense to the forwards, and Preki has to be the early pick for Manager of the Year. It’s a long season and the only question is can Chivas keep it going through November? Will Kljestan leave during the summer and if so what effect will that have?
- Chicago Fire – A disappointing letdown against Kansas City cost the Fire a win on Saturday, but they have yet to lose a game this season. McBride scored 2 goals and has all the pieces to make a playoff run again.
- New England Revolution – The Revolution have played 3 out of their 4 games on the road, managing a win and two draws. A late goal at DC United is frustrating but the team has yet to lose and will be even stronger when they are healthy.
- Seattle Sounders FC – Seattle struggled for the 2nd week and now has lost 2 in a row after winning their first 3. Even after consecutive losses, the Sounders are still one of the top teams and should recover at home against San Jose next Saturday. Steve Zakuani came on in the second half and proved to be dangeorus with his speed on the left wing. The rookie could earn a place in the starting eleven.
- Colorado Rapids – The Rapids lost at Houston but still have 7 points while playing 4 out of their first 5 games on the road. Colorado hosts the Galaxy at home where they look to get the three points. The attack of Omar Cummings and Conor Casey have been strong in attack this season, combining for 6 goals so far.
- Kansas City Wizards – The Wizards started off slow but have two wins and a draw in their last three games. Claudio Lopez is starting to find his form and Josh Wolff’s two goals in the second half salvaged a draw at Chicago. Next up are the Red Bulls at home on Thursday (ESPN2).
- Real Salt Lake – RSL have been impressive at home and terrible on the road. At New York, they were unable to get anything going and couldn’t stop the Red Bulls attack. Salt Lake plays the Revolution at home and should recover for a win or at least a draw.
- DC United – United were able to earn a draw on a late goal from Olsen but still have yet to find their best form. The club has many talented and experienced players but has yet to get things going. Playing the Red Bulls next Sunday (NY plays Thurs against KC) should be a great chance to get a win.
- New York Red Bulls – The Red Bulls finally got some scoring with an early goal from Kandji and one more in the second half Juan Pablo Angel. New York has only scored 3 goals this season and if they can get the a ball to Angel in the final third, he will be one of the top goal scorers in MLS.
- Houston Dynamo – The Dynamo got an early lead from a Brian Ching goal against Colorado and held on with a penalty kick save from keeper Pat Onstad. Its still unknown if Houston is a playoff team or if they are in a rebuilding period.
- Toronto FC – Toronto is improved from last season but lost Sunday at Dallas. After coming back from a 2 goal deficit, a handball on Marvell Wynne gave Dallas a penalty kick. Chad Barrett got the start and finally scored a goal, but again missed several opportunities. Is it finally time to give someone else a change? A tough test next weekend will be hosting Chivas at BMO Field.
- San Jose Earthquakes – A draw at home was disappointing for San Jose, who had the game won. The team has been inconsistent defensively, giving up 9 goals through 5 games.
- Columbus Crew – The Crew had a bye week after playing 2 games in 4 days a few weeks earlier. The team does not look likely to repeat as MLS Cup Champions, but its a long season and plenty of time to come back. Schelotto is getting older and needs some help in the attack. Unlike last season, Columbus has uncharacteristically given up late goals at home to turn wins into draws.
- FC Dallas – Dallas almost gave up a 2 goal lead at home against Toronto but caught a break. A handball in the box gave a penalty kick to Kenny Cooper who converted for his 2nd goal of the game. Will Cooper be gone this summer? The attack of Cooper, McCarty, and van den Bergh could be a formidable one in Major League Soccer if this team continues to improve. Unfortunately, Dallas showed on Sunday how quickly they can get a lead, and then how quickly they can fall apart. At least they aren’t the last place team on this week’s rankings.
- Los Angeles Galaxy – The Galaxy, always dependable for being one of the worst teams in Major Leagus Soccer that past few seasons. They have yet to win a game, only three points on three draws, and the offense looks anemic. Does Landon Donovan wish he were still with Bayern Munich? Is the Pope Catholic?
