MLS: Week 3 Power Rankings
After 3 weeks of MLS play, Chivas USA and Seattle are still undefeated while others are struggling. FC Dallas has no points, and the Red Bulls only have one point so far. Here’s MLS rankings after week 3 matches.
- Seattle Sounders FC – Even without Fredy Montero, the Sounders dominated the match at Toronto on Saturday. Seattle has built a balanced team and with a healthy Freddie Ljungberg are looking dangerous to make a deep playoff run. The Sounders have yet to concede a goal this season while scoring 7.
- Chivas USA – Chivas has gone under the radar but are undefeated and only concede 2 goals this season. Next Saturday Chivas will face the Galaxy in the SuperClasico.
- Chicago Fire – The Fire won in their home opener, even while playing with only 10 men against the Red Bulls. With Blanco leaving after this season, it will be interesting to see if they can make it to the MLS Cup. Chicago are a consistent team who have yet to lose a game this season.
- New England Revolution – The Revolution are consistent and always seem to be at the top of the Eastern Conference standings each season. Shalrie Joseph is one of the best midfield players in all of MLS and could be a possible MVP candidate.
- Colorado Rapids – Two wins in a row have put the Rapids in third, behind Seattle and Chivas USA, in the western conference. A hat trick by Conor Casey led Colorado past the Galaxy as they earned the full 3 points. Colorado could be one of the surprise teams this season after missing the playoffs last year.
- Real Salt Lake – RSL rebounded from the season opening loss at Seattle to dominated Columbus at Rio Tinto stadium. Kyle Beckerman and Clint Mathis played solid in the midfield, and Robbie Findley scored a hat trick.
- DC United – After two disappointing draws, United were able to hold onto a one goal lead. DC have a deep roster and should benefit from Emilio’s 2 goals in the first 3 games.
- Toronto FC – Toronto have regressed since their week 1 win at Kansas City. They were outclasses on Saturday in their home opener and do not consistent play in their forwards who can open up opposing defense. Barrett has struggled to find his form and the team could look to bring in a designated player during the summer to improve the attack.
- Columbus Crew – The Crew had to play 2 games in 4 days and looked bad in both. Frankie Hejduk was out for both games and his presence as captain was definitely noticable. The team has been unable to get a lead in most games and conceding goals on mistakes they rarely made last season. Schelotto needs somebody to step up and give him some help on the attack.
- Kansas City Wizards – KC finally got their first win at home in tough conditions. Claudio Lopez showed his potential with strong play in the midfield and head coach Curt Onalfo switched up the starting line-up. If this team can get consistent performances from its younger players, they have the pieces to make the playoffs.
- San Jose Earthquakes – San Jose played against in KC where the weather conditions were probably the worst they will see this season (40 mph wind, 35-40 degrees with rain/snow). The Earthquakes will need to improve their form on the road.
- Los Angeles Galaxy – The Galaxy remain a top offensive team in the league but consistently give up too many goals. Even Landon Donovan and David Beckham will have a hard time getting this team to the playoffs.
- Houston Dynamo – It was only a few years ago the Dynamo were defending champions and a perennial powerhouse in MLS. Like New York, the Dynamo are struggling after losing a key player, Dwayne De Rosario.
- New York Red Bulls – The Red Bulls have scored only one goal this season and the midfield is struggling. Juan Pablo Angel is one of the top forwards but the midfield has been unable to link up with him to get consisent chances. Dave van den bergh leaving to Dallas has been a huge difference for the Red Bulls.
- FC Dallas – Dallas has yet to get a point and it looks like it will be a long season. How long before Kenny Cooper goes to Europe?
