The Major League Soccer Power Rankings changed a bit this week as a few teams, most noticably the New England Revolution who won two matches and are back in the playoff race. Other teams such as the LA Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, Columbus Crew, and Chicago Fire remain near the top of both conferences. Here’s the lates Major League Soccer Power Rankings for Week 23 as of Tuesday August 25, 2009.

1. Columbus Crew – A well deserved bye week for Columbus who have been in great form. Will they sacrifice the Champions League for the MLS season by resting key players, like Schelotto?
2. Houston Dynamo – Houston had a draw against Seattle and also will be challenged with group play in Champions League. How long will the Dynamo be able to hold on to rising start Stuart Holden before European clubs come caling?
3. Los Angeles Galaxy – Two nice results on the week as the Galaxy are finally playing as a team and much credit goes to Bruce Arena.
4. Chicago Fire – A nice home win as the Fire finally got some scoring at Toyota Park. They’ve scored 11 goals at home and 22 on the road.
5. New England Revolution – Finally the team is starting to put it together and won two matches. They always seem to be in the playoff race and as dangerous as any team.
6. Seattle Sounders FC – A disappointing result for Seattle as they lost at home and only earned a draw in their second match at Houston. They’ve been inconsistent lately and need a healthy Freddie Ljungberg for the stretch run.
7. Chivas USA – The team has snapped their winless streak and won again against Toronto. They’ve been very streaky which could be very good if they are on but also could mean they miss the playoffs if they lose a few matches.
8. Toronto FC – Another road loss as Toronto as conceded 22 goals on the road and only 11 on the road. They need to improve defensively away from BMO Field.
9. Colorado Rapids – Another team who concedes many goals on the road and few at home. They lost again on the road at Chicago but still in good position for a playoff spot with a high goal difference.
10. DC United – A draw for DC against the Galaxy as they’ve scored 34 goals but conceded 34 and need to improve defensively. Emilio, Moreno, Olsen, and Gomez provide enough offense but the back four has been suspect.
11. Real Salt Lake – Another team that is very strong at home but proved on Saturday they are very week on the road with only 6 goals scored all season away from Rio Tinto stadium. They need to get some road victories or draws to make the play-offs.
12. FC Dallas – They’ve improved as the season has progressed but a loss at the Red Bulls shows how far they still have to go to be make the playoffs.
13. San Jose Earthquakes – The Earthquakes beat the Wizards and still kept alive slim hopes of a playoff spot.
14. Kansas City Wizards – The Wizards also have an interim manager like the Red Bulls but have only scored 20 goals in 20 matches.
15. New York Red Bulls – Osorio resigned and the team finally won on Sunday but they still only have 13 points and more than 15 points out of a playoff spot.