MLS Power Rankings: New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas Rise After Week 31
Three teams have officially qualified for the playoffs after last weekend's MLS games. FC Dallas, D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls are the teams to have clinched a postseason spot, but they have bigger aspirations.
Dallas and New York were both victorious, and in doing so, bolstered their chances of winning the Supporters' Shield.
The Los Angeles Galaxy failed to defeat the Seattle Sounders, which means a new No. 1 will be named in this week's power rankings. As always, the teams will be graded on the following criteria:
- Quality of opponent and performance
- Recent form beyond the last week
- Key absences
- Current standing
- Remaining games in hand (if applicable)
Here's where every team stands following Week 31.
20. Colorado Rapids (Previous: 19)
1 of 20
The Colorado Rapids lost to their rival Real Salt Lake 2-1 Sunday night, but still claimed the Rocky Mountain Cup by virtue of goal differential.
Colorado controlled the game in the opening 20 minutes, which resulted in the opening goal. Kevin Doyle's rocket of a header sailed into the top corner, and it appeared as if the Rapids were destined for a win.
However, RSL eventually took the lead before halftime thanks to a pair of scintillating strikes by Joao Plata and Luke Mulholland. The Claret and Cobalt then shut down the Rapids attack in the second half.
The loss, current standing in the Western Conference and five-match winless skid demotes Colorado to No. 20 this week.
19. Chicago Fire (Previous: 20)
2 of 20
The Chicago Fire stunned the New England Revolution with a 3-1 win Saturday night.
This was the Fire's first victory since August 26 against the New York Red Bulls, a run of six straight games.
The most impressive feat of all was the resilience Chicago showed. The Fire trailed 1-0 entering the second half before David Accam, Harry Shipp and Gilberto struck within 35 minutes of one another.
The Fire are still in last place in the Eastern Conference, but this win moves them up one spot to No. 19 due to the Union's slightly superior form.
18. Philadelphia Union (Previous: 18)
3 of 20
The Philadelphia Union's week was as disappointing as it was frustrating.
The Union lost on penalties at home to Sporting Kansas City in the U.S. Open Cup final Wednesday. Three days later, Philadelphia was humbled 3-1 by Toronto FC at BMO Field.
There was a silver lining for Union fans, though. The club parted ways with CEO Nick Sakiewicz after the U.S. Open Cup loss. This is surely the beginning of a frantic and busy offseason.
As for the defeat to TFC, Philadelphia was competitive and trailed 2-1 at one point. However, Toronto's designated players, mainly Sebastian Giovinco, were too much to handle.
This is only Philadelphia's second straight loss, which is why the club stays at No. 18.
17. Houston Dynamo (Previous: 15)
4 of 20
The Houston Dynamo's crushing 4-1 loss in the Texas derby has hurt their playoff chances.
Rasheed Olabiyi's foul in the box on Fabian Castillo allowed Dallas to open the scoring. Mauro Diaz converted the penalty, but the Dynamo found the equalizer out of nowhere from Ricardo Clark.
Everything fell apart in the second half, though. David Texeira's wonderful strike from distance helped Dallas reclaim the lead. The Hoops continued to press, and the Dynamo couldn't cope.
The Dynamo are still three points away from a playoff spot. However, Real Salt Lake and the Portland Timbers have a game in hand. Houston has also lost three of its last five matches. For these reasons, the team drops to No. 17.
16. New York City FC (Previous: 16)
5 of 20
New York City FC's 2-1 loss to D.C. United has essentially eliminated the team from postseason contention.
Despite leading 1-0 away to D.C., United completed yet another comeback at home. NYCFC almost doubled their lead before halftime, with David Villa shooting just high off a fantastic counterattack.
The defeat ended NYCFC's three-game winning streak. The expansion side put up a strong fight, plus the Philadelphia Union and Colorado Rapids also lost, which keeps New York City at No. 16.
15. Real Salt Lake (Previous: 17)
6 of 20
Real Salt Lake earned a crucial 2-1 win over the Colorado Rapids on the road Sunday.
A pair of incredible strikes from Joao Plata and Luke Mulholland seized the victory for RSL. Credit must also be given to the defense, as goalkeeper Nick Rimando faced just one shot on target the entire match.
RSL is still three points away from a playoff spot, but have a pivotal match versus the Portland Timbers next Wednesday. A win could very easily move the Claret and Cobalt into sixth place in the Western Conference.
For now, this victory over the Rapids is RSL's third in its last four MLS games. For that reason, they move up to No. 15.
14. San Jose Earthquakes (Previous: 14)
7 of 20
The San Jose Earthquakes earned a 1-1 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps, which catapulted the Quakes into a playoff spot.
San Jose benefited from Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted's poor handling on a Cordell Cato shot. Ousted couldn't corral the ball before it fell right in front of Chris Wondolowski.
Even though the Earthquakes dropped points at home, this is still a great result. The Whitecaps are fighting for the Supporters' Shield and could've won the game through Kekuta Manneh in stoppage time.
However, due to Portland's game in hand, the Timbers stay above the Earthquakes in the power rankings this week.
13. Portland Timbers (Previous: 11)
8 of 20
The Portland Timbers fell out of the top six in the Western Conference after a 1-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City.
This was the 12th time Portland has been shut out in a game this season. In the previous two seasons under head coach Caleb Porter, the Timbers have been blanked 11 total times.
If it wasn't for Krisztian Nemeth's stupendous goal, the Timbers would've earned a point. Regardless, the lack of scoring is a worrying trend. This is why Portland has been demoted to No. 13.
12. Orlando City SC (Previous: 13)
9 of 20
Orlando City SC stayed alive in the race for the playoffs by defeating the Montreal Impact 2-1 Saturday.
Didier Drogba didn't start for Montreal, which helped Orlando in the first half. Cyle Larin, who idolized Drogba growing up, scored the opener with some help from Nigel Reo-Coker and Evan Bush.
Montreal equalized under controversial circumstances minutes later. Dominic Oduro knocked the ball out of goalkeeper Tally Hall's hands when he had control. The goal shouldn't have counted.
In the end, it didn't matter because Seb Hines scored the winner in the 80th minute to clinch Orlando City's fourth straight win. This victory guides the Lions into 12th in these power rankings.
11. Montreal Impact (Previous: 8)
10 of 20
The Montreal Impact suffered a 2-1 loss to Orlando City SC, which has shrunk the gap to just one point between the two teams.
Didier Drogba didn't start the match, and it showed as the Impact struggled up front. Even Dominic Oduro's goal was questionable given that goalkeeper Tally Hall had control of the ball before Oduro kicked it.
Even with this loss, Montreal still has two games in hand over Orlando. However, with D.C. United and Toronto FC winning, the Impact have to pay a price in the power rankings.
10. D.C. United (Previous: 12)
11 of 20
D.C. United snapped its six-game winless skid following a 2-1 win over New York City FC Friday.
The hosts fell behind early after Frank Lampard gave NYCFC the lead within one minute. However, in typical D.C. fashion, the Black and Red mounted a comeback thanks to goals from Alvaro Saborio and Fabian Espindola.
The win propelled United into second place in the East, although Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact can pass D.C. with their games in hand. That is why United only moves up to 10th.
9. New England Revolution (Previous: 4)
12 of 20
The New England Revolution fell 3-1 to the Chicago Fire Saturday, which was easily the shock result of the weekend.
The Revolution are now winless in their last three games. They've only played once at home, but two of those matches were against nonplayoff teams.
This run of form is worrying for New England, but once the postseason begins, this may be forgotten. For now, the Revs have to pay for these costly defeats after several playoff teams were victorious.
8. Toronto FC (Previous: 10)
13 of 20
Toronto FC is currently riding a three-game winning streak after defeating the Philadelphia Union 3-1 at home.
TFC previously faced the Chicago Fire and Colorado Rapids during this stretch. Toronto met expectations by winning all three of these games. Despite this streak, there are still lingering issues.
The match against Chicago showed how poor the collective and individual defending is within the team. It improved versus Philadelphia, but TFC's final three games will be the real litmus test.
Games against the New York Red Bulls, Columbus Crew and Montreal Impact will dictate how legitimate this Toronto side is in the playoffs.
The Reds are now in a position to claim a home game in the postseason after three straight victories. They also move up to No. 8 thanks to their run of form.
7. Seattle Sounders (Previous: 7)
14 of 20
The Seattle Sounders needed a late goal from Chad Barrett to salvage a 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy Sunday. However, this was a convincing performance by the Sounders against the champions.
LA had a full-strength lineup, while Seattle didn't have either of its two starting center backs. However, the Sounders still managed to outshoot the Galaxy. If it wasn't for wasteful finishing and goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, the hosts would have won.
The Sounders are unbeaten in six straight games, but have also played more games than both Sporting Kansas City and the Vancouver Whitecaps. With SKC picking up a win and Vancouver earning a road point, Seattle stays at No. 7 this week.
6. Sporting Kansas City (Previous: 9)
15 of 20
Sporting Kansas City nicked a 1-0 win over the Portland Timbers Saturday night. This was just days after Sporting claimed the U.S. Open Cup across the country in Philadelphia.
Krisztian Nemeth's incredible goal separated the two teams, but it was a thoroughly deserved victory. SKC conceded possession, absorbed the pressure from Portland and countered when the opportunity presented itself.
This win moves SKC above the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference, and the club also has a game in hand. For these reasons, Sporting is promoted to No. 6 above Seattle.
5. Vancouver Whitecaps (Previous: 6)
16 of 20
The Vancouver Whitecaps earned a valuable point after a 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes Saturday night.
The Whitecaps were very solid in this match. It was a grievous error from David Ousted which allowed the Earthquakes to score. Apart from the gaffe, Vancouver was creating chances and kept San Jose's attack at bay.
Vancouver's lack of a clinical goalscorer is a worry, especially with the playoffs looming. However, if the Whitecaps replicate this performance, it might not be an issue.
The Whitecaps are now winless in four straight games, but are still two points away from the top seed in the Western Conference. The result allows them to move back into the top five this week.
4. Columbus Crew (Previous: 2)
17 of 20
The Columbus Crew suffered a second straight defeat Saturday, this time to the New York Red Bulls. The 2-1 loss now leaves the Crew in fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
Two giveaways by Harrison Afful and Steve Clark gifted the Red Bulls with both of their goals. Columbus was leading 1-0 before New York stormed back to win the game.
The Crew have now conceded a whopping 53 goals, the joint second-highest amount in MLS. Even if those turnovers didn't cost Columbus, it's difficult to determine if it would have held onto a one-goal lead.
This is a big problem for the Crew entering the postseason. It also demotes them to No. 4 in the power rankings this week.
3. LA Galaxy (Previous: 1)
18 of 20
The LA Galaxy conceded a late equalizer and settled for a 1-1 draw with the Seattle Sounders Sunday.
LA is the third-worst away team in MLS at 2-8-3. Only the Chicago Fire (0-11-5) and the Houston Dynamo (2-9-5) have poorer records.
This point was crucial. Not only did the Galaxy earn a result in Seattle, they performed decently well. Granted, the Sounders had a barrage of chances that they couldn't convert.
However, with FC Dallas and the New York Red Bulls earning wins, the Galaxy slip to third in the power rankings.
2. FC Dallas (Previous: 5)
19 of 20
FC Dallas crushed the Houston Dynamo 4-1 in Sunday's Texas derby. The win bolstered Dallas' chances of winning the Supporters' Shield and the top seed in the Western Conference.
David Teixeira's highlight-reel goals were just a couple of the standout moments. Fabian Castillo was instrumental, recording an assist and winning the penalty in the victory. The defense also held Houston to just five shots.
Dallas is still in the hunt for the Supporters' Shield. However, with the New York Red Bulls' win over the Columbus Crew, the Hoops' rise is halted at No. 2.
1. New York Red Bulls (Previous: 3)
20 of 20
The New York Red Bulls defeated the Columbus Crew 2-1 at home in what was a near-perfect performance.
The Red Bulls' pressing forced the Crew to commit turnovers, and New York made them pay. The Crew couldn't handle these tactics.
New York and Dallas are two of the favorites to win the Supporters' Shield. However, due to the Red Bulls' higher standing and quality win, they have moved back on top.
