MLS Power Rankings: Week 8

MLS POWER RANKINGS (05/20):

1. Columbus Crew [last week 1]: Though the win streak was snapped, CMB still escaped from BMO Field with a point. Not many teams can claim that this year.
2. Chicago Fire [last week 2]: Not what you expect from the Fire @ home. HOU frustrated the offense, and the defense can’t cede late goals like Boswell’s.
3. Colorado Rapids [last week 4]: The Rapids played their trademark shutdown D at the Dick, and it paid off as they were boosted to the top spot in the West.
4. New York Red Bulls [last week 3]: NYRB out-willed KC, which is really saying something. Angel & Altidore both contributed in a truly tough draw.
5. New England Revolution [last week 8]: All Hail Steve Ralston! This team is so much better when the straw that stirs the drink is actually in the drink.
6. Toronto FC [last week 7]: Nobody has been able to hang with the Crew, but TFC pulled it off. Hats off to Big Mo, whose acquisition of Guevara was genius.
7. Kansas City [last week 6]: KC played well, but looked a bit tired down the stretch. How that happens after an off week is anyone’s guess, but it shouldn’t.
8. Los Angeles Galaxy [last week 9]: The most explosive offense in the league dominated the usually stingy Burn defense. Donovan couldn’t play better.
9. Houston Dynamo [last week 13]: Holy turn of events, Batman! HOU is suddenly looking like, well, HOU. Nice to see De Rosario actually look like he cares.
10. FC Dallas [last week 5]: Ouch. I just can’t decide what was the worst part. Giving up 3 goals to Buddle? Davino’s own goal? Serioux’s ejection?
11. Chivas USA [last week 12]: Kljestan is carrying the Goats on his back. In a 10 minute period in the second half, his mercurial play secured the win.
12. Real Salt Lake [last week 11]: Pretty hard fought loss by RSL, who let a draw slip away late. It’s not surprising they couldn’t beat COL @ the Dick.
13. DC United [last week 10]: Oh how the mighty have fallen. DCU should just forfeit their away games if this is how they’ll play. They could save alot of $ on fuel.
14. San Jose Earthquakes [last week 14]: Shut out. Again. Well, James Riley actually scored a goal. But unfortunately it was for his old team. It’s a start though.

 Player of the Week: Well, that Buddle fellow scored three goals, so I am sure every analyst and their brother will give him the weekly hardware. But I am going to go with Kljestan. I think he is one of the best mids in the league right now, if not the best. In the near future, I imagine he will be a solid starter on the MNT as well.