Men's Major League Soccer: Pre-Season Rankings

With the labor situation all squared away, we are all set for another season of Major League soccer.

The 2010 season kicks off on Thursday with a game between the Seattle Sounders and the expansion team Philadelphia Union.

Pre-season rankings don’t mean a lot at this point in the season, but they give an early indication of who are expected to be the best teams this season. So, without further ado, here is my Week One MLS Power Rankings:

1. Columbus Crew: Two straight Supporters Shields, so I think they are No. 1 right now.

2. LA Galaxy: I can’t believe I have them here either. But, I think Arena will earn it.

3. Seattle Sounders: I like their chances of hoisting even more hardware in 2010.

4. Houston Dynamo: Sure, they lost a ton of talent, but this team is always tough.

5. Chicago Fire: They still have amazing depth, but do they have the desire?

6. Real Salt Lake: Will they defend their title? My magic eight ball says “no way.”

7. Toronto FC: The Reds are poised to push into the postseason with Preki.

8. FC Dallas: Can they continue last year’s streak of domination? I have no idea.

9. Colorado Rapids: This team has the players, but I think they lack the coach.

10. New England Revolution: I love Nicol, but I don’t think this team has the talent.

11. DC United: A new coach, sure, but he is already bringing in busts from KC.

12. Chivas USA: The Goats without Preki will be one llama short of a petting zoo.

13. Kansas City Wizards: I can’t help but think they will be less than mediocre in 2010.

14. New York Red Bulls: Hard not to put them lower based on last year’s debacle.

15. San Jose Earthquakes: They needed to improve, and I —for one —didn’t see it happen.

16. Philadelphia Union: Everybody starts down here, Philly fans. Not everyone stays.

What do you think of the rankings? Who is too high or too low?