With the return of Major League Soccer now less than a week away, we’ve returned with this season’s first edition of the MLS Power Rankings.
Sleek and slimmed down for easy replication each Monday throughout the season.
It’s an exciting time to be a MLS fan, when seemingly every team (except L.A.) has a chance at a great season. Please feel free to post your own rankings this week and any week as the season progresses and check back here every Monday morning for the updated list.
MLS Power Rankings
1. Houston – Hard to not put the two-time defending MLS Cup champions in the top spot.
2. DC United – Offense looked explosive in second half of home win over Harbour City.
3. Chivas USA – Keeping Brad Guzan (if only for half the season) makes them a top side to start the season.
4. New York Red Bulls – How important is getting a good manager? Ask Chicago about their finish last season. Juan Carlos Osorio should make New York fans very happy.
5. New England – Did well to keep Taylor Twellman, even if he feels cheated by the system that kept him from going to Preston North End.
6. Chicago – Time to see what Blanco can do over a full season in the Windy City.
7. Kansas City – Can Claudio Lopez and Ivan Trujillo make up for the loss of Eddie Johnson?
8. FC Dallas – Second half decline last season may have been a sign of what was to come.
9. Colorado – At least Rapids fans have a great stadium to watch their club play in.
10. Real Salt Lake – Jason Kreis inherited a poor team – and made them formidable. Let’s see what he can do with a full season to work with
11. Columbus – Another strong finish to a season has Crew fans hoping this is the year they turn it around.
12. Los Angeles – I’m not a believer yet, especially with the clubs above the Galaxy getting better.
13. Toronto FC – The best fans in MLS last season outside of D.C. deserve better, they’ll get it eventually.
14. San Jose – Not your typical expansion team? Quakes won Carolina Challenge Cup in impressive fashion.