"I'm coming for you. Hide your nets, hide your defenders."
Week 3 in MLS brought a few surprises. How do the power rankings deal with them?
A quick note: I do not like to number teams and so I won't do it. While these weekly features are subjective, numbering teams is a slippery slope. Due to that the teams are placed in certain categories, with no numerical order within those categories. On we go!
The Cream of the Crop
During their loss to Chivas they still looked dangerous on the attack. If not for some spectacular misses, Salt Lake would have at least tied. I'm not too worried about their form based on one early season loss.
It wasn't the prettiest win against DC, but a win is a win. Picking up points from lesser teams is the sign of a champion. They also carry the knowledge that they will not be losing Donovan during the Olympics.
It took an own goal and a penalty kick to really pull away from Houston, but the result was never really in doubt. Gspurning has looked solid filling in for Keller as well.
Almost Elite
Losing to Kansas City sucked, but not many had them winning what with FCD's injury issues. Points against DC this week are crucial however. Not many opportunities to feed on the east and those chances must be taken advantage of.
A boring draw makes for a boring entry on Vancouver. Le Toux will get to stick it to Nowak this week, which I'm sure he's itching to do.
I know, I know: Kansas City #1 or #2 on most rankings, but again they have yet to beat a good team on full strength. I don't really see Sporting holding their own against the big 3 so until that happens they remain here. They have some serious skill on on offense, but their awful fouling is a result of poor defending that results in desperation tackles.
The MLS Middle Class
Much like Dallas, not much was expected of Colorado after losing Larentowicz and Mastroeni. However, that does not excuse the fact that they got pummeled like that, even in New York.
Houston Dynamo (DEMOTED)
The Dynamo never really threatened Seattle save for one or two times. The Sounders shut down the tepid Houston attack and this will spark new concerns about their goal-scoring abilities.
The Crew knocked off a reeling Montreal side to get their season's firs twin and barring New York, Columbus has a schedule that favors them picking up points against Toronto and Philly.
Dominic Oduro looked good. He looked good last season. Will he finally put it all together and make a run at the golden boot? It has only been two goals, but with proper service and against the weak defense in the east it is worth entertaining the notion.
Keeping the above in mind I don't see Wondo in the running for the boot either. The Quakes have really made good use of our beloved Marvin Chavez and it will be sad to see FCD play against him. Scary too.
Losing to the Revs by one goal and not being to score in the remaining 90 is just embarrassing. Alhassan was nowhere to be seen and neither were Chara, Perlaza or Boyd.
New York Red Bulls (PROMOTED)
Now THAT is what the Red Bulls are supposed to look like. Four goals a game is an insane pace, but three a game with Cooper and Henry paired up and Marquez holding the midfield is not unthinkable. Having the Mexican skipper and Kenny Cooper in the field at the same time made a huge difference in their possession in the final third.
Struggling
I think we can all hope that Dwayne De Rosario will not get into a rhythm before we see him on Friday. He sure hasn't been himself, bordering on being almost invisible at times in the midfield for DC.
Toronto losing Frings had as big an impact as we thought it would. 3-0 hurts, but how will they handle a potent Santos Laguna without their midfield general? It'll be bloody I predict, though for MLS' sake I wish them the best.
Okay Montreal, you're getting one more week to prove your stuff. Soon Justin Braun will have to start producing to live up to the hype.
New England Revolution (PROMOTED)
The win against a good Timbers side will have the Revs believing in themselves a bit more. Shalrie Joseph is, and continues to be, an absolute beast in the midfield, though this game he played as a converted centerback.
Chivas USA (PROMOTED)
Good for Chivas! Having been the underdog many times, it really feels nice sticking it to the critics on the opposing team's pitch. Excellent defending and even better goalkeeping have made their early-season struggles temporarily gone.
Dishonorable Mention
Philadelphia Union
My gosh, Philly just keeps losing. Perhaps this will prompt Nowak to start Roger Torres? If Backe can figure it out, surely Nowak can. I don't feel good about their chances against Vancouver though.
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