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FC Dallas produced a solid display in their 3-1 win over Colorado Rapids last week. Now the Hoops travel to California to take on a San Jose Earthquakes team that hasn't lost in four games. One of those games being a 5-1 thrashing of Chicago.
Are these rankings right about FCD? Where do you think the Hoops belong? Which team surprised you?
Rank: 4 (Last week: 5)
Comment: They're now unbeaten in eight, and in Fabian Castillo have one of the most terrifying attackers in the league. You've got to run a second man at him or he's going to create a chance.
Rank: 8 (Last week: 10)
Comment: At first glance, this isn't a team that scares you, but FCD is still getting the job done with Matt Hedges and Fabian Castillo continuing to impress in a 3-1 win over Colorado. A U.S. Open Cup semi and an away date at San Jose should test this team's depth.
Rank: 9 (Last week: 10)
Comment: Up 2-0 at halftime and fighting against Colorado momentum after the restart, Matt Hedges cleared a shot off the line through the run of play. A couple minutes later, Fabian Castillo scored to make it 3-0 and effectively close out the game with his well-timed strike at Clint Irwin’s near post.
Rank: 5 (Last week: 6)
Comment: A solid case can be made that this group is the hottest team - eight-game unbeaten streak, including five wins - in MLS right now.
Rank: 4 (Last week: 5)
Comment: Michel played a role in all three goals of a 3-1 defeat of Colorado that ran FCD’s unbeaten streak to eight games. Matt Hedges opened the scoring in the ninth minute from a scramble caused by a Michel cross, and two minutes later he put away a penalty kick to double the lead. The final goal resulted from a Michel cross that reached Fabian Castillo at the back post. Hedges also rescued his team with a goal-line clearance and seems completely comfortable as the replacement for George John, who has been sidelined by knee problems all season and underwent surgery last week.