MLS Week 3 Power Rankings

1. Red Bull New York (2-1-0)
Most telling statistic: 0 goals allowed. They've already showcased their high-scoring potential, but the theme of their season will be their defensive staunchness. The only thing to worry about is whether Mathis can consistently play well and keep his head in the game. (But with Juan Pablo Angel coming, is that even be a problem.) A very scary team at the moment, look for the MLS hype machine to start pumping 17-year-old Jozy Altidore as the next great American hope.

2. Chicago Fire (2-1-0)
They'll be tough to beat at home all year, as long as attendance figures stop declining. Justin Mapp is placing himself amongst the league's elite and if Barrett can continue his scoring streak, the Fire can certainly give RBNY a battle for East supremacy throughout the season. Adding Blanco mid-season is only icing on the cake for this team.

3. FC Dallas (2-1-1)
The slight aberration against RBNY aside, Dallas is slowly becoming the league's top offensive powerhouse. Nunez just went off for two goals, and combined with the potent attack of Ruiz and Cooper, the Hoops should have no problem racking up the goals. Defensive woes, specifically at GK (I'm looking at you Hislop) need to be corrected, but once Sala comes back, Dallas should be more than set to make a title run.

4. Colorado Rapids (1-1-1)
They've had a fairly difficult schedule in spite of their two home games to start the season but the Rapids have improved tremendously over last year's squad. Herculez Gomez seems to have regained his touch and if Beckerman can start complementing his consistency with some goals, the Rapids will be in the top half of the standings throughout the year.

5. New England Revolution (1-1-1)
The Crew tie certainly hurts them a bit in these rankings, but I can see New England giving the Bulls some serious competition this season. Twellman is a legitimate top-five forward and I truly believe the Revs have one of the best mid-fields in the league (Of course, that's only if Shalrie stays in New England). Still, there's something about this team that's a bit off-putting as they don't come off to me as a top-title contender. But with their consistency, its difficult to write them off. Of course, the season's early so we'll see how things shape up but so far coach Nicol should be pleased.

6. Houston Dynamo (1-1-1)
People see this team as one of the elites, but all I see is a very over-hyped, overrated squad. They've scored exactly 1 goal in three games, and with two of the league's "premier" attackers in DeRosario and Ching, that's an absolutely pitiful scoring tally. They tied a poor Galaxy team and while they only lost by 1 to the Red Bulls, they showed no semblance of the team that took the MLS Cup last year and gave Pachuca a helluva two-game series in the CCC. Maybe they just haven't gelled yet. They better hope that's the reason.....

7. Chivas USA (2-0-1)
Yes, they are for real. Sure it was Real Salt Lake, but that 4-0 beating highlighted the stylistic, flare-oriented type of play that Preki is instilling in this team. They have an absolute beast guarding the goal and their young squad is already showing flashes of brilliance. I personally love Cuban refugee Maykel Galindo and I think he's going to be a top-10 scorer in this league. Their 'star' player Guevara needs to assert himself more, but other than that, Chivas has definitely removed any negative connotations still lingering from that awful inaugural season.

8. Kansas City Wizards (1-0-1)
Their rampage through D.C.'s defense caused shockwaves around MLS, and although they've come down a bit after their loss to the fire, the Wiz remain a potentially scary dark horse in the east. I'm still not convinced on EJ suddenly become a world-beater and I don't think KC has quite the roster to do any serious damage come playoff time but small improvements (And the acquisition of Argentine midfielder Marinelli) will certainly keep them fighting for a wild-card spot.

9. D.C. United (0-0-2)
How the mighty have fallen. Obviously, I'm not going to pull the rug under them as so many others have already, but something needs to be done IMMEDIATELY regarding that defense. I'm probably a bit biased, but I still think DCU have the best offense in the league and I'm confident they'll return to a sense of offensive normalcy. I expect them to shore up that defense soon, either through formation changes or mid-season replacements. However, DCU will be in it at the end of the season and should still be considered one of the top title contenders. But any thoughts of dominance should be squashed right this instant, no one is a home-run favorite in this league and DCU will have to improve considerably if they hope to take home any trophies. The tide of parity raises all boats?

10. Columbus Crew (0-3-0)
Well at least they finally scored. The youth of this team is holding them back presently (Mentally at least), but they'll be responsible for much of the team's successes later on in the year. It will be difficult for the Crew to reach the playoffs this year but they're going to be a competitive bunch throughout the year, even if their propensity for draws carries out through the season. Potential is the name of the game here.

11. Los Angeles Galaxy (0-1-1)
Beckham can't come soon enough. On paper, their roster looks top notch but somehow that's not translating to on-the-field success. I'm sure Donovan will come alive and tear things up as usual, but someone else needs to pick up the slack as well (Ahem, calling Nate Jaqua). Seriously though, if Jaqua doesn't score at least 10 goals this year, especially with Beckham coming to town, the kid should be banned from MLS. Or at least temporarily suspended until he learns to use his 6'3 frame to actually win some balls in the air.

12. Real Salt Lake (0-2-1)
I'm going to be harsh here. This team is pathetic. Their situation is pathetic. And quite frankly, I think I've listed them too high in these rankings. I'm not even sure if Real Salt Lake, in this current iteration, will be around the league in 3-4 years. They are a prime contender for relocation and I don't blame city officials for having a lack of confidence. BTW, has anyone told Freddy Adu that the season started a couple of weeks ago? If he's still harboring notions of playing for Manchester United, someone needs to break the news to him soon.....you're just not good enough kid.

13. Toronto FC (0-0-2)
They have great fans....And um, a pretty stadium to stare at. To be honest, this team is an exact replication of their head coach. Feisty and competitive, but just not completely competent. I can see Toronto stealing a few games here and there, but they re surely won't resemble '98-era Fire. They won't resemble 1st year Chivas either though, so that has to be a plus. Wynne will help but Buddle and Eskandarian need to find their scoring touch or this team will have a tough time scoring goals all year.