Week 7 MLS Power Rankings

There are a number of changes in this week's power rankings. Dallas and DC United are the big gainers, with the Galaxy and the Dynamo suffering a big drop in their position. An interesting power struggle is shaping up in the top of the East as the Revs and the Red Bulls are locked in a serious battle for first place. Too bad their first encounter isn't until July 14th. Here's how the league picture at the moment:

1. New England Revolution (LW: 1 / 5-1-2)
It's a tough call between the Revs and the Red Bulls but you can't fault New England for going about its business and taking the victory against a reeling Houston team (even if it wasn't a flashy win). They showcased their defensive muscle this week in shutting out the Dynamo. Simply put, they're a very complete team at the moment.

2. Red Bull New York (LW: 2 / 4-1-2)
Now that's what you call a good rate of return on your investment. In his first game of the season, Juan Pablo Angel emphatically declared his presence by notching one goal and two assists in a romp over Columbus (He's also the league's player of the week). However, this type of performance should be expected from a DP. The scintillating form of rookie Dane Richards and enigmatic forward Clint Mathis is the true surprise of the season. New York has the depth that many MLS teams could only dream of having.

3. FC Dallas (LW: 8 / 5-3-1)
A stretch of three straight 2-1 victories will do wonders for you confidence. Although outplayed for most of the game against Chicago they still managed to snatch all three points (And on the road no less) and are finally starting to heat up that attack. It's glaringly obvious how much Dario Sala and his veteran leadership means to that defense. With Sala back in net and the offense scoring goals without the help of Ruiz, it should come as no surprise that Dallas is on top of the western conference.

4. Kansas City Wizards (LW: 5 / 4-2-1)
After starting the MLS campaign on a blazing start, the Wiz have finally cooled off a bit. Having gone winless in the last two weeks, Kansas City needs Marinelli back to 100% in order to keep pace with New England and New York. A big game looms with the Revolution this week; it's gut check time for Kansas City, another loss may send them back to the middle of the table.

5. Colorado Rapids (LW: 6 / 3-2-3)
They'll have to do better at home and not settle for the tie as the weeks move forward but they're still in 2nd place out west. The Galaxy come to town this week and anything less than a win should be cause for concern in Colorado. They have yet to win a game since the home opener in April.

6. DC United (LW: 9 / 2-3-1)
A much needed bye week for DC allowed the team to work off any of the fatigue built up from their participating in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. They managed to take the three points in what's become a very difficult place to win. Jaime Moreno is once again leading the team in goals (Albeit from the penalty spot), but Soehn should start the transition process of making Moreno a super sub and grant more playing time to Kpene. As a team they seem back on track but Emilio has been relatively quiet on the scoreboard. Look for that to change this week against Houston.

7. Houston Dynamo (LW: 3 / 2-4-1)
Remove the 3-1 victory over the Rapids two weeks ago and Houston is staring at a 4-game losing streak (All 1-0 defeats). They've scored only 4 goals this season (And have been shut out in all their losses and ties) and have seemingly lost the ability to mount any consistent offensive attack. You can't really place all the blame on the CCC anymore; this team is simply lacking in firepower. There have been rumors this week over a possible DP coming to Houston. They may need one desperately if things continue to spiral downward.

8. Chicago Fire (LW: 7 / 3-3-1)
The Fire must be feeling the heat at the moment (No pun intended). A 3 game losing streak and a road trip to New York threaten to derail their season before Blanco even has a chance to make a mark on the team. After seeing Blanco help Club America reach the Mexican Clausura Finals, one can only wonder how different this team would be with him. I don't expect them to beat New York this week but they can turn things around against RSL, Columbus, Chivas (Their next three opponents) if Rolfe can get healthy again.

9. Los Angeles Galaxy (LW: 4 / 1-2-2)
Why does Nate Jaqua continue to get starts on this team? Easily one of the most overrated players in the league, he's played 384 minutes and has failed to score a goal or provide an assist. Findley has played nearly half the minutes of Jaqua and has just as many shots on goal. Donovan is the only thing keeping this team afloat. Similar to Chicago, this team can't wait soon enough to bring in their vaunted DP.

10. Toronto FC (LW: 12 / 2-5-0)
A tough break against DC United cost this team a chance to build a 3 game home winning streak. The Canucks' home field advantage should be nothing to scoff at. They'll be difficult to beat at home all year and that could help them push for a last playoff spot but they'll have to play markedly better football on the road to have a chance.

11. Chivas USA (LW: 11 / 2-3-2)
Two straight ties have this team stalled in the neutral position and their schedule in the next few weeks doesn't do them any favors either. I see a lot of potential on the roster (And Galindo has been a pleasant surprise) but ultimately this team just isn't ready to compete with the top of the league.

12. Columbus Crew (LW: 10 / 1-2-4)
New York is one of the top teams in this league, surely, but you still can't limp out and get slaughtered 4-0. The problem with this team is they have no one to score goals for them; opposing teams have doubled their goal output. Schelotto has been a wonder to watch but his supporting cast need to step up or Columbus could be battling with Salt Lake all season for worst team in the league.

13. Real Salt Lake (LW: 13 / 0-4-3)
On second thought scratch that - no one will be as miserable as RSL. It's the worst of times for the Royals right now and it's not going to get any better with three straight road games on the plate. Adu is arguably playing the best football out of anyone on this team but as long as Ballouchy continues to waste away in the attacking midfield role, Adu won't get an opportunity to shine. Will they be as bad as their inaugural season when they went 5-22-5? The way things are going now, they have a serious chance of replicating that dubious mark.