Only MLS league games will be reflected in the rankings. Rankings are voted on by MLSsoccer.com editorial staff; words by Alicia Rodriguez.
BIGGEST MOVERS: RSL, COL +4; SEA, TOR, MTL -4
1
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 4
LAFC kick off a tricky month with a win on the other coast over the red-hot Revolution. Carlos Vela saw more double-teams than he has this season, but he also seemed to play a willing decoy at times, too. A look ahead to a potential strategy in Bob Bradley's toolbox come playoff time? Stay tuned.
Previous: 2-0 win at NE | Next: vs. RBNY on 8/11
2
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 20
The Union came in needing a big win, and that's just what they got, on the road, no less. They're one of three teams to have a .500 or better road mark in league play so far this season, and while there have been some wobbles, a few more emphatic wins would make them the lock favorites in the East.
Previous: 5-1 win at DC | Next: vs. HOU on 8/11
3
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 24
It's a sign of how much progress made by the Earthquakes that a home draw is considered disappointing. The good news is they are in a three-way tie on points in the West and have every chance of getting second place come Decision Day presented by AT&T. Up next, another clash against the up-and-down Rapids.
Previous: 1-1 draw vs. CLB | Next: at COL on 8/10
4
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 19
Atlanta United finally played like the team that took MLS by storm the last two years in their big home win over the Galaxy. Frank de Boer definitely had a tough task coming in to replace Tata Martino, but seeing the players swarm on the attack, over and over again, made the order of things in MLS just feel right.
Previous: 3-0 win vs. LA | Next: vs. NYC on 8/11
5
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 24
Tough loss for the Timbers in Minnesota, the kind that happens from time to time for any team. Gio Savarese has used the U.S. Open Cup as a way to expand his squad this season, to good effect, but will he continue the rotations ahead of the semifinal rematch against the Loons this week?
Previous: 1-0 loss at MIN | Next: vs. VAN on 8/10
6
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 21
The Red Bulls arrest the mini-slide for a week, posting a shutout against a team absolutely desperate for points in TFC. One small thing to watch: After Daniel Royer missed his first penalty for New York, will he stay on the duties, or will it be more of a PK-by-committee approach? It's traditionally been a sore spot for them.
Previous: 2-0 win vs. TOR | Next: at LAFC on 8/11
7
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 18
NYCFC lost a game, but they've got a big double-game week coming up. If they can get the win at home over the Dynamo, it sets up a fascinating match on the weekend at Atlanta, a "six-pointer" of sorts near the top of the East. If NYCFC has a full compliment of stars, this could be the week's best game.
Previous: 3-1 loss at RSL | Next: vs. HOU on 8/8; at ATL on 8/11
8
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 15
Is it just us or do Minnesota United have a bit of that "Goonies" magic? They've shown a penchant for picking up late results at home in dramatic fashion, and are now sitting in second place in the Western Conference. We said last week they thrive on rhythm, so let's see if this helps them in the Open Cup rematch vs. Portland.
Previous: 1-0 win vs. POR | Next: at DAL on 8/10
9
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 9
Rough night for the Sounders, who couldn't hold off an absolutely desperate Sporting KC side at CenturyLink Field. Even so, they're in the three-team pack near the top of the West and the recent re-emergence of Jordan Morris is fantastic news for Seattle with the season's homestretch approaching.
Previous: 3-2 loss vs. SKC | Next: vs. NE on 8/10
10
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 9 | LOW: 23
It could be some reverse psychology, but with the Revolution's 11-game unbeaten run over, they can get back to focusing on their game and improving as a group. A road trip to Seattle is a tricky test, but New England are above the playoff line and look good value to remain there on Decision Day.
Previous: 2-0 loss vs. LAFC | Next: at SEA on 8/10
11
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 20
A parallel can be drawn between RSL and NYCFC when it comes to approach: When the key players are in form, the team usually wins. RSL have struggled far more when it comes to getting the best from the top players consistently, but they're on a vein of form and helping their playoff credentials every week.
Previous: 3-1 win vs. NYC | Next: at SKC on 8/10
12
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 5 | LOW: 15
Dallas suffer to the curse of the former player, as Tesho Akindele continues his resurgence in Orlando's win. But FCD might see a break at the weekend, with a likely heavily rotated Minnesota United coming to town. Still, the question of who's going to score for Luchi Gonzalez's team persists.
Previous: 2-0 loss at ORL | Next: vs. MIN on 8/10
13
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 13
Is there such a thing as a "mid-level spoiler," a team that is comfortably a playoff team but so inconsistent they must be regarded as more of a spoiler for other teams than a legit contender? If there is, that's the Galaxy's role these days. Cristian Pavon could help, but the Galaxy are probably destined to stay like this for 2019.
Previous: 3-0 loss at ATL | Next: at DC on 8/11
14
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 13 | LOW: 24
The wildest game took place in Colorado, with the Rapids winning a nine-goal barnburner. They've got a tasty match coming up against San Jose, just a couple weeks after being absolutely thrashed at Avaya Stadium. If Conor Casey could get his side to pick up a win, it will turn some heads against the league's hipster darlings.
Previous: 6-3 win vs. MTL | Next: vs. SJ on 8/10
15
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 14 | LOW: 21
Orlando City won a big game, sandwiched between the MLS All-Star festivities and the U.S. Open Cup semifinal against Atlanta on Tuesday, and now they can aim for Cup glory against their rivals. Interesting to hear James O'Connor preach process over emotions, considering that's been an issue for the Lions.
Previous: 2-0 win vs. DAL | Next: at TOR on 8/10
16
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 16
What a difference a few days makes. D.C. went from inconsistent and in need of a spark to help Wayne Rooney to losing badly at home to the Union, to now knowing Rooney is out the door come season's end. Can they regroup to end strongly in his last playoff trip, or will the wheels fall off with the culmination of it all?
Previous: 5-1 loss vs. PHI | Next: vs. LA on 8/11
17
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 21
Huge win for Sporting in Seattle, who remain within the chasing pack for the playoffs. Felipe Gutierrez has been a bright spot — he started his MLS tenure so well, but after being sidelined by an injury he's gone under the radar since. If the Chilean keeps scoring, Sporting will have a chance in every game.
Previous: 3-2 win at SEA | Next: vs. RSL on 8/10
18
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 21
TFC are nearing a tipping point. They have a great chance for three points at home against a likely rotated Orlando side coming up, but there's ground to make up and there seems to be a collective malaise. Can they snap out of it, or will they end up below the playoff line for good again this season.
Previous: 2-0 loss at RBNY | Next: vs. ORL on 8/10
19
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 24
Another good result for the Crew, who are likely still out of the playoff chase but within the peloton of chasers in the East. New addition Luis Diaz is drawing plaudits and for a team screaming out for attacking game-changers, he is putting up numbers.
Previous: 1-1 draw at SJ | Next: vs. CIN on 8/10
20
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 20
More of the same for the Impact, who follow up a 4-0 win with a 6-3 loss. They do have a chance to solidify their playoff bonafides, with a road game against the Fire on Saturday. If the Galaxy are "mid-level spoilers," maybe Montreal are the peak of that category.
Previous: 6-3 loss at COL | Next: at CHI on 8/10
21
LAST WEEK: 23
HIGH: 13 | LOW: 24
The Fire spring a surprise win, beating out the Dynamo in Houston on a single goal. Wins have been hard to come by, but if they can get another one in quick succession, against the unpredictable Impact, they could make a late push to get above the playoff line. Could it happen?
Previous: 1-0 win at HOU | Next: vs. MTL on 8/10
22
LAST WEEK: 22
HIGH: 14 | LOW: 23
The Whitecaps' win over FC Cincy in Ohio highlighted the considerable experience edge Vancouver held in that match in MLS terms. This team is clearly playing for pride and jobs next year, but if they can grab a Cascadia Cup win over a Timbers side on short rest, they could have a real signature win on the slate.
Previous: 2-1 win at CIN | Next: at POR on 8/10
23
LAST WEEK: 21
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 23
The Dynamo are only three points out of a playoff spot, so it's too soon to give up on them completely, especially with two games this week. But there feels like a real malaise around this side, and it's unclear if there's a quick fix to get the current group back on track.
Previous: 1-0 loss vs. CHI | Next: at NYC on 8/8; at PHI on 8/11
24
LAST WEEK: 24
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 24
Ron Jans is here, and the next era for FC Cincinnati can begin. The goals appear to be modest for now -- build some sustainable progress, likely go for a playoff berth next year -- but it's a good start, and they aren't the first MLS expansion side to go through this process.
Previous: 2-1 loss vs. VAN | Next: at CLB on 8/10
