Only MLS league games will be reflected in the rankings. Rankings are voted on by MLSsoccer.com editorial staff and remarks were written by the editorial staff.
BIGGEST MOVERS: DC +3 spots | CHI -5 spots
1
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 8
Best in MLS in 2017? No doubt. Treble winners and best MLS team of all-time? Could be, with 70 points in sight. A little unsolicited advice for opposing supporters: It’s probably best to avoid tifo directed at Sebastian Giovinco.
Previous: Won vs. PHI, 3-0; Won at MTL, 3-1 | Next: vs. SJ on 9/9
2
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 8
The Supporters’ Shield may be slipping out of reach, but New York is blue this year and City have the inside track to a top-two seed in the East and the Knockout Round bye that comes with it.
Previous: Drew at NY, 1-1 | Next: vs. SKC on 9/6
3
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 15
We should just rework the title of the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs into “Collision Course: Rematch.”
Previous: Drew at VAN, 1-1; Drew vs. POR, 1-1 | Next: vs. LA on 9/10
4
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 9
Like Colorado last year, but with an offense that can actually make the magic happen. Anyone off their game in the playoffs vs. SKC will vacation early.
Previous: None | Next: at NYC on 9/6
5
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 17
Was Tyrone Mears’ late equalizer a season-changer? The playoff race in the East could be decided by a point, and there’s no better catalyst for a stretch run — heading into some new digs, no less.
Previous: Lost at DC, 1-0; Drew at PHI, 2-2 | Next: vs. DAL on 9/10
6
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 14
A point at home in the New York Derby is better than they've done in that series this season, and luckily for them, their next two opponents on the road are currently faltering.
Previous: Drew vs. NYC, 1-1 | Next: at DAL on 9/2
7
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 21
They haven't been getting much attention this year, but with a road win across the continent and a rotated starting XI, this team is looking like a contender in the West.
Previous: Drew vs. SEA, 1-1; Won at ORL, 2-1 | Next: vs. RSL on 9/9
8
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 19
The Western Conference standings are going to yo-yo through the end of October. Just gotta finish sixth or above.
Truthfully, soccer is secondary right now. The PR politburo’s thoughts go out to anyone and everyone affected by Hurricane Harvey. You can donate to Red Cross efforts here.
Previous: Drew at DAL, 3-3 | Next: vs. COL on 9/9
9
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 14
The Timbers are emerging from the pack out West, but can they break through and take the top spot?
Previous: Won vs. COL, 2-1; Drew at SEA, 1-1 | Next: at NYC on 9/9
10
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 21
This has to be rock bottom for a team that was once contending for the Supporters' Shield. Or is it?
Previous: Lost vs. MIN, 2-1 | Next: at MTL on 9/2
11
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 19
Surprise! Despite plenty of early-season hand-wringing, Crew SC look locked into a playoff spot, besting even Chicago right now in the Eastern standings.
Previous: Won vs. LA, 2-0; Won vs. DAL, 2-1 | Next: vs. SKC on 9/10
12
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 12
If you’re a Dallas fan who’s not nervously tugging at their collar right now, we applaud your optimism. This team has the talent to contend, but do they have the mental resilience?
Previous: Drew vs. HOU, 3-3; Lost at CLB, 2-1 | Next: vs. NY on 9/2
13
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 22
The flair that they displayed over the last week has to be exciting for a club that struggled to start the year. Will it be enough to get them above the playoff line?
Previous: Won vs. SJ, 4-0; Won vs. COL, 4-1 | Next: at VAN on 9/9
14
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 19
As Nacho Piatti goes, so do the Impact. Toronto FC put four defenders around him at all times, and Montreal struggled to create in the final third. This is a playoff team when it comes to talent, but in the stacked East being good enough doesn’t mean you’ll make it.
Previous: Lost vs. TOR, 3-1 | Next: vs. CHI on 9/2
15
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 21
Another California Clasico win has to bolster the Quakes, but with their current knife's-edge spot above the line, they'll need to keep up the momentum.
Previous: Lost at RSL, 4-0; Won at LA, 3-0 | Next: at TOR on 9/9
16
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 9 | LOW: 22
What else can you say? It’s been that kind of season for the Union, and with seven games left in their season, the dropped home points vs. Atlanta were likely the end of any realistic playoff chances.
Previous: Lost at TOR, 3-0; Drew vs. ATL, 2-2 | Next: at MIN on 9/9
17
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 22
Three straight 1-0 wins is a welcome sign for a team that has conceded the most goals in the East. It's also something they can build off of heading into 2018.
Previous: Won vs. ATL, 1-0; Won vs. NE, 1-0 | Next: vs. ORL on 9/9
18
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 19
Time to build for 2018. Orlando’s 27 goals are third-lowest in MLS. Their -12 goal differential is second-to-last in the East. This is a roster in transition, and the winter window is massive for a club still seeking its first playoff appearance. Will Kaká be back? You can start there.
Previous: Lost vs. VAN, 2-1 | Next: at NE on 9/2
19
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 20
The Revs have one of the better home records in the league. But when you’ve taken three points (all draws) from 13 road games, you’ll find yourself exactly where they are: in the bottom half of the standings.
Previous: Lost at DC, 1-0 | Next: vs. ORL on 9/2
20
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 5 | LOW: 20
Never a good look to go out like that in Cali Clasico. So much for new coach, new hope. Ugh.
Previous: Lost at CLB, 2-0; Lost vs. SJ, 3-0 | Next: vs. COL on 9/2
21
LAST WEEK: 22
HIGH: 16 | LOW: 22
Building up Abu Danladi's confidence is something Adrian Heath and Co. should be focusing on during the home stretch.
Previous: Won at CHI, 2-1 | Next: vs. PHI on 9/9
22
LAST WEEK: 21
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 22
What else is there to say about the slumping Rapids? Hopefully some new coaching magic can start a long rebuild for next year.
Previous: Lost at POR, 2-1; Lost at RSL, 4-1 | Next: at LA on 9/2
