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: PHI +5; SJ -6
1
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
Atlanta remain atop the perch again this week. While the scorelines have been lopsided, the actual run of play has been fairly close in most games, including against Montreal at the weekend, but perhaps "Tata" Martino's men are getting into gear for when the games are truly tight.
Previous: Won 4-1 vs. MTL | Next: at CHI on 5/5
2
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 2
NYCFC bounced back from their first loss of the season with a routine win over FC Dallas. David Villa getting back into form should leave opposing defenses nervous, especially the Red Bulls ahead of the first NY Derby of the season.
Previous: Won 3-1 vs. DAL | Next: at RBNY on 5/5
3
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 17
LAFC's win over Seattle, their second in seven games over the Western Conference champions, was gritty and a bit lucky. But it's hard to argue with five wins in seven games to start their existence. And they've unlocked Laurent Ciman as an attacking threat, which is one of the surprises of the season.
Previous: Won 1-0 vs. SEA | Next: vs. DAL on 5/5
4
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 7
Bradley Wright-Phillips and Kaku outdueled the Galaxy's attacking stars to a good road win. Can the Red Bulls establish a leg up on their local rivals in the marquee matchup next week? A result over NYCFC will be a statement win beyond the rivalry.
Previous: Won 3-2 at LA | Next: vs. NYC on 5/5
5
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 15
Tough week for Sporting, who lost in New England on a controversial goal. Gillette Stadium is always a tough road trip, but the return of Felipe Gutierrez from injury should give SKC a boost in those kind of games.
Previous: Lost 1-0 at NE | Next: vs. COL on 5/5
6
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 19
Orlando City extend their league-best winning streak with a comeback effort against the Rapids. Now that they're starting to get contributions from all over the field, the Lions could be set to post up near the top of the Eastern Conference standings for the long haul.
Previous: Won 2-1 at COL | Next: vs. RSL on 5/6
7
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 18
And then there were no undefeated teams in MLS, after Dallas lost to NYCFC. On the bright side, Santiago Mosquera opened his MLS account. Dallas will get the chance to play spoiler to LAFC in the expansion team's second home game.
Previous: Lost 3-1 at NYC | Next: at LAFC on 5/5
8
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 8
The deepest team in MLS history is being stretched in a major way on the backline. But while Michael Bradley's stint at center back has been seen as a huge shift, realistically the guy has been putting in 10-minute shifts as a sweeper for club and country for years.
Previous: Tied 2-2 vs. CHI | Next: vs. PHI on 5/4
9
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 9 | LOW: 22
The Revs are connecting their home-field advantage with a quality gameplan these days, and it's working. Don't be surprised if they end up with one of the best home records in the league this year (like last year) if this form holds.
Previous: Won 1-0 vs. SKC | Next: at MTL on 5/5
10
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 11
It was an effort, but Crew SC snapped their losing streak by beating a reeling Quakes side. Mike Grella may or may not get a lot of playing time this season, but scoring the game-winner should get his foot in the door for Gregg Berhalter's rotation.
Previous: Won 2-1 vs. SJ | Next: at SEA on 5/5
11
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 12
Should the Galaxy feel frustrated by the calls in their loss against the Red Bulls? Yes, even one of them would have changed the result. But amid the talk about their struggles, the fact that they continue to struggle to make StubHub Center a fortress is certainly concerning.
Previous: Lost 3-2 vs. RBNY | Next: at HOU on 5/5
12
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 5 | LOW: 18
The Timbers had the league's bye this week and used the time to continue to connect as a group. The upcoming game against the Earthquakes, even on the road, should be earmarked as an outstanding opportunity for three vital points against another team with a new head coach, trying to figure things out.
Previous: Idle | Next: at SJ on 5/5
13
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 15
More of the same for the Dynamo, who peppered the goal but couldn't score enough to get a win. It's still early in the season, but the finishing woes for Alberth Elis et al. is a massive concern at this point.
Previous: Lost 2-1 at MIN | Next: vs. LA on 5/5
14
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 15
Remarkably, the Whitecaps sit in third place in the West despite their wildly inconsistent form. The story right now is that Alphonso Davies can change games -- the 17-year-old is probably not ready to take the keys of the Vancouver attack every week but the good moments are primarily running through him.
Previous: Won 2-0 vs. RSL | Next: at MIN on 5/5
15
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 21
The Sounders played better in this meeting against LAFC, but the result was the same. The clock is ticking on the Primary Transfer Window, and Brian Schmetzer may have to go with the group he's got until the summer instead of looking for an outsider to boost the team.
Previous: Lost 1-0 at LAFC | Next: vs. CLB on 5/5
16
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 23
The Fire post a draw that feels like a win, and capping off their most successful road swing in almost four years is an accomplishment of sorts. But they get the buzzsaw that is Atlanta United next, so we'll see if they can hold the titans at bay.
Previous: Tied 2-2 at TOR | Next: vs. ATL on 5/5
17
LAST WEEK: 22
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 22
In the "Both teams desperately need a win here!" clash, the Union come back to beat D.C. United. It's just one game, against the team with the toughest schedule this season, but there's green shoots for a Philly attack that needs more goals.
Previous: Won 3-2 vs. DC | Next: at TOR on 5/4
18
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 21
RSL's woes continue, as they outplayed Vancouver at BC Place but couldn't get a goal and lost the game. For all the promise on the roster, it's starting to feel like the team is still missing an impact player or two.
Previous: Lost 2-0 at VAN | Next: at ORL on 5/6
19
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 17 | LOW: 23
We've been talking up the Rapids' rebuild weekly, but even with the decent play, the results haven't been there. There might be potential for Anthony Hudson's crew, but aside from Dominique Badji, few players are offering consistent quality right now.
Previous: Lost 2-1 vs. ORL | Next: at SKC on 5/5
20
LAST WEEK: 21
HIGH: 15 | LOW: 23
The Loons picked up a win on a nifty backheel redirect from Ibson, snapping their four-game losing streak. They'll face the Whitecaps next, and while Vancouver have been a deccent road team, Adrian Heath has to figure this is a great chance for another winning streak this season.
Previous: Won 2-1 vs. HOU | Next: vs. VAN on 5/5
21
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 21
Were the wins over Toronto and Seattle a mirage? The Impact will keep the points, but a four-game losing skid and shipping goals means Remi Garde's group may have more bad days ahead of them.
Previous: Lost 4-1 at ATL | Next: vs. NE on 5/5
22
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 22
The Earthquakes are winless in six, their only win of the season coming on opening day. They've had a rough schedule so far, but San Jose look to be sinking to the bottom already, can they find any traction?
Previous: Lost 2-1 at CLB | Next: vs. POR on 5/5
23
LAST WEEK: 23
HIGH: 18 | LOW: 23
D.C.'s loss to Philadelphia was a gut punch since that was the closest road game and it came against a team that has been struggling even more than them. But they couldn't close the deal for a result and remain a team in major trouble -- and it's only May Day.
Previous: Lost 3-2 at PHI | Next: at RSL on 5/12
