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: CHI, MTL +4; TOR -3
1
LAST WEEK: 2
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
Atlanta are back atop the Power Rankings with a "don't call it a rivalry" blowout win over Orlando City. With a two-game week on the road ahead, is this a moment where Tata Martino starts rotating his lineup in order to be fresh for the business end of the season?
Previous: Won 4-0 vs. ORL | Next: at DAL on 7/4; at PHI on 7/7
2
LAST WEEK: 3
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 7
The Red Bulls had some luck and some skill, but even with Toronto struggling, a win in Ontario is still impressive. What's especially interesting is defender Kemar Lawrence scoring in back-to-back games. Maybe he'll add a free kick goal to his account next?
Previous: Won 1-0 at TOR | Next: at NYC on 7/8
3
LAST WEEK: 1
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 15
Sporting's tenure atop the Power Rankings comes to an end after one week, following a road loss to the Impact. But with games this week against RSL and Toronto, they'll get good opportunities to bounce back in short order.
Previous: Lost 2-0 at MTL | Next: at RSL on 7/4; vs. TOR on 7/7
4
LAST WEEK: 5
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 18
Ten games unbeaten in league play is pretty, pretty good, as was picking up the first-ever MLS win over the Sounders in Seattle. The Timbers have a game or two in hand on the teams above them in the standings, and could put major pressure on them if they keep on getting results.
Previous: Won 3-2 at SEA | Next: vs. SJ on 7/7
5
LAST WEEK: 6
HIGH: 3 | LOW: 17
At this stage, the question for LAFC has gone from "Can they be competitive in year one?" to "Can they weather the World Cup departures on their squad?" to now, "Can this team get even better when they finally have their ideal lineup together?"
Previous: Won 4-1 vs. CLB | Next: at HOU on 7/3; vs. ORL on 7/7
6
LAST WEEK: 4
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 6
NYCFC drop a result in blazing hot Chicago, and for as good as they've been at home, they are not getting results on the road, with a 2-4-3 record. But they also have a NY Derby match at home coming up, and this is a game NYCFC is going to really, really want to win.
Previous: Lost 3-2 at CHI | Next: vs. RBNY on 7/8
7
LAST WEEK: 8
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 18
Dallas picked up a gritty win over Minnesota, and with the projected and actual transfers out of the club, Oscar Pareja went back to playing the kids. Will that lead to more success or a few bumps over the coming months?
Previous: Won 1-0 at MIN | Next: vs. ATL on 7/4; at RSL on 7/7
8
LAST WEEK: 7
HIGH: 2 | LOW: 11
Columbus returned home and got a needed win over RSL. The headlines are going to Eduardo Sosa, possible heir apparent to Federico Higuain, but it will be interesting to see how the young Venezuelan features in the coming weeks.
Previous: Won 2-1 vs. RSL | Next: at LA on 7/7
9
LAST WEEK: 9
HIGH: 9 | LOW: 22
Back from the break, New England weathered a surging D.C. United to win. While the attack is in fine form, the defense hasn't kept a clean sheet since April 28. They're still picking up plenty of results, but that has to be on Brad Friedel's to-do list.
Previous: Won 3-2 vs DC | Next: vs. SEA on 7/7
10
LAST WEEK: 11
HIGH: 7 | LOW: 15
The Dynamo have a big double-game week against two Western Conference opponents. If they can grab two home wins, they'll be right back in the middle of the competing pack. If not? The nerves are probably going to mount for this side.
Previous: Idle | Next: vs. LAFC on 7/4; vs. MIN on 7/7
11
LAST WEEK: 15
HIGH: 11 | LOW: 23
The Fire are five games unbeaten in league play, and while they look like they can let in plenty of goals, they seem to have found their mojo. Aleksandar Katai looks set to stay at least a little longer -- hopefully the Serbian will get to see out the season with the Fire.
Previous: Won 3-2 vs. NYC | Next: at VAN on 7/7
12
LAST WEEK: 10
HIGH: 10 | LOW: 22
Back to earth for the Union, who followed up a 4-0 home win with a 4-1 road loss. We know in MLS cross-country road trips are tough, but even tougher, perhaps, is a big home game against Atlanta United this weekend.
Previous: Lost 4-1 at LAFC | Next: vs. ATL on 7/7
13
LAST WEEK: 12
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 14
LA's defense failed them again, as a 3-1 lead died with a couple lapses against a struggling side. Two home games against intriguing opponents in D.C. and Columbus could see the Galaxy pick up wins, but the defense really needs to find some footing.
Previous: Drew 3-3 at SJ | Next: vs. DC on 7/4; vs. CLB on 7/7
14
LAST WEEK: 18
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 23
Montreal have won three games in a row. Are they now legit or a flash in the pan? A favorable game against the Rapids and the Canadian Championship coming up soon could help the Impact really push up into the playoff race.
Previous: Won 2-0 vs. SKC | Next: vs. COL on 7/7
15
LAST WEEK: 14
HIGH: 8 | LOW: 15
Disappointing result for Vancouver, losing at home to a sputtering Rapids side. Will the Whitecaps be active in the summer transfer window to bolster the current squad? With a couple roster moves being made this week, they could be set for some additions.
Previous: Lost 1-0 vs. COL | Next: vs. CHI on 7/7
16
LAST WEEK: 13
HIGH: 1 | LOW: 16
Oof, TFC tumble to their lowest spot of the season after a demoralizing home loss to the Red Bulls. There's still a lot of games to play, but it almost feels as though all the misfortune from 2017 has been transferred to this 2018 side, and they're feeling the full effect.
Previous: Lost 1-0 vs. RBNY | Next: at MIN on 7/4
17
LAST WEEK: 16
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 21
We learned this week that Mike Petke really wants Damir Kreilach on the field, and the road still is not their friend. The good news? They have two home games this week, where RSL have been good. The bad news? They'll be playing Sporting KC and FC Dallas.
Previous: Lost 2-1 at CLB | Next: vs. SKC on 7/4; vs. DAL on 7/7
18
LAST WEEK: 17
HIGH: 4 | LOW: 21
Seattle got their man in Raul Ruidiaz, and only have a week until he's eligible to play. But they have a brutal road trip this week, in Colorado and New England, and the Sounders entered "must win territory" a few weeks back.
Previous: Lost 3-2 vs. POR | Next: at COL on 7/4; at NE on 7/7
19
LAST WEEK: 19
HIGH: 18 | LOW: 23
Speaking of new additions, D.C. United are leading the race for "biggest midseason name added" around MLS with Wayne Rooney's arrival. And only one more game until the Audi Field opener!
Previous: Lost 3-2 at NE | Next: at LA on 7/4
20
LAST WEEK: 22
HIGH: 17 | LOW: 23
If you don't follow all MLS teams very closely you may have missed that the Rapids have now won two in a row and are three unbeaten. Don't expect this team to fire off an eight-game winning streak, but they may have finally settled into MLS play with Anthony Hudson.
Previous: Won 1-0 at VAN | Next: vs. SEA on 7/429
21
LAST WEEK: 20
HIGH: 15 | LOW: 23
Once again, the Loons play well at home against a good team and still lose. The fact that they are behind the points pace of last season has to be a massive concern. By the way, good for Collin Martin on coming out publicly -- we know he's gained a lot of new fans.
Previous: Lost 1-0 vs. DAL | Next: vs. TOR on 7/4; at HOU on 7/7
22
LAST WEEK: 21
HIGH: 12 | LOW: 22
Full credit to the Quakes for grinding for a Cali Clasico draw after giving up a couple really incredible goals. Beyond that, we'll see when this team is going to break out for a third win this season.
Previous: Drew 3-3 vs. LA | Next: at POR on 7/7
23
LAST WEEK: 23
HIGH: 6 | LOW: 23
The James O'Connor era begins this week with plenty of work to be done with a talented but demoralized Orlando City side. A trip to LAFC doesn't sound easy at all, but on the bright side the Lions don't have to play two games on the holiday week.
Previous: Lost 4-0 at ATL | Next: at LAFC on 7/7
