The New York Red Bulls had a rather awful week. They earned just one point in two contests, played their worst home match of the Red Bull Arena era, and they are now flirting with being the fifth place team in the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference standings. Perhaps the biggest story from this past week is that several MLS West sides are looking like title contenders at the start of fall. The league's best team, San Jose Earthquakes, still isn't slowing down.
2012 Week 30 MLS power rankings
19. Toronto FC (5-18-7): Different week, same story. CONCACAF Champions League will likely not bring them any special memories this time around.
18. Chivas USA (7-15-7): May or may not have lost to a potential "team of destiny" this past weekend, but that doesn't change the fact that Chivas are just lousy. They need to have a great winter if they're going to be a playoff side next year.
17. New England Revolution (7-15-8): Stole two points from New York at the death, but they also lost Lee Nguyen for the season. The Revs and their fans just can't catch a break.
16. Portland Timbers (7-15-8): PTFC were a bit unlucky to not earn at least a point at Salt Lake on Saturday. Portland won't be an easy out for DC this coming weekend.
15. Colorado Rapids (9-18-3): Earning a draw against free-falling Vancouver with a late goal doesn't impress me all that much. Not a part of me believes they'll beat LA in their final match of the month.
14. Vancouver Whitecaps (10-12-8): Is it now safe to say that the Vancouver team from the first half of the season is officially gone?
13. Philadelphia Union (8-14-6): A two-goal victory against a very good Houston opponent gives Philly fans some hope for the future. That's a result that could have a big impact on the playoff race.
12. Montreal Impact (12-15-4): Their playoff hopes are now just about gone. Still, it's been one helluva season for the Canadian expansion side.
11. FC Dallas (9-12-9): Dallas are still my choice to grab the final MLS West playoff spot. I've lost faith in Vancouver.
10. Houston Dynamo (12-8-10): A playoff team shouldn't be losing at Philly this September. With that said, a home game against New England should be what they need to enjoy a return to winning ways.
9. Columbus Crew (13-11-6): A loss at Chicago isn't a reason for Crew fans to panic. They, like Houston, can get back on track while at home this weekend.
8. Seattle Sounders (13-7-9): Seattle's Supporters' Shield dreams are dead, but I still believe they're capable of making a significant run during the postseason. Securing the best possible playoff spot must now be their goal.
7. New York Red Bulls (14-8-8): RBNY have plummeted down MLS power rankings in the past few weeks. They have some soul searching to do right now.
6. Real Salt Lake (15-11-4): Consistency is the big issue for RSL. They've got the talent to win the league.
5. DC United (15-10-5): Losing Dwayne De Rosario hasn't yet crippled DC. Can their run of great play without DeRo continue?
4. LA Galaxy (15-11-4): I've been high on the defending champs for quite awhile. They're finding their form, and could defeat any team in the league right now.
3. Chicago Fire (16-8-5): I feel as if I've been telling MLS fans to watch out for Chicago for over a month. They could go on to win the MLS East.
2. Sporting KC (16-7-7): They looked like the best team in the league at Red Bull Arena last midweek. New York may have to beat KC twice this fall if they are to win the 2012 MLS Cup.
1. San Jose Earthquakes (18-6-6): Kings of all MLS power rankings once again, San Jose are (probably) winning the Supporters' Shield. Chris Wondolowski continues to be the league's MVP.
