Plenty of changes shook Major League Soccer power rankings heading into the October international break. The up-and-down New York Red Bulls went down in a big way, and they could even find themselves out of the 2012 playoffs come October 29. The top spots of MLS power rankings are again dominated by the same two teams. Allegiances aside, even I can admit that KC vs. SJ would make for one very entertaining championship final.
2012 Week 32 MLS power rankings
19. Toronto FC (5-20-7): I joked earlier this season that Toronto had run out of new ways to lose games in 2012. Well, they sure showed me.
18. Chivas USA (7-17-8): A draw is a win for Chivas these days. Fans should take what they can get at this point of the campaign.
17. Portland Timbers (7-16-9): What's worse than being routed by your hated rivals? Being routed by your rivals on national TV.
16. New England Revolution (7-17-8): Some might say that the Revs were betrayed by a moment of poor goalkeeping on Saturday. True or not, it's not as if the team's attack was up to anything special.
15. Colorado Rapids (9-19-4): There's no shame in being blown out by Wondo and SJ. The Rapids were merely over-matched.
14. Philadelphia Union (10-15-6): Don't look now, but the Union aren't a complete disaster anymore. There's no doubt in my mind that they could beat New York later on this month.
13. FC Dallas (9-12-11): Dropping points at Chivas may prove to be the result that costs Dallas a playoff spot. They're still alive, but barely.
12. Montreal Impact (12-15-5): Fought to the death at Houston, but it wasn't meant to be. Their playoff hopes are officially gone.
11. Columbus Crew (14-11-7): A goal at the death earned Columbus a point at home against KC. Unfortunately for the Crew, they are still on the outside of the top five of the conference standings, and time is running out.
10. Vancouver Whitecaps (11-12-9): Vancouver must now repeat one mantra during the current international break: "Win and we're in."
9. Houston Dynamo (13-8-11): Not beating Montreal at home could cost Houston big time. They need to beat Philly on October 20.
8. New York Red Bulls (15-9-8): Fire the team's GM with three games left on the schedule. Lose 2-0 at home to a title contender for the second time in a month. I hope the franchise pays the AA bills for their supporters.
7. LA Galaxy (15-12-5): Galaxy are full of stars and attacking options, but two defensive miscues hurt them against RSL this past weekend. There are still serious concerns about this team's back line.
6. Seattle Sounders (14-7-10): Beat up on lowly Portland at home, but they're going to have to take care of business while away in order to win it all this fall.
5. DC United (16-10-6): DC have quietly become championship contenders without their captain and MVP in the team. United could enter the postseason as the league's hottest squad.
4. Real Salt Lake (17-11-4): Talent isn't an issue with RSL. They have the goods to win it all, and they'll do so if they remain consistent throughout November.
3. Chicago Fire (17-10-5): Fans and critics can say whatever they want about the unstable Red Bulls. Chicago went to Harrison, NJ and made New York look mediocre on Saturday afternoon.
2. Sporting KC (17-7-8): KC are the eastern conference Earthquakes. That's not enough to be at the top of these power rankings, but the Supporters' Shield race has not yet been decided.
1. San Jose Earthquakes (19-6-7): Chris Wondolowski continued to score for fun, the Earthquakes are again kings of all MLS power rankings, and the road to the MLS Cup Final still goes through San Jose. Wash, rinse, repeat.
