MLS Power Rankings at the All-Star Break
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The MLS began its 15th season this year and we’ve finally decided it’s time to give this league some handicapping love and provide some free SOCCER gambling analysis every week.
The 2010 Major League Soccer season has reached the half way mark as the teams head into the week long midseason showcase that culminates in a match between the League’s top players and the best of the world.
This year MLS takes on Manchester United of the English Premier League on Wednesday July 28 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.
So while there is some down time, lets take a look at the current MLS Power Rankings ending Week 17.
1. LA Galaxy: In a rare slip at the Home Depot Center, the Galaxy drew with San Jose 2-2 but maintain a two-win lead over the Columbus Crew and maintain top honors in the Western Conference. After trailing 2-1, the Galaxy’s 90th strike by none other than Landon Donovan, extended LA’s home unbeaten streak to 14.
2. Real Salt Lake: After Grabavoy’s goal at the 67th minute, RLS keeper Nick Rimando, who will appear in this weeks midseason showcase, mishandled a routine shot from Jesus Padilla three minutes later allowing Chivas to walk away from Rio Tinto with a 1-1 draw.
3. Columbus Crew: The Crew maintained top spot and an eight-point lead in the Eastern Conference with a 3-0 win over the Houston Dynamo even without Steven Lenhart, who was sidelined with a broken nose. His replacement Emilio Renteria has four goals in four starts and that may keep him in the starting XI. They’re now second in the League to the Galaxy with 34 points.
4. New York Red Bulls: The Red Bulls were not scheduled this past week for a league match, but did down the EPL’s Manchester City 2-1 in a friendly using goals from Dane Richards and Macoumba Kandji. The newly signed Thierry Henry picked up his second start in as many matches, but for the second consecutive occasion, left the match at the half.
5. San Jose Earthquakes: You have to give credit to the Quakes for getting up on LA 2-1 on the road, and if not for Jon Busch’s late goalkeeping blunder, San Jose could have walked away with three points.
6. FC Dallas: The former Burn blazed their way to a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC at menacing BMO field. David Ferreira assisted on Milton Rodriguez’s equalizer to tying the match in the 77th minute. A much-improved FCD is unbeaten in their last six. 
7. Toronto FC: Toronto has no doubt improved under Preki. However, it would appear that there is still a bit of work to do after their home draw to FC Dallas. Maicon Santos gave Toronto the lead in the 61st minute before Milton Rodriguez tied the game in the 77th minute
8. Colorado Rapids: Another missed opportunity by the Rapids to secure a playoff spot
as they lost to Seattle 2-1. Colorado’s lone goal came from Omar Cummings, assisted by Pablo Mastroeni. Colorado is now winless in their last six.
9. Houston Dynamo: The Dynamo fell behind on an early error by backup goalkeeper Tally Hall in the first half, and then gave up two more, losing 3-0 to Columbus. Houston sits just four points above last place Chivas USA in the Western Conference.
10. Chicago Fire: After a Super Liga friendly the Fire returns to league play with a tough road test against the Galaxy this Sunday. Every win has become more important as Chicago remains six points removed from a final playoff spot.
11. Seattle Sounders: The Sounders have now taken seven out of a possible nine points since Freddie Ljungberg’s departure. Seattle beat Colorado 2-1 with a pair of goals by MLS Player of the Week, Steve Zakuani.
12. Kansas City Wizards: The Wiz used their bye week to boost their confidence with a 2-1 victory of the visiting English Premiere League’s Manchester United. Manager Peter Vermes has got to be psyched about his team’s performance and will hope it will carry through to their remaining league matches.
13. Chivas USA: The Goats have taken five points from their past three games, including a 1-1 draw with reigning champion Real Salt Lake. It may not be too late to lead a second half charge to a playoff spot.
14. New England Revolution: The Revolution had a bye this week, and found their form in a 2-1 win over Morelia.
15. Philadelphia Union: The Union had a bye as well, but fell to the EPL’s Manchester United 1-0.
16. DC United: The EPL’s relegated Portsmouth demonstrated in its 4-0 friendly loss at RFK Stadium, there actually is a team worse then DC United.
We will continue to provide free weekly MLS gambling predictions due to the responses we’ve gotten on ourSoccer handicapping forums, and survey responses we’ve conducted on our soccer betting blog.
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Matt Martz is a sports writer for the Bakersfield Californian located in Central California. Blessed is the gambler who expects nothing, for ye shall not be disappointed.
One reply on “Soccer Handicapping: MLS Power Rankings”
I think Real Salt Lake is better than LA Galaxy…