- by Tyler Walter, writing from Fairfax, VA
1. LOS ANGELES GALAXY
With Becks playing his best season ever with the Galaxy, and Donovan comfortably filling the void from Buddleʼs departure, Los Angeles seems to be on track to continue the newfound tradition of consecutively winning the Supportersʼ Shield.
2. FC DALLAS
2011 is looking a lot like 2010. Slow start, but the momentum is building.
3. REAL SALT LAKE
CCL has been over...for a month now. RSL needs to snap out of this continental hangover and get back to their winning ways.
4. COLORADO RAPIDS
Itʼs been a murky few weeks for the defending champions, but hopefully they regain that early energy by the time CCL rolls around.
5. NEW YORK RED BULLS
Weʼve learned through their loss and draw against Chivas USA, and Houston Dynamo, respectively, two things: 1. the Red Bulls can react quickly and catch you badly off guard. And 2. They cause these situations themselves.
6. PORTLAND TIMBERS
Jeld-Wen may become the new Rio Tinto...or the Timbers may become the new Toronto FC.
7. D.C. UNITED
It makes too much sense that Davies and Wolff get sidelined with injures the moment the backline finally starts cleaning up. Should Davies and Wolff be back in the mix, the Timbers may have a tough time getting all three points at home.
8. SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
The Sounders may be playing some rather unattractive soccer, but theyʼve shown the depth of their squad in the past few matches and have gotten the three points needed.
9. CHIVAS USA
With a hat trick against RBNY, Justin Braun might put himself back in the thought of making the Gold Cup roster. If not, heʼs made Fraiserʼs patience work, and proven either Chivas USA is for real...or parity has awoken from its deep sleep.
10. COLUMBUS CREW
I shouldnʼt have dismissed the Crew early on. They have the potential to make the playoffs and return to their 2008-2009 apex within a year or two.
11. HOUSTON DYNAMO
The Dynamo might be nearing their early glory days, but the need to first and foremost finish off matches.
12. PHILADELPHIA UNION
Every match the Union have played (and won) to date has been within a goal margin. It seems rather unsettling that theyʼre only getting slim margins against weaker team (ahem, Chicago).
13. SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
They may be on a two-match upswing, but the ʻQuakes still have a lot of work to do.
14. NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
Even with some bright spots on the roster, I think this year will truly just be a rebuilding season for the Revs before they can regain their traditional form. Or at least be on course towards that form.
15. TORONTO FC
After the 1-1 draw in the Canadian Championship first leg, the pressureʼs mounting for Winter to capture the Redsʼ
16. CHICAGO FIRE
Is it too early to start speculating whoʼs de los Cobosʼ replacement?
17. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
After defeating TFC in their season opener, the ʻCaps have yet to win a league match, and have barely squeaked out victories in the Canadian Championship. Pulling off a massive victory at BMO this coming Wednesday could turn their fortunes around.
18. SPORTING KANSAS CITY
Perhaps some slack should be given, since Sporting has yet to play at home. Still, a 1– 4 loss in a five-match losing streak is hardly convincing of the teamʼs capabilities.
