2014 MLS Power Rankings: Week 15
Jun 7, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Lamar Neagle (27) reacts after the game against the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park. Seattle Sounders FC defeat the Chicago Fire 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
As the FIFA World Cup kicks off in Brazil, and the contenders are separated from the pretenders, here in the States, Major League Soccer saw most of its teams take part in either regular season play or the U.S. Open Cup. The Seattle Sounders are at the top of this week’s MLS Power Rankings, while a surprise face is at the bottom after a shock result. All this and more in this week’s MLS Power Rankings.
1. Seattle Sounders
Sigi Schmid’s Seattle Sounders were off this week and will be back in action on June 18 against PSA Elite in the U.S. Open Cup at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash. will be necessary to avoid a David-upsetting-Goliath scenario. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET and will be televised by SoundersFC.com.
Jun 11, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Impact forward Marco Di Vaio (9) kicks the ball as D.C. United defender Steven Birnbaum (15) defends during the second half at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
2. D.C. United
Ben Olsen’s D.C. United continued their winning ways with a 4-2 victory over the Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo in Montreal, Que. Luis Silva scored a hat trick in the sixth minute, the 39th minute, and the fifth minute of first half injury time while Nick DeLeon added some insurance in the 23rd minute of play. D.C. United continue their campaign on June 17 against the Rochester Rhinos in U.S. Open Cup play at Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester, N.Y. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.
Jun 7, 2014; Chester, PA, USA; Vancouver FC midfielder Gershon Koffie (28) gets the ball away from Philadelphia Union forward Conor Casey (6) during the first half of the match at PPL Park. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
3. Vancouver Whitecaps
Carl Robinson’s Vancouver Whitecaps were off this week and will return to action on June 25 against the Montreal Impact at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, B.C. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET and will be televised by TSN.
Jun 11, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; The Portland Timbers fans celebrate a goal during the second half against the FC Dallas at Providence Park. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
4. Portland Timbers
Caleb Porter’s Portland Timbers played to a 2-2 draw with FC Dallas at Providence Park in Portland, Ore. Will Johnson scored in the 79th minute off a penalty and Pa Modou Kah delivered an equalizer in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time. The season continues for the Timbers with a match against the Orlando City Under-23s in U.S. Open Cup play on June 17 at home. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET.
Jun 11, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; The San Jose Earthquakes fans cheer from the stands during the second half against the Sacramento Republic FC at Kezar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
5. San Jose Earthquakes
Mark Watson’s San Jose Earthquakes are on the way up after a huge 2-1 win over Sacramento Republic in the U.S. Open Cup. Khari Stephenson (45′) and Cordell Cato (73′) scored for the Quakes, who return to action on June 28 against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, Calif. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by NBCSN.