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MLS: Week 6 Power Rankings – Toasting Carlos Vela; Tumbling Portland Timbers

By Christopher Dodson

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his goal during Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Portland Timbers at the Banc of California Stadium on March 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.Los Angeles FC won the match 4-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his goal during Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Portland Timbers at the Banc of California Stadium on March 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.Los Angeles FC won the match 4-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /
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Toronto FC
TORONTO, ON – April 6 In first half action, Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) celebrates with his team mates following his goal.The Toronto Football Club (TFC) took on the Chicago Fire at BMO field in Toronto in MLS action.April 6, 2019 (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

One Shelf Above Usual

12. FC Dallas 

FC Dallas fielded one of the youngest starting squads ever in MLS and were minutes away from a road win. The kids will learn their lesson in the 2-1 loss. Even with the younger lineup, Gonzalez was ‘disappointed not to walk away with a point.’ That level of expectation and accountability, from the first team through to the academy products, will help keep FC Dallas in the playoff conversation.

11. Houston Dynamo 

Unbeaten in their first four games, scoring ten goals and only conceding five against one of the easiest opening schedules, the Houston Dynamo are one of the least spoken about contenders. Next up is San Jose, so the fans will be expecting another win. However, the team looked incomplete and in need of another quality central midfielder in CCL play. The Dynamo should be able to keep pace until the summer transfer window, as long as the striking trio of Alberth Elis, Memo Rodriquez and Mauro Manatos continue their splendid form to start the season.

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10. D.C. United

D.C. United were thoroughly outclassed at home by Los Angeles FC. The 4-0 blowout exposed all the weaknesses Ben Olsen needs to address before the season’s pressure really builds. Wayne Rooney was sent off, Luciano Acosta looked like he was dreaming of Paris, and Bill Hamid was left to fend for himself. D.C. grew far too frustrated with the referees and themselves to ever mount a comeback. The fouls added up, but so did the misplaced passes in the final third.

9. Toronto FC 

Toronto FC are back to where they believe they belong. With their high wage bill, it is only fair to say Toronto FC have merely met expectations. Replacing Sebastian Giovinco was a worrisome task but Alejandro Pozuelo has eased all concerns. He and Jozy Altidore have a different understanding on the pitch but end up celebrating goals just as often. Toronto outplayed Chicago but failed to secure the win. Still, after the mess of a season last year, being this close to first in the East feels great for the Reds.

8. Philadelphia Union

It has taken small miracles but the Philadelphia Union have won three-straight. Marco Fabian still looks unsettled. Giving up the foul that led to the FC Dallas goal was a bad look. Missing a penalty kick late on was even worse. Andre Blake is the team’s early-season MVP and is making a case for Goalkeeper of the Year. Fans would prefer Blake not to be so busy, but the Union lack the attack to keep the opposition penned in at their own end. Jim Curtin, though, is slowly lowering the temperature on his hot seat.

7. Sporting KC

Sporting Kansas City is a tough team to figure out. They came out lethargic against Monterrey and will take that 5-0 loss like champs. Peter Vermes will accept nothing less. Sporting KC can stop worrying about CCL fixture congestion after this week and get back to the task: winning the Western Conference. Sporting KC’s reserves earned a road point against FC Cincinnati, showcasing the depth of the squad. This team should feel proud about being the only MLS team to beat a Liga MX club in the CCL this year. The Cauldron knows this team will be in the MLS Cup playoffs. Splurge on something special to pour one out for the last MLS team alive in the CCL.

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