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Soccer Goals: MLS Power Rankings Week 31 - Playoff bottle neck

Posted by Joel Shirey On October - 21 - 2009

Soccer Goals: If you thought that the MLS playoff picture would clear up after week 31, you were wrong. To make matters worse, FC Dallas, TFC, RSL, Chicago Fire, DC United, Colorado Rapids and New England still can dream for the playoffs, as they are mathematically in contention.

This weekend's marquee match witnessed the LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo draw, due to the exploits of Houston defender, Geoff Cameron, who utilized a bicycle kick to save a potential game winning goal. Although arguably loaded with talent, the Dynamo have recently struggled with poor form, as the Galaxy and Chivas have leap frogged them in the standings: The Goats boast a game in hand and are in the drivers seat to the Western Conference title.

Coming from behind in the congested-field confines of Community Ball Park in Kansas City, the Sounder's mounted a serious comeback and playoff berth, due in part to DP signee, Freddie Ljungberg, who had his hand in each of the three Sounder's goal.

With seven teams remaining in playoff contention and three spots available, lets examine the favorites to make the playoffs. Barring a catastrophic loss to Chivas USA on Thursday, I believe that the Chicago Fire will limp into the playoffs.

With two playoff spots remaining, DC United and FC Dallas (a playoff darkhorse) should secure the final two spots. Let's start by eliminating the other teams. The Rapids travel to RSL who needs a victory and a team that plays well at home. Couple this with the Rapids play and you have at least a draw which would most likely end their playoff hopes. Check, RSL and Rapids are eliminated.

Now you might be thinking that TFC enjoys the easy match, but Coach Williams is playing for his job and will likely have his team fired up for the season finale. Take into consideration that TFC has struggled on the road, and has failed to finish its chances. Although TFC is a very talented team, I see the game ending a 2-2 draw. Check TFC out.

The Revs travel to Columbus who will be looking to secure the Supporter's Shield at Crew Stadium. Even if the Crew plays an inexperienced crowd, they should easily secure the victory and the shield. Thus, the Revs will be eliminated.

Even though DC United has struggled at the end of the season, they will confront a Wizard team that was eliminated last week but playing at home. Community Ball Park does not bode well for opponents, but DC United boasts the attacking weapons if they trail in the second half. But, facing a goal deficit is unlikely as DC will prevail, winning 2-1.

After dismantling Colorado Rapids -- the score should have been 4-1 -- FC Dallas travels to Quest field to face the playoff-bound Seattle Sounders. With health and rest preferred to playoff position, I assume that Coach Sigi Schmid will rest several key players. Favoring FC Dallas comes in two forms: They will be playing on a full and artificial pitch which will speed up play, and secondly Seattle will not bring the same exuberance now that they qualify. Jeff Cunningham, David Ferriera, Atiba Harris, and Jair Benitez will utilize their pace to spread out the Sounders formation. The Hoops win 3-1 and offer a scary round one opponent, as they are arguably the most in-form team, heading into the playoffs.

Team and Rank	Team	Record	Comment
1.	Columbus Crew	13-6-10	With a win against the Revs, the Supporter Shield will be all theirs. Is the team deeper and more explosive than the 2008 version? I would say so, especially since GBS has received plenty of rest, despite their Champion's League schedule.
2 3	LA Galaxy	11-6-12	Their defense has improved tremendously, but there are still concerns of offensive output. Playing San Jose in Home Depot Center should help their playoff seeding. Can Donovan carry the offensive load?
3.	Seattle Sounders	11-7-11	Their triumphant road victory secured their playoff spot. Will the 12th man in Quest Field give them the extra advantage?
4	Houston Dynamo	12-8-9	Their poor form suggests that they could be targets for an early exit in the playoffs. Could the departure of Kei Kamara hurt the forward duo?
5 7	Chivas USA	13-9-6	As soon as Sacha Kljestan went on his offensive terror, the Goats have been undefeated in six games. Finally, Chivas USA could surprise teams in the playoffs. Their defense's GAA is the lowest in MLS.
6 4	Chicago Fire	10-7-12	Depth issues have been challenged to its fullest extent with the back line suffering from the injury bug. If they do not play their heart out, a motivated Chivas USA squad could steal the three points, since they still have a chance to secure the Western Conference crown.
7. 10	FC Dallas	11-12-6	The hottest MLS team could make the playoffs in a photo finish but with a little help. Although Hyndman was highly criticized at the beginning of the season, one must account for numerous injuries to the back line and goalkeeper. Their attacking soccer has been facilitated by McCarty, Ferreira, and Cunningham.
8	DC United	9-8-12	Blessed with offensive talent, DC United has struggled to maintain the same level as MLS' uppper echelon. Their playoff inclusion will ensure an exciting round one.
9	Colorado Rapids	10-9-10	As good a year as the Rapids have experienced with Cummings and Casey headlining the MLS forward tandems, they will probably fall short. Without a strong #10 in the midfield and suffering several injuries to their starting wingers, this poor form has resulted into a recipe for disaster.
10	Toronto FC	10-10-9	With all their talent at their disposal, TFC might not make the playoffs yet again. Once they can find a consistent forward duo that actually converts their chances, they will find playoff success.
11	New England Revs	10-10-9	Injuries have depleted their side and success. It is time to overhaul the team and build for the future. Ralston and Twellman's longetivity remains a huge question mark. It might be time for a DP signing.
12	Real Salt Late	10-12-7	Many had mocked myself and one other blogger when we stated that RSL would not make the playoffs. I saw RSL first hand this preseason and noticed the team complacency. Several key players will leave this season. How will they rebuild?
13	San Jose Quakes	7-13-9	The Quakes play has improved after the All-Star break, but time has come to eliminate salary-cap heavy players: Huckerby (retirement), Bobby Convey, and Ramiro Corrales. Ryan Johnson and Arturo Alvarez have proven they can carry the offensive load.
14	KC Wizards	8-13-8	Despite their mediocre team depth, the Wizards delayed plans to build a new stadium and mega complex in the Bannister Mall area. Will the new stadium compare to the original? When will KC discover the need for team speed?
15	NYRB	4-9-16	Coach Williams has boosted the team morale, and the anticiaption of Red Bull Park has many excited about the new season. Will NYRB lure Thierry Henry to New Jersey. The team still has to fill numerous holes in the roster. While deepening the roster, the Red Bulls should opt for the college ranks instead of marginal and overpriced South American prospects.