SBNation.com - MLS Week 5: Timbers Hold Off Late FC Dallas Charge, Win 3-2; Dynamo Beat Revs 1-0

MLS Power Rankings, Week 5: Turbulent Week Has Four Teams In Top Tier, 10 In Tier 3

2011-04-18T21:43:14Z

This was a pretty turbulent Week 5 in the SB Nation MLS Power Rankings. No tier remained unchanged as our editors rewarded the New York Red Bulls for their victory by returning them to the top tier; dropped all but two teams out of the second tier and pulled the Columbus Crew and Portland Timbers out of the bottom tier.

With a season-high 11 matches being played last week that included six teams playing twice, maybe such dynamic movement should not have been a huge surprise. That there are now 10 teams sitting in our third tier does seem to speak to the unpredictable nature of the season to this point.

Our voters could only come to a consensus on six teams they think are likely to make the 10-team playoff field. Similarly, Real Salt Lake is the only team that draws even 90 percent of the first-tier votes with no other team earning any more than 13 first-tier votes.

As has become the custom, I've turned it over to our editors to explain themselves in each tier:

Playing For The Shield
	Real Salt Lake	100% (60 out of 60 points)
	Los Angeles Galaxy	88% (53 out of 60 points)
	New York Red Bulls	86% (52 out of 60 points)
	Colorado Rapids	85% (51 out of 60 points)

I started the Red Bulls in the top tier at the beginning of the season, but it was always an "on the cusp" sort of feeling as I waited for New York to wake up. Their 3-0 domination of the Earthquakes, a team I've rated highly, showed us how strong this New York team is capable of being when all the parts of working properly. Admit it, you didn't know who Luke Rodgers was either. Now, we're all sitting here thinking, "Oh great, the Red Bulls have another weapon". There's a good chance New York could fluctuate a bit as the season continues, but I have to think that come the playoffs, the Red Bulls will be firmly entrenched in a top tier spot in the power rankings.

- Zach Woosley, Dynamo Theory

Enjoy The Playoffs
	Philadelphia Union	75% (45 out of 60 points)
	Seattle Sounders	65% (39 out of 60 points)

Right now, the Union don't look like a great team, but they do look like one of the 10 best. I haven't moved them at all and won't until they do something unbelievable.

- Kevin McCauley, SB Nation soccer

Still Something To Prove
	FC Dallas	48% (29 out of 60 points)
	Sporting Kansas City	46% (28 out of 60 points)
	Houston Dynamo	46% (28 out of 60 points)
	San Jose Earthquakes	41% (25 out of 60 points)
	DC United	41% (25 out of 60 points)
	Portland Timbers	35% (21 out of 60 points)
	Chicago Fire	31% (19 out of 60 points)
	Vancouver Whitecaps	25% (15 out of 60 points)
	New England Revolution	21% (13 out of 60 points)
	Columbus Crew	20% (12 out of 60 points)

I've been on the Kansas City bandwagon since last last season. The aggressive 4-3-3 they play brings a level of excitement to MLS that is absent in most other places and they attack with a flair that some teams (like my own New England Revolution) are sorely missing. That said, they aren't playing like the playoff contenders I billed them to be this season. I understand that they are on an extended road trip before the opening of their new stadium and - as Portland proved twice this week - playing in front of your home fans can make all the difference, but I worry that they'll dig a hole so deep for themselves that they won't be able to haul themselves back into the playoff spots later this season. There simply aren't enough automatic places in the weak Eastern Conference, and although that should keep things close until late in the fall, it also means that anything less than a 3rd place finish will likely see Sporting KC miss the postseason.

- Steve Stoehr, The Bent Musket

At Least There's No Relegation
	Toronto FC	1% (1 out of 60 points)
	Chivas USA	0% (0 out of 60 points)

It's still very early in Aron Winter's rebuild and reimagining of TFC, and the growing pains were clearly evident in Saturday's game against DC United. Defensive giveaways and a lack of incision up front are symptomatic of a lack of quality in the squad as it stands. Hopefully it will all be worth it in the end, but 2011 is shaping up to be a long year for TFC.

- Duncan Fletcher, Waking the Red

How It Works: Each of the 20 participants puts Major League Soccer's clubs into one of the four tiers. Teams in the top tier get three points. Next tier, two points, then one, then zero. Voters can put as many teams into each tier as they see fit. Though the vote total orders the teams, the clubs are intended to be grouped, not sorted. Although some of the names may indicate otherwise, the point of this is to assess current form and our voters are instructed to place teams in tiers based how those teams will fair in coming weeks.

Who participated: Jeremiah Oshan (SB Nation, soccer); Kevin McCauley (SB Nation, soccer); Aaron Campeau (SB Nation, soccer); Ryan Rosenblatt (SB Nation, soccer); Drew Epperley (SB Nation, soccer); Steve Davis (Daily Soccer Fix); Martin Shatzer (Black and Red United); Scott Kessler (Brotherly Game); Chris "UZ" White (Burgundy Wave); Zach Woosley (Dynamo Theory); Denzel Eslinger (RSL Soapbox); Robert Jonas (Quake, Rattle and Goal); Daniel Robertson (Big D Soccer); Dave Clark (Sounder at Heart); Andy Edwards (The Daily Wiz); Geoff Gibson (Stumptown Footy), Duncan Fletcher (Waking the Red), Steve Stoehr (The Bent Musket); Tweed Thornton (Hot Time in Old Town), Ben Schneider (Once a Metro); Jeff King (The Goat Parade).

MLS Week 5 Review: World Meet The Portland Timbers; Portland Timbers Meet The World

2011-04-18T20:18:31Z

At the start of the week, almost ever MLS power ranking had the Portland Timbers as one the two or three worst teams in the league. SB Nation's Power Rankings, for instance, had them one spot from the bottom. Don't be surprised to see them shoot up the charts this week after a pair of pulse-racing victories.

The Timbers opened the week by jumping out to a 3-0 over the Chicago Fire, only to hold on for a 4-2 victory. They followed that up by taking a 3-0 lead over FC Dallas, and needed a pair of spectacular plays for 20-year-old goalkeeper Jake Gleeson to preserve the 3-2 win.

They weren't exactly dominant in either match, getting out-possessed and completing barely 61 percent of their passes in both of them, but they effectively used the counter-strike and were deadly on set pieces. There are still massive questions about their ability to defend or hold onto the ball, but it's hard to deny that this team will be a real threat, at least at Jeld-Wen Field.

Speaking of the newly refurbished stadium, Timbers fans also made quite an impression. Led by the Timbers Army -- reportedly 3,000 strong (although no official membership is required and so is hard to accurately measure) -- they introduced themselves to a national audience by singing the National Anthem during the home opener, were as loud as any fanbase in the league and were chanting throughout both games. They even have a mascot, Timber Joey, who fires up his chainsaw and cuts off a round of wood every time the home team scores. While lacking the numbers of their rival Seattle Sounders, the intimacy of the park makes for an experience that is really unlike any other in MLS, something even opposing coaches noticed.

"Fantastic! Fantastic atmosphere, the fan base of Portland should be really proud," FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman said after his team's loss on Sunday. "I thought they came out and added some energy to the team, there’s no doubt that this team is playing with such inspiration because of that fan support. You can call them the 12th man or whatever, but I think when you win your first two games at home that just tells more and more things for the future."

Playing in front of that home crowd, the Timbers looked like an almost entirely different team than the one that had managed just two goals and had gone winless in their first three games. Jack Jewsbury is playing so well that it's hard to imagine how Sporting Kansas City deemed him expendable when they traded him away for allocation money. The Timbers captain scored a goal, had an assist and should have had another during the two-game stretch. But Jewsbury is really a known quantity, having now played in 200 games.

The big revelations this week were a pair of 20-year-olds: goalkeeper Jake Gleeson and midfielder Kalif Alhassan. Gleeson's numbers may not have been spectacular, but he came up big when he needed to and showed some leadership skills may older players lack. Alhassan was an absolute terror, picking up three assists and looking particularly dangerous against FC Dallas. On the Timbers' third goal in the FCD match, for instance, Alhassan beat five defenders in a space of about five yards to set up Rodney Wallace's second goal of the week.

There are lots of reasons to be skeptical of the Timbers' longterm success, not the least of which is their seeming inability to keep comfortable leads comfortable, but this week should be proof that they aren't just another expansion team. Credit to GM Gavin Wilkinson and John Spencer for creating an exciting team and even more credit to the fans of Portland for adding another quality atmosphere to the league that is still in need of them.

Trouble In Big D

Speaking of the Toros, this is a team that seemed to be on the right track after beating the Colorado Rapids 3-0, but their loss on Sunday has to bring a lot of those questions back. While they controlled possession and generally outplayed the Timbers, there's no getting around that they have now allowed two or more goals three times this season. With Kevin Hartman in goal last year, they only allowed two goals in a game twice and only once during the regular season.

There's still plenty of time for Hyndman to fix whatever is broken, but something clearly needs to be done.

Is 'El Castillo' Really Impenetrable?

I realize the game happened almost a week ago, but it is worth reminding everyone that Real Salt Lake ran their home unbeaten streak to 37 matches with their win over the Colorado Rapids. It was not a very pretty game, played in wet conditions and in front of a relatively small crowd, but RSL got a stoppage-time winner from Fabian Espindola to keep their 2011 record perfect through four matches.

What's so impressive about RSL's streak is not just the number itself, but how they've gotten here. This is a team that is undoubtedly built on defense, but they have also been the top scoring home team in each of the past two seasons. Since 2009, they have outscored their MLS opponents by 51 goals at home.

It was a nice way for them to head into their mini-MLS break, as they will spend the next couple of weeks focused on CONCACAF Champions League, where they are facing Monterrey in the finals. Their unbeaten streak will surely be put to test.

Red Bulls Find A Spark

One of the more confusing puzzles this year has been finding the missing piece with the New York REd bulls. After this week, maybe they've found it in Luke Rodgers. The 5-foot-8 forward scored a pair of goals and set up the Red Bulls' third goal, a nice assist to Thierry Henry, that seems to finally have them feeling good about themselves. That they beat what has been a very respectable San Jose Earthquakes team 3-0 is also a good sign.

This week we also learned through the magic of @OptaJack that defensive midfielder Teemu Tainio is leading MLS with a passing completion percentage of 88.1 percent. We've been saying it for awhile now, but the Red Bulls just have too much talent to be this mediocre.

Davies Does It Again

With a league-leading three goals from the penalty-spot, it's tempting to discount Charlie Davies' comeback. But he has scored twice in the run of play, including another one on Saturday during DC United's 3-0 dismantling of Toronto FC. On the goal, he was able to pounce on a rebound, showing the kind of poaching instincts any good goal-scorer possesses.

We don't want to make too much of the performance, but he had a couple other good opportunities and, perhaps just as importantly, he went the full 90. Davies still may be a ways away from reclaiming his spot in the United States National Team, but these are undeniably signs of progress.

United, too, looked much better coming off their tie with the Los Angeles Galaxy. Chris Pontius, of whom much has been expected, had a stellar game, scoring two beautifully taken goals that would seem to bode well for a team that set a MLS record for goal-scoring futility a year ago.

Personal power rankings

SB Nation editors share their collective power rankings every week, but I figured I may as well start sharing my own rankings here as well. Expect for this to become a staple of this weekly space.

Tier 1: Real Salt Lake

No other team is even close to playing on their level right now. Putting another team in their tier just seems dishonest

Tier 2: Red Bulls, Galaxy, Rapids, Union, Sounders

In my mind, all of these teams are relatively close. I still really think the talent of the Red Bulls gives them a slight advantage, but I think the Rapids are still capable of repeating. I'm still unconvinced that the Union can generate enough offense to be really dangerous.

Tier 3: FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Timbers, Sporting Kansas City, San Jose Earthquakes, DC United, Vancouver Whitecaps, Chicago Fire

Despite their struggles, I'm still convinced Dallas is the best of this bunch, but I don't think I'd be particularly surprised if any of these teams made or missed the playoffs. The Fire really took a step down this week.

Tier 4: Columbus Crew, New England Revolution, Toronto FC, Chivas USA

The Crew, I believe, are still playing over their heads. Maybe I'm being too much of a slave to my initial impressions, but I've just been thoroughly unimpressed every time I've watched them.

Upon Further Inspection, Maybe Hunter Freeman's Goal Was Fair

2011-04-18T17:16:52Z

There's little debate about whether or not the Houston Dynamo's game-winning goal against the New England Revolution hit Hunter Freeman's arm/hand: It did and replays show it pretty conclusively. In this case, though, there's a pretty compelling case to be made that the referee made the right call in allowing the goal to stand. Dynamo Theory, SB Nation's Houston Dynamo blog, does the legwork and has the photographic evidence to make the case:

Take a real close look at what was happening. By the time the ball contacted Freeman's hand, his head was being forced down by Matt Reis' arms and elbow. Thus, he could not have seen the ball coming down and wouldn't have been able to either intentionally make contact or remove his arm from the path of the ball. If anything, it could have been called a penalty on Reis since Freeman established the position, had the right to be there and was fouled by not only Reis but Kenny Mansally during the play.

Thus, it's a good goal. Sorry New England, but for once, the referee got it right.

Video: Timbers Goalkeeper Jake Gleeson Saves The Day

2011-04-18T04:39:51Z

About a month ago, Jake Gleeson was the Portland Timbers' third-string goalkeeper. A pair of injuries forced the 20-year-old into action, though, and the Timbers appear to be the better for it. After nearly blowing a 3-0 lead in front of their home crowd, Gleeson saved the day with a pair of impressive saves as FC Dallas looked for the equalizer.

It's far too early to say just how good Gleeson may end up being, but if games like this are any indication, he's got a bright future ahead of him.

Houston Dynamo Vs. New England Revolution: Hunter Freeman's Handball Goal Is The Winner

2011-04-18T01:05:07Z

On a night where it looked as if the Houston Dynamo were doing everything in their power not to score a goal, they finally broke the scoreless deadlock on what will probably go down as one of the uglier goals you'll see scored anywhere. After a header by Cam Weaver that hit the cross bar and shot straight into the air, Hunter Freeman was able to position himself behind Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis. The positioning seemed fair, but the ball appeared to hit Hunter arm as it crossed the line, meaning it should not have counted. The Dynamo held on for their second straight win, a 1-0 victory over the Revolution.

Maybe it's karmic justice, though, as the Dynamo had significantly outplayed the Revolution throughout the match. They held a roughly 69-31 possession advantage and out shot their opposition 27-11, hit at least three balls off the woodwork, had two shots cleared off the line (one of them probably had crossed the line).

Houston Dynamo Vs. New England Revolution: Goal-Line Technology Would Have Likely Given Dynamo A Goal

2011-04-18T00:42:47Z

The Houston Dynamo have had two shots cleared off the line and a couple more that have hit the woodwork, but still find themselves tied 0-0 with the New England Revolution in the 70th minute on Sunday. Their luck has been so bad, in fact, that they had a shot that looked like it went over the line, but was deemed to have been saved in the 56h minute.

As you can see from the image, it was very close, but the ball does look like it might be entirely over the line. Unfortunately for the Dynamo, though, there is no goal-line technology. Whether or not this was a goal, it is just the latest example of why MLS officials have expressed some interest in being one of the pilot leagues for FIFA as they explore the possibility of using this kind of technology.

The Dynamo continue to create chances, but have not been able to actually find the back of the net. They Dynamo have fired off 20 shots as of the 74th minute.

Houston Dynamo Vs. New England Revolution: Tied At Halftime

2011-04-18T00:10:04Z

The Houston Dynamo have had at least three golden scoring opportunities, have taken 13 shots, forced New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis into five saves and hold a 62-38 possession advantage but find themselves tied 0-0 at halftime on Sunday. Among the missed opportunities for the Dynamo were four shots in a two-minute span that were either saved or blocked by Revolution defenders.

The match has been relatively fast-paced with both teams combining for 18 shots. The Revolution's best scoring chance came around the 33rd minute when newly acquired Rajko Lekic was dragged down inside the penalty area, but no foul was called. Lekic was acquired about a week ago after playing most of his career in Denmark.

Leading the offensive charge for the Dynamo so far has been Will Bruin, who has taken six shots. Of those six shots, at least two of them should have been goals, but both times he was unable to put the close-range shots on frame.

Portland Timbers Vs. FC Dallas: Timbers Hold On To Win 3-2

2011-04-18T00:03:03Z

Call it JELD-WEN Field magic, or maybe it is something in the wood that Timber Joey cuts. Either way you slice it, the Portland Timbers are good at home. They beat FC Dallas today 3-2 for their second straight win of the season, moving them up the Western Conference standings to forth place. Dallas mounted a late come back with goals from Brek Shea and David Ferreira but it was the early goals that were the difference in this one.

Goals came early as captain Jack Jewsbury was able to get the Timbers on the board in the 13th minute. He was played a ball into the box after a quick restart by Kalif Alhassan. Jewsbury found space in the penalty box and hammered home the game's first goal.

The second Timbers goal came a little later in the first half as Portland pressured Dallas into a corner kick after a long spell of possession by the visitors. Jewsbury then found former FC Dallas striker Kenny Cooper on the corner. Cooper headed the ball over Dallas keeper Kevin Hartman.

Midway through the second half the Timbers began pouring it on. Alhassan again found space between the Dallas defense and fed a nice ball to Rodney Wallace for what ended up being the game-winning goal.

It wasn't until the 83rd minute that Dallas found the back of the net with Ferreira. A couple minutes later Shea was able to also find the back of the net to set up a wild finish in the Rose City.

SBNation.com - MLS Week 5: Timbers Hold Off Late FC Dallas Charge, Win 3-2; Dynamo Beat Revs 1-0

MLS Power Rankings, Week 5: Turbulent Week Has Four Teams In Top Tier, 10 In Tier 3

Real Salt Lake

100% (60 out of 60 points)

Los Angeles Galaxy

88% (53 out of 60 points)

New York Red Bulls

86% (52 out of 60 points)

Colorado Rapids

85% (51 out of 60 points)

Philadelphia Union

75% (45 out of 60 points)

Seattle Sounders

65% (39 out of 60 points)

FC Dallas

48% (29 out of 60 points)

Sporting Kansas City

46% (28 out of 60 points)

Houston Dynamo

46% (28 out of 60 points)

San Jose Earthquakes

41% (25 out of 60 points)

DC United

41% (25 out of 60 points)

Portland Timbers

35% (21 out of 60 points)

Chicago Fire

31% (19 out of 60 points)

Vancouver Whitecaps

25% (15 out of 60 points)

New England Revolution

21% (13 out of 60 points)

Columbus Crew

20% (12 out of 60 points)

Toronto FC

1% (1 out of 60 points)

Chivas USA

0% (0 out of 60 points)