SBI MLS Rankings

In my quest to find new features to add to the regular rotation I have decided to start providing MLS Rankings each week (I'm also planning a weekly Best XI so look out for that. It should give you guys and gals something to talk about heading into the new week.

Here are the SBI Rankings for MLS:

1. Red Bulls (3-0-1)- Record-setting defense and dynamic midfield leading the way.
2. Chicago Fire (3-0-1)- Chris Rolfe and Chad Barrett showing why Chicago dumped Herron and Jaqua
3. Kansas City (3-1)- Scoring against Toronto not that special but goals have to be giving Eddie Johnson confidence
4. New England (2-1-1)- Revs show that when they cut down on defensive miscues they can play with anybody.
5. Colorado (2-1-1)- Rapids attack gets first tough defensive test of the season vs. Houston
6. Houston Dynamo (1-2-1)- DeRo is out of form and Ching's knee is hurting, leaving Houston's attack toothless.
7. FC Dallas (2-3-1)- A gimpy Ruiz and midfield that can maintain possession isn't a good combination.
8. LA Galaxy (1-1-1)- It's a simply formula, if LA finds anyone in the attack to support Donovan then the Gals are dangerous.
9. Columbus Crew (1-0-3)- Who would have ever thought we'd see Andy Gruenebaum and Ned Grabavoy leading an unbeaten MLS team?
10. Chivas USA (2-2)- What? Amado Guevara is playing poorly and earning red cards? It can't be.
11. DC United (0-3)- A point-less April has to sting and a home loss to New England Thursday could make things really hurt.
12. Real Salt Lake (0-2-1)- Enough of the babying by the local Salt Lake media, someone in Utah needs to call this team what it is, a disaster.
13. Toronto FC (0-4)- Mo Johnston's boys get a week off to work on an attack still searching for its first goal.

Comments

[Jasen]

kudos to you for giving EJ some credit...i've read at least two other media guys still not wanting to give EJ the slightest bit of "props"...now that people have gone on record really bashing him, i imagine it'll be a while before they come around (assuming EJ continues to play well)

[Tim]

I like the idea of a Best XI (I'm assuming based on performance during the past week's games).

I would have NE, Houston, LA and DC higher. DC has not gotten results but I feel they are significantly better than the 11th team in the league.

[Tony M]

Speaking of regular features - how about a monthly National Team Watch? Give us your view on who in MLS or elsewhere is rising or falling in the Nats picture based on club performance.

[Joamiq]

An 0-3 team doesn't deserve to be above any teams with wins in any power rankings.

Surely undefeated Columbus must be above teams with 2 or 3 losses, no?

[Pat Eyler]

Well, I live in Utah and can hearitly agree with you, RSL is looking like a disaster at the moment. I hope they turn things around, but it's gonna take more changes than just a goal keeper, and a lot of work.

[Paul Lorinczi]

What is up with Real Salt Lake? You look at their roster and it just does not make sense that the stink so badly. Does anyone have an idea of why they are so bad?