Examiner.com's MLS Power Rankings: Through Week 16

July 8, 3:57 PMMLS ExaminerCharlie Corr

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The Western Conference-leading Houston Dynamo continued their reign as the top vote getter for the Examiner.com Major League Soccer Power Rankings. The Chicago Fire jumped up to a second-place tie with idle Chivas USA after Chicago topped the Colorado Rapids for a big road victory.

The only major shakeup in the rankings came from a pretty big boost for the Los Angeles Galaxy, winners this past week against the New England Revolution. L.A. rose from 12th last week to eighth this week.

EXAMINER.COM MLS POWER RANKINGS

Through games played July 5 (last week's ranking in parentheses)

1. Houston Dynamo (1): "Houston is in championship form right now. Time to add another star to the jersey?" ~ Jeff Kassouf / "Beating the Wizards, 1-0, this year is no mean feat and confirms that Houston still rules the roost." ~ L.E. Eisenmenger

2. (tie) Chicago Fire (4): "Aside from a setback against D.C., this team just plain knows how to win on the road. Toyota Park has been a different story, and the Fire will be tested this weekend against the defending champion Crew." ~ Charlie Corr / "Ruined Colorado's Fourth of July party." ~ Deron White

2. (tie) Chivas USA (2): "The U.S. Open Cup and SuperLiga showings looked bad on paper, but that better not change anyone's thoughts about this squad at the MLS level. Chivas is among the top tier." ~ Charlie Corr

4. Seattle Sounders FC (3): "This weekend's match with Houston will be a huge litmus test, but the Sounders will have that spectacular home-field advantage to support them." ~ Jeff Kassouf / "A week off during the holiday weekend for the Sounders should do wonders for this team as they prep for a showdown versus Western Conference powerhouse Houston." ~ Giovanni Albanese Jr.

5. D.C. United (5): "D.C. fans like to think of their team as the style winner of the league, but it's the team's heart that's been getting points in spite of the long injury list." ~ Deron White

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6. Columbus Crew (6): "I still like this squad. Houston-Columbus final? You heard it here first." ~ Jeff Kassouf

7. Colorado Rapids (7): "Colorado's offense has been masking a mediocre defense. With the team having to rely on second stringers on offense, the defensive holes have been too much to bear." ~ Deron White

8. Los Angeles Galaxy (12): "Landon Donovan is expected to return for real this time - he was previously out with an illness against the Revs - when L.A. takes on Chivas. His teammates have picked up the slack during his U.S. MNT stint." ~ Charlie Corr

9. Kansas City Wizards (8): "As good as they were playing a month ago, the Wizards have come back down to earth." ~ Giovanni Albanese Jr.

10. Toronto FC (10): "Didn't play this week, and no one below them demonstrated that they should move up." ~ Deron White

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11. Real Salt Lake (9): "Escaping with a draw by an own goal from the Quakes is nothing to brag about, even if they were a man down. Disappointed in this team this year." ~ L.E. Eisenmenger

12. (tie) FC Dallas (13): "Dallas beat New York, 2-1, without Kenny Cooper. Miracles happen." ~ L.E. Eisenmenger

12. (tie) New England Revolution (11): "It's possible that Steve Nicol is playing his cards close to his chest, and in August the Revolution could return as a threat, but it's a gamble. The Revolution played only 13 regular games so far this season, two fewer than any other team. New international striker Edgaras Jankauskas looks like a big addition, but the team's best players are plagued with injuries, Jay Heaps is out for the Gold Cup, and Wells Thompson out with suspension this week for the rematch with steady Kansas City." ~ L.E. Eisenmenger

14. San Jose Earthquakes (14): "Despite having the worst record in the Western Conference, the Earthquakes are a tough team to beat of late. Suring up the defense and adding pressure to the opposition's backfield has helped that cause. With Toronto FC coming to town, expect the Earthquakes to make things uneasy for the potential playoff bound club." ~ Giovanni Albanese Jr.

15. New York Red Bulls (15): "Need I explain how terribly pathetic this team is? It is really sad to watch. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I am scared that this terrible season could kill the opening of Red Bull Arena. We'll see soon." ~ Jeff Kassouf

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The Examiner.com MLS Power Rankings are a compilation built among five Major League Soccer Examiners. Each writer submits his or her own list and individual commentary. The top-ranked team is awarded 15 points, and the last-place team 1 point. Here are the full numbers: 1. Houston Dynamo (73); 2. (tie) Chicago Fire, Chivas USA (63); 4. Seattle Sounders FC (59); 5. D.C. United (58); 6. Columbus Crew (52); 7. Colorado Rapids (45); 8. Los Angeles Galaxy (38); 9. Kansas City Wizards (36); 10. Toronto FC (32); 11. Real Salt Lake (29); 12. (tie) FC Dallas, New England Revolution (18); 14. San Jose Earthquakes (11); 15. New York Red Bulls (5).

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Send a message: E-mail your comments or thoughts to charliecorr@gmail.com.

Charlie Corr is a freelance sports writer based in Chicago. In addition to his Major League Soccer duties, he is the Chicago Sports Examiner and the creator of a Chicago-based soccer Web site, SlideTackles.net.

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