Draws were abound in MLS Week 2. Only three of the 16 clubs in action managed to capture the full three points, chief among them the Houston Dynamo. Only three teams-the Dynamo, Columbus Crew and Toronto FC-will enter Week 3 with an unblemished record.
Here's a look at the MLS Power Rankings after just two weeks of play:
1. Houston Dynamo (2-0-0)
The Houston Dynamo kept riding the momentous wave in Week 2. A victory over the Montreal Impact pushed the club to six points through two matches against 2013 playoff competition.
2. Real Salt Lake (1-0-1)
Real Salt Lake failed to hold on to a two-goal halftime lead and settled for a draw with the San Jose Earthquakes. With two difficult road matches behind them, the Claret and Cobalt should be positive about the four accumulated points.
3. Philadelphia Union (1-0-1)
The Philadelphia Union built on their 1-1 draw with the Portland Timbers in Week 2. A 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution pushed the club to four points.
4. Toronto FC (1-0-0)
It was an impressive debut from the 2014 version of Toronto FC. The Reds captured a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders thanks to a brace from the newly acquired Jermain Defoe.
5. Columbus Crew (1-0-0)
The Columbus Crew were idle in Week 2, but remained in the top five of the strength of their impressive season opener against D.C. United.
6. FC Dallas (1-0-1)
A late equalizer from Matt Hedges allowed FC Dallas to capture a point against the reigning MLS Cup champions. The 1-1 draw pushed the Hoops to four points.
7. Vancouver Whitecaps (1-0-1)
The Vancouver Whitecaps were unable to capitalize after Chivas USA's Agustin Pelletieri was sent off in the 13th minute. Despite the man advantage, the Whitecaps had to rally back to earn a draw thanks to a Kekuta Manneh goal in the 81'.
8. Portland Timbers (0-0-2)
At some point, the Timbers are going to have to transform these draws into victories. After salvaging a point at home in Week 1, Gastón Fernandez once again had to come to his club's rescue. The Argentine equalized the affair in the 79'.
9. Seattle Sounders (1-1-0)
In the most anticipated match of Week 2, the Seattle Sounders fell to an upstart Toronto FC side at CenturyLink Field. The good news for the club: Clint Dempsey finally scored.
10. LA Galaxy (0-1-0)
The Los Angeles Galaxy were idle this week and are preparing for their midweek CONCACAF Champions League battle with Club Tijuana.
11. Sporting Kansas City (0-1-1)
This isn't exactly the best way to defend your crown. After conceding a late match-winner in Week 1, Sporting Kansas City conceded a late equalizer against FC Dallas that prevented them from capturing their first three points of the season.
12. Chivas USA (1-0-1)
Chivas USA continued to surprise in Week 2. The club managed to survive an early ejection from Augustin Pelletieri and captured a 1-1 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps. Unfortunately, less than 7,000 were in attendance to witness it.
13. New York Red Bulls (0-1-1)
Another year, another slow start for the New York Red Bulls. The club was unable to hold onto a 1-0 lead in Week 2. A controversial penalty awarded to the Colorado Rapids in the second half didn't help matters, either. The good news for the club: Thierry Henry opened his 2014 MLS account.
14. Colorado Rapids (0-0-1)
Despite spending a majority of the match on the ground, the Colorado Rapids managed to capture a 1-1 draw in Pablo Mastroeni's head coaching debut. The club looked the better side for decent spells in the first half.
15. San Jose Earthquakes (0-0-1)
Goonies truly never say die. The San Jose Earthquakes followed up a late equalizer in the CONCACAF Champions League with a late equalizer in their season opener. Victor Bernardez's goal in the 95' allowed the club to capture a 3-3 draw with Real Salt Lake.
16. Chicago Fire (0-1-1)
The Chicago Fire are still in search of their first victory of 2014; however, earning a point at Providence Park is something that shouldn't be overlooked.
17. Montreal Impact (0-2-0)
The Montreal Impact are also in search of victory No. 1. A pair of tough road matches hasn't done the club any favors. Fortunately for the Impact, the club returns home in Week 3.
18. New England Revolution (0-2-0)
It wasn't 4-0, but the New England Revolution were once again shutout in Week 2. This time, it was a 1-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union that kept the Revs in the Eastern Conference cellar.
19. DC United (0-1-0)
D.C. United were idle in Week 2. The fanbase was given the week off to recover from the club's poor showing in Week 1.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.