Toronto keeps its spot at the bottom, but for how much longer? New manager Paul Mariner seems to have the Reds moving in the right direction. Here are Nos. 11-19 in the ProSoccerTalk’s rankings countdown.
(Nos. 1-10 are on deck …so check back)
19. Toronto FC – Signs of life? No wins to report during Paul Mariner’s second and third matches in charge along Exhibition Place. But no losses either! The Reds did cough up two-goal leads in both Round 16 contests, but a draw at Houston and at home against New England does represent progress.
18. FC Dallas – Dallas dominated Chivas USA at home but failed to find the goal in a 0-0 draw – in a match the home team absolutely had to have. Brek Shea was back from injury and represented Dallas’ best threat.
17. Philadelphia Union – Things are looking up at PPL Park, where interim coach John Hackworth hit the right buttons in a 4-0 win over Sporting Kansas City. Yes, a 4-0 win, the second four-goal margin in the club’s brief history.
16. Portland Timbers – Did head coach John Spencer rescue his employment with a massive win over rival Seattle? Only owner Merritt Paulson could say for sure. Either way, goals by Kris Boyd (pictured) and David Horst helped make things temporarily right in Portland as the Timbers made memories with a win over rival Seattle.
15. Chivas USA – Robin Fraser’s men quietly made headway in the Western Conference standings last week, winning at home over Montreal and earning a draw on the road. The problem is that Los Angeles made a little more of it.
14. Colorado Rapids – Rapids defender Drew Moor, after his team let one get away as San Jose scored two late to smite the home team: “I’ve been here for a little bit now, and this one stings as much as any loss I’ve ever had. It has nothing to do with coaching, tactics, formations, it’s just guys digging deep on the field and grinding out results.”
13. Montréal Impact – Jesse Marsch’s team has won two of its last three, including worthwhile wins over Seattle and Houston at Stade Saputo. Saturday’s 4-2 margin over the Dynamo may have been the team’s last match without newly signed Designated Player Marco Di Vaio, who looks ready to go Wednesday at home against Toronto. That’s exciting stuff.
12. New England Revolution – Jay Heaps’ men fell behind early but came roaring back at Toronto. Chris Tierney’s stoppage time header helped rescue a point – not a bad result, at all, considering the Revs were without top man Shalrie Joseph. Benny Feilhaber came on strong, late in this one.
11. Columbus Crew – The men in yellow had a man advantage for the last half hour at Chicago but couldn’t overcome an early deficit. They’ll need to correct some of the hurtful sloppiness with Real Salt Lake coming in town this weekend. If every Crew starter can be as productive as midfielder Tony Tchani (perhaps his best outing yet in Columbus), things will improve quickly.