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ProSoccerTalk’s weekly MLS rankings (in two parts)

Toronto FC's Ryan Johnson hits New York Red Bulls' Tim Ream with the ball in the second half of their MLS soccer match

Toronto FC’s Ryan Johnson hits New York Red Bulls’ Tim Ream with the ball in the second half of their MLS soccer match in Toronto, October 1, 2011. REUTERS/Fred Thornhill (CANADA - Tags: SPORT SOCCER)

REUTERS

Philadelphia just keeps climbing after another win under John Hackworth. Meanwhile, Portland drops to the bottom after conceding a five-spot at home. Here are Nos. 11-19 in the ProSoccerTalk’s weekly rankings countdown.

(Nos. 1-10 are on deck …so check back)

19. Portland Timbers – The bold managerial change is off to a bad start: No matter the opposition, giving up five goals at home is just brutal. (Portland fell to the L.A. Galaxy, 5-3.)

18. FC Dallas – The team went into Denver and left with its first win since April, a full 13 games back. David Ferreira’s presence makes a world of difference, especially to players like speedy winger Fabian Castillo; now, if they can just get Brek Shea straightened out.

17. Montréal Impact – Italian defender Alessandro Nesta can’t get on the field fast enough. You have to wonder if Montreal could have held the 1-1 draw Saturday at Philadelphia with an old hand like him around to steady the ship. (Philly scored on a last kick to take all the points.)

16. Toronto FC – Just when things looked so swell under Paul Mariner, the Danny Koevermans’ injury news land with devastating effect. The Dutch forward is out for the season with a serious knee injury picked up in Saturday’s win at New England. Ryan Johnson (pictured), you are on the spot.

15. Colorado Rapids – Goalkeeper Matt Pickens, whose team has lost five of six, including Saturday’s home setback against FC Dallas: “It’s pretty damn embarrassing. This is the toughest stretch I’ve ever been on as a soccer player. But you can’t do anything but get back on the field and keep working.”

14. Chivas USA – The Goats had a much-needed week off; Juan Pablo Ángel, Juan Agudelo and Nick LaBrocca are among the still-healing set. This week turns busy with a mid-week visit from Portland followed three nights later by the next L.A. SuperClasico vs. the Galaxy.

Toronto FC v Columbus Crew

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 10: Dilly Duka #11 of the Columbus Crew controls the ball against Toronto FC on September 10, 2011 at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Getty Images

13. Philadelphia Union – Interim manager John Hackworth is making a great case to keep the job at season’s end, as Philly has won four of its last five. The latest was thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Carlos Valdes. Another error from young goalkeeper Zac MacMath nearly turned disastrous; it’s just what you get with young ‘keepers.

12. Columbus Crew – A loss in Ohio to Sporting Kansas City was Columbus’ second in a row and third in four matches. This week’s home match against D.C. United looms large. Dilly Duka’s second half entrance was a bright spot Saturday, at least.

11. New England Revolution – Saturday’s tough loss at home to Toronto snapped a five-game unbeaten streak. Jay Heaps’ team will try to regain the momentum this week at Montreal – but won’t do so without some better finishing. Three nights later, they are in Kansas City.