Timbers Rise to 4th In MLS Power Rankings

This week saw the Portland Timbers rise up to the position of 4th in the latest MLS Power Rankings. It doesn’t mean as much when compared to the fact that we’re standing second in the Western Conference.

In fact, the Power Rankings mean nothing in the practical sense but they’re a lot of fun. Especially when our league rivals, the Seattle Sounders, finally climbed into the Top 10 and are sitting at 8th.

But I still have to ask: Why are the Timbers only ranked 4th?

Nine games in a row without a loss. Victories over Houston, Sporting Kansas City and some tough road draws. How does this not spell at least 3rd for us? Sporting Kansas City sits at 3, and they’ve had three losses in their last five games. The only explanation is that draw to New England at home, a game that is an anomaly within our season.

If games like New England start turning into wins, which we have already shown they can be in our masterful performance against Chivas USA, we’ll rise up those Power Rankings. Better yet, we’ll assure a playoff and potentially a regular season title.

In other news, three Timbers were named to team of the week. Diego Valeri, Diego Chara and Rodney Wallace. Diego Valeri highlights the honors as he was awarded Top Performer of the Week beating out Vancouver’s Russel Tiebert and Seattle’s Lamar Neagle.

Lastly, the Cascadia trio (Portland, Vancouver and Seattle) all played the California teams (Galaxy, Earthquakes and Chivas USA) this weekend and outscored their opponents 10-1 in three wins. As much as we want Seattle and Vancouver to lose, some regional pride is nice.