SoccerMLS power rankings: Week 5 - Timbers chop down competition

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Kenny Cooper and the Portland Timbers are on a bit of a hot streak. (Getty Images)

Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
 
1. REAL SALT LAKE [unchanged]
Overall record: 4-0-0 (12 points)
Streak: four wins
Still the only perfect team in the league after a home win over Colorado.
 
2. PHILADELPHIA UNION [unchanged]
Overall record: 3-1-1 (10 points)
Streak: one tie (unbeaten in two)
Defensive stinginess has the Union flying high in the East.
 
3. L.A. GALAXY [unchanged]
Overall record: 3-3-1 (12 points)
Streak: one win (unbeaten in four)
Punched well above their weight, considering their injury and suspension problems.
 
4. NEW YORK RED BULLS [up from #5 ]
Overall record: 2-2-1 (8 points)
Streak: one win
Emphatic home win over 'Quakes has the Bulls on the right track again.

5. COLORADO RAPIDS [down from #5]
Overall record: 3-0-2 (9 points)
Streak: two losses
A bit unlucky not to take a point on Real Salt Lake

6. HOUSTON DYNAMO [up from #8]
Overall record: 2-2-1 (8 points)
Streak: two wins (unbeaten in four)
After a slow start, Houston has come alive the past two weeks.

7. COLUMBUS CREW [up from #12]
Overall record: 2-2-1 (8 points)
Streak: one win (unbeaten in four)
Four consecutive shutouts and an upcoming trip to BMO Field. Good times for the Crew

8. SEATTLE SOUNDERS [up from #10]
Overall record: 1-3-2 (6 points)
Streak: one tie (unbeaten in four)
Infuriatingly inconsistent from week to week.

9. PORTLAND TIMBERS [up from #18]
Overall record: 2-1-2 (7 point)
Streak: two wins (unbeaten in three)
If only they could play all their games at JELD-WEN Field.

10. D.C. UNITED [up from #16]
Overall record: 2-1-2 (7 points)
Streak: one win (unbeaten in two)
Climbing the ladder thanks in large part to Charlie Davies.

11. SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES [down from #6]
Overall record: 1-2-2 (5 points)
Streak: one loss (winless in three)
An ugly performance against the Red Bulls.

12. FC DALLAS [down from #7]
Overall record: 1-1-3 (4 points)
Streak: one loss
Left it too late in Portland as the comeback fell just short.

13. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS [up from #14]
Overall record: 1-3-2 (6 points)
Streak: one tie (winless in five)
Created a lot of scoring chances vs. Chivas, but convert any of them..

14. SPORTING KANSAS CITY [down from #13]
Overall record: 1-1-2 (4 points)
Streak: one loss (winless in three)
In a holding pattern.
 
15. TORONTO FC [unchanged]
Overall record: 1-3-2 (6 points)
Streak: one loss (winless in four)
The defence has serious problems, as evidenced by how easily DC tore them apart.
 
16. NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION [down from # 9]
Overall record: 1-3- 2 (6 points)
Streak:  two losses (winless in four)
Lost on a controversial goal to Houston, but they didn't deserve anything from that game.

17. CHICAGO FIRE [down from #11]
Overall record: 1-1-3 (4 points)
Streak: three losses
In a serious freefall.

18. CHIVAS USA [down from #15]
Overall record: 0-3-2 (3 points)
Streak: three ties (winless in five)
3 goals scored in 5 games. And you thought TFC has problems up front?

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