Re-entering MLS League Play - Where they Stood, Where they Stand

SBNation's soccer writers have been doing the power poll since after week one of the season. We rank the teams by those that we expect to Compete for a Trophy, those that Will Make the Playoffs, those on the Outside Looking at the Playoffs, and those that will get the Number Three Draft Pick.

Let's look at the changes in each tier.

Tier One - This started with the Los Angeles Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, the Columbus Crew and the Seattle Sounders. Three of those teams have behaved like potential Supporters Shield or MLS Cup winners so far this season. One has not. By the definitions we use, I don't expect any team to enter the top tier.

Tier Two - The Colorado Rapids and New York Red Bulls have stayed stable in this tier where good, but not great defines the teams. Houston has dropped, as have the Kansas City Wizards while Toronto FC and the San Jose Earthquakes have lept a tier or two. There are also only 7 teams that look as likely Playoff teams. One of the teams from the next tier will make the jump.

Tier Three - FC Dallas and Chicago have both continued to perform as they were expect - mediocre. This is also where the teams that have disappointed appear. While the Wizards and Dynamo make a small fall. It is our hometown Seattle Sounders that had the biggest drop, both by underperformance and injury.

Tier Four - DC United, Philly Union and Chivas USA all stay stable as bad teams. Only one of these has chance of leaving. United might have made enough improvements that they won't be awful. New England has had the distinct displeasure of entering a tier where they look awful.

Do you think any team outside of LAG, RSL or Crew will make a run at a trophy? Do you expect the post World Cup additions/signings will turn these rankings on their ear?