MLS power rankings

1. Columbus

Record: 16-6-5. Was: 1. Note: One more win and the Crew wrap up the coveted Supporters Shield. Next: at Chicago, Sunday.

2. Houston

Record: 11-5-10. Was: 2. Note: Those early season struggles by the Dynamo are a thing of the past. Next: vs. D.C. United, Sunday.

3. Chivas USA

Record: 11-10-6. Was: 4. Note: Routed D.C. United on the road and are peaking at the right time. Next: at San Jose, Saturday.

4. New England

Record: 12-8-7. Was: 3. Note: Clinched playoff berth last weekend despite poor performance against RSL. Next: at Kansas City, Saturday.

5. Chicago

Record: 12-9-6. Was: 5. Note: Could've moved up the standings but settled for a draw at Kansas City. Next: vs. Columbus, Sunday.

6. Real Salt Lake

Record: 9-10-8. Was: 7. Note: Opens Rio Tinto Stadium this week in a must-win situation against New York. Next: vs. New York, Thursday.

7. Colorado

Record: 10-3-4. Was: 7. Note: Playoff hopes will likely come down to final match of the season against RSL. Next: at L.A. Galaxy, Sunday.

8. FC Dallas

Record: 8-9-10. Was: 9. Note: The Hoops have a favorable schedule down the stretch in quest to make the playoffs. Next: vs. Toronto FC, Saturday.

9. Kansas City

Record: 8-10-9. Was: 13. Note: The Wizards are definitely still on the playoff bubble with two of its last three games at home. Next: vs. New England, Saturday.

10. Toronto FC

Record: 8-12-7. Was: 14. Note: Probably needs to win its final three games to make the playoffs. Next: at FC Dallas, Saturday.

11. San Jose

Record: 7-10-9. Was: 10. Note: The Quakes are five points out of a playoff spot, but do have a game in hand. Next: vs. Chivas USA, Saturday.

12. New York

Record: 9-10-8. Was: 8. Note: Need points and would love nothing more than to spoil Rio Tinto Stadium debut. Next: at Real Salt Lake, Thursday.

13. L.A. Galaxy

Record: 7-12-8. Was: 12. Note: Big-spending Galaxy would need a miracle to make the playoffs at this point. Next: vs. Colorado, Sunday.

14. D.C. United

Record: 10-14-3. Was: 11. Note: Has lost three straight league games by a combined total of 11-2. Next: at Houston, Sunday.