Goal.com MLS Rankings: Playoff Chasers Jostle Rankings

1. Columbus – The Giants Stadium hex continues as the Crew watches its eight-match unbeaten streak end in the swamp. (1)

2. Houston – Looks like all of those additional games are starting to take a toll on the Dynamo. After Sunday's 1-0 loss in Colorado, Houston can't afford any more slipups with the Galaxy right behind them. Perfect time for a couple of weeks off before a huge game in Columbus on Sept. 13. (2)

3. Los Angeles – It wasn't pretty, but the Galaxy found a way to see off Chivas USA and climb to within two points of Houston for Western Conference supremacy. (3)

4. Chicago – The Fire lost a big chance to leapfrog Columbus with Saturday night's 1-0 loss to D.C. United. (4)

5. New England – Steve Ralston's goal and assist gave the Revs a third consecutive win for this first time this season and allowed them to keep pace in the playoff chase. (7)

6. Colorado – After picking up the required three points against Houston, the Rapids will need to up the tempo and the quality with Toronto FC due in town on Saturday. (8)

7. Seattle – Does anyone else feel the wheels getting a little wobbly on the bandwagon? (5)

8. Toronto FC – A well-deserved draw in Seattle could have turned into three points with better first-half finishing. (9)

9. D.C. United – Massive victory in Chicago puts United right back in the thick of the playoff race with Seattle coming to town for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final on Wednesday and a host of home games ahead. (10)

10. Real Salt Lake – Six points was just about the bare minimum RSL needed this week and they got it with wins over Chivas USA at home on Wednesday and Kansas City in Kansas on Saturday night. (11)

11. Chivas USA – The Goats have two weeks off before New England comes to town. After two losses in three games over eight days, Preki's men could use a little rest. (6)

12. FC Dallas – The Hoops could make D.C.'s playoff chase that much more difficult by mustering up a decent effort on Saturday night. (12)

13. San Jose – Talent isn't the problem. Playing consistently over 90 minutes, well, that's a different story. (13)

14. Kansas City – Unless they score in the first three minutes of Saturday's visit to New England, the Wizards will break the 427-minute club record for consecutive minutes played without scoring a goal. (14)