After posting a 1-0-1 record over the past week's worth of action, including a win over D.C. United and a draw against Toronto, the Red Bulls find themselves in third place across the board in Week 17 Power Rankings.
One common theme in three of the four rankings is the placement of D.C., a team the Red Bulls pulled out a 'W' against in front of a sold-out crowd at Red Bull Arena on June 24.
Here's what MLSsoccer.com had to say about placing the Red Bulls in third place
, one spot behind DC:
"The Red Bulls have made themselves into one of the league's toughest outs, and with a schedule that features 10 of the last 16 at home (where they're undefeated), look poised to make their first-ever serious run at a Supporters' Shield."
ESPN.com also went with the San Jose, DC, New York 1-2-3 combo
:
"At first glance, a 1-1 tie with cellar-dwelling Toronto seems like a reason for New York to hang its head. But with injuries continuing to plague the back line, plus TFC's improved play, the Red Bulls will take the point and move on."
Soccer By Ives drops a subtle hint that New York may only be in third place because of a game in hand
, which isn't all that discouraging since the Red Bulls could potentially leapfrog their rival this weekend, as D.C. will have a bye:
"Held to a 1-1 draw by Toronto, New York fell two points behind D.C. United for first place in the Eastern Conference, though the Red Bulls do have a game in hand. Getting a full 90 minutes out of Thierry Henry was an encouraging development."
I like where Sports Illustrated's Avi Creditor is going with this one
, as he gives the Red Bulls a promotion from fifth overall to third and acknowledges New York's dominance over D.C. on June 24 (making him the only one to place D.C. United below the Red Bulls):
"It's hard to argue with Hans Backe's assessment that the Red Bulls' first 55 minutes against D.C. were the most complete performance that they've turned in this season. Even with Thierry Henry on the bench, New York managed to bounce back from an opening-minute lapse to overrun D.C. and respond to the 4-1 shellacking it suffered at RFK Stadium in April."
What's your take on this week's power rankings? Let us know what you think below.
