1. (1) Real Salt Lake 12-4-8
Could extend its home unbeaten streak to an MLS-record 23 games vs. Chicago on Saturday.
2. (2) FC Dallas 10-2-11
Haven’t lost in 14 straight, the 2nd-longest one-season unbeaten run in league history.
3. (4) Los Angeles Galaxy 14-5-5
Star midfielder David Beckham, tight-fitting jersey and all, is back. So are the winning ways.
4. (3) Columbus Crew 13-6-5
Hosts Seattle on Sat., which could provide a teaser look at the U.S. Open Cup final on Oct. 5.
5. (5) New York Red Bulls 12-8-4
Continue to tinker with the lineup. Will newly acquired Mehdi Ballouchy provide a boost?
6. (7) San Jose Earthquakes 9-7-6
Have easiest schedule down the stretch with four games at home and only one tough test.
7. (6) Colorado Rapids 9-7-7
Will go as far as Conor Casey and Omar Cummings (9 goals each) can take ’em. Could be far.
8. (8) Seattle Sounders FC 9-9-6
Far from home. Team will only spend one full day in Seattle between now and Sept. 26.
9. (10) Kansas City Wizards 7-9-6
Conflict with minor-league baseball playoff schedule forces them to play 3 games in 7 days.
10. (9) Chicago Fire 6-8-8
American great Brian McBride announced he will retire at season’s end. Fantastic career.
11. (11) Toronto FC 7-10-7
Wallowing Reds fire coach and ex-Tacoma Star Preki along with dir. of soccer Mo Johnston.
12. (14) Chivas USA 7-12-4
F Justin Braun (9 goals) remains lone bright spot. Some think he could get a USMNT look.
13. (12) New England Revolution 7-13-3
Final nail in the coffin could come in murderous four-game stretch vs. Colo., FCD, Crew, RSL.
14. (13) Houston Dynamo 6-12-5
With one league win since May, run of four straight trips to the playoffs is nearly sealed.
15. (15) Philadelphia Union 6-11-6
And in Game 23 the expansion side finally recorded its first shutout, blanking Chicago 1-0.
16. (16) D.C. United 5-16-3
You know it’s a bad sign when there are scenarios for your playoff elimination this weekend.