USL Power Rankings - Canadian Domination

Our second edition of the Power Rankings finds the two teams north of the border the clear leaders and top teams in the league. Maybe MLS needs to put teams there so that they can quit terrorizing the rest of the league.

1. Vancouver Whitecaps - One of two undefeated teams, the Whitecaps dominated Seattle on Saturday, coming from behind to win 3-1 at Qwest Field. They vault into the top spot thanks to that performance, and could make it 6 points this weekend with a back-to-back at California before hosting Rochester.

2. Montreal Impact - It wasn't a great game, but they pulled out a 1-1 draw in Puerto Rico. Coupled with their 2-2 draw at Atlanta earlier in the season, it seems the Impact hasn't lost a step, as they continue to annoy the rest of the league with their hard-fought results. After 4 games on the road to open the season, they'll have 6 in a row at home now. I can see this team unbeaten in their first 10.

3. Portland Timbers - For me, it's a big drop off after the first two. The Timbers might be higher than they should, but I was really impressed in their 2-0 victory over Rochester on Sunday. They get a week off before hosting California and Carolina, two games which should help their place in the standings.

4. Atlanta Silverbacks - The same old Silverbacks showed their faces on Saturday night in a game that they had no business losing. Read Shoe's report here. They needed the three points before heading to Puerto Rico and Miami this weekend. If they can get 3 or 4 points, maybe this team can save itself from another season of great promises and lackluster results.

5. Rochester Raging Rhinos - I was all ready to put the Rhinos in 3rd, that is until looking awful against Portland on Sunday. They just weren't in it. Sorry guys, but you can't play California every day. Rochester stays out west this weekend as they travel to Seattle and Vancouver for two big games.

6. Puerto Rico Islanders - You can't blame Mauricio Salles for this one. The Islanders just looked flat and clawed out a 1-1 draw at home to Montreal on Friday. I know the Islanders are a better team than this, but after an opening day win, three draws and a loss don't look too good. They'll entertain both Atlanta and Minnesota this weekend, as I'm sure they'll recommend the nearest casino.

7. Charleston Battery - Low and behold, the Battery win! Granted, Miami isn't that great, but the Battery hasn't looked that great either. I'll be highly interested in Saturday's match at Carolina to see if Charleston is as bad as I think they are....

8. Carolina RailHawks - And to see if Carolina can capitalize on last Saturday's 2-1 win in Atlanta. It looks like the win over the Chivas USA B-team (plus Sacha Kljestan) helped. Nah, it was the terrible coaching by Jason Smith of the Silverbacks that was the main factor on Saturday. Either way, they're currently in 1st place in the Southern Derby, with their 2nd game coming on Saturday.

9. Seattle Sounders - Ouch. I'm glad I'm not a Sounders fan, or I'd be highly pissed at the team for looking so bad against Vancouver. And at home to boot. It's all going wrong for the Sounders, as alumni Maykel Galindo is currently injured and Preston Burpo was beaten 2-0 by a USL team in Carolina. A strange weekend ahead for the Sounders, as they host Rochester on Friday before heading to Montreal on Sunday.

10. Miami FC - If anyone is interested in the FSC game on Friday against Minnesota, raise your hand. Didn't think so. This team is bad, and they're going to look worse on TV with 200 people there. Unfortunately someone is going to get points on Friday.

11. Minnesota Thunder - See above. At least Minnesota didn't play this week to lose again. I hate to call it a must-win on Friday this early in the season, but something needs to change for the Thunder.

12. California Victory - I guess the Vancouver tie was an anomaly, as they looked terrible against Rochester on Saturday. One of two teams without a win, I don't look for them to get their first when they host Vancouver on Saturday.