Head Games

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2013 Power Rankings: April 15
 RK (LW)TEAMRECCOMMENT
FC Dallas1 (2)FC Dallas5-1-1George John needed five staples to close a cut on his head thanks to an errant beer bottle, but he was feeling little pain after his goal gave FCD a 1-0 win over the Galaxy. Raul Fernandez was also among the heroes, saving Landon Donovan's penalty.
Los Angeles2 (1)Los Angeles2-1-2The Galaxy were fuming after Leonardo's red card but could have few complaints after Donovan squandered his chance to put L.A. in control with a penalty of his own. Combined with its CONCACAF Champions League exit, it was a rough week.
Kansas City3 (3)Kansas City3-1-2SKC had the weekend off, and the rest will come in handy. Kansas City plays on each coast this week, at New York on Wednesday, then in Los Angeles at the weekend.
Montreal Impact4 (4)Montreal Impact4-1-1A draw was about what Montreal deserved after Columbus squandered clear chances in the first half. Marco Di Vaio's screamer put the home side ahead, only for Columbus to pull level in equally impressive fashion.
Houston5 (6)Houston4-2-0With 35 home games in a row unbeaten in all competitions, Houston now has the record all to itself after a 2-1 win over Chicago. Dominic Kinnear credited a good team. Luck helps, as evidenced by Brad Davis' seeing-eye game-winner.
Chivas USA6 (5)Chivas USA3-2-1The Goats looked short of energy and execution -- especially when Erick Correa hit his penalty off the bar -- in losing 1-0 to Colorado. After playing five of their first six games at home, a stretch of three of four on the road beckons.
Portland Timbers7 (12)Portland Timbers2-1-3Caleb Porter is no doubt still celebrating the day that Will Johnson became available in a trade. The midfielder, acquired from RSL in the offseason, bagged his third goal of the season, a magnificent free kick to beat San Jose 1-0.
Real Salt Lake8 (8)Real Salt Lake2-3-2Substitute Olmes Garcia nearly sent RSL home a winner with a spectacular goal. But an unfortunate slip and subsequent handball by Nat Borchers allowed Vancouver to tie. After playing five of seven away, RSL now has three straight at home.
Columbus9 (11)Columbus2-1-3One golazo deserved another. After Di Vaio's aforementioned blast put Montreal ahead, Dominic Oduro replied with a highlight-reel tally to add to Columbus' impressive road record that now stands at 2-1-1.
Vancouver Whitecaps10 (7)Vancouver Whitecaps2-2-2Despite Camilo's late equalizer from the spot, Vancouver will feel it should have gotten more out of the game but ran into an inspired Nick Rimando in the RSL goal. Joe Cannon did his bit as well, denying Borchers' late header.
Philadelphia Union11 (10)Philadelphia Union2-2-2Saturday's match with Toronto was ugly in many respects, despite the Union being on the front foot for most of it. All the more reason to be thankful for Jack McInerney side-footing home a stoppage-time equalizer.
San Jose12 (9)San Jose2-3-2The red card to Alan Gordon cut deep in San Jose's 1-0 loss to Portland, and he will be sitting for a while after he was caught dropping a homophobic slur on Will Johnson. Yet another headache this struggling side doesn't need.
Colorado13 (16)Colorado2-3-2After recording its second straight win, a 1-0 road triumph at Chivas USA, things are looking up for the Rapids, who have received good performances from the younger elements of its injury-hit lineup, including goal scorer Deshorn Brown.
New York Red Bulls14 (18)New York Red Bulls2-3-2Mike Petke's side delivered the kind of consistent, composed performance that has been largely absent. Goals from Thierry Henry and Jamison Olave put the Red Bulls ahead against D.C. United, then the defense comfortably saw out the match.
New England15 (13)New England1-2-2The Revs' revamped defense once again allowed it to bag a result on the road, tying Seattle 0-0. As for the attack, there's still work to be done, although Saer Sene's return from injury put a charge into New England's offense late.
Toronto FC16 (14)Toronto FC1-2-3Toronto was left fuming over Ashtone Morgan's red card in the 88th minute, especially after the Union equalized in stoppage time. But good teams find a way to close out games like that, even with 10 men. Pity for keeper Joe Bendik, who was outstanding.
Chicago17 (17)Chicago1-4-1The Fire looked vastly improved against Houston, with their midfield looking much sharper than in the season's opening weeks. But it wasn't enough to prevent a 2-1 loss. At least there's hope now in the Windy City.
DC United18 (15)DC United1-4-1Ben Olsen told the media that his team was easy to play against on Saturday against New York. That's about as accurate a summary as possible, given that United fell behind 2-0 early and never looked capable of a comeback. Olsen has work to do.
Seattle Sounders FC19 (19)Seattle Sounders FC0-3-2The ball just doesn't want to go in for the Sounders at the moment. Despite dominating almost the entire match against New England, Seattle was forced to settle for a 0-0 home draw and remains the league's only winless team.