Sounders silence opposition again

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2012 Power Rankings: March 26
 RK (LW)TEAMRECCOMMENT
Seattle Sounders FC1 (2)Seattle Sounders FC2-0-0You know a striker is on fire when even his deflected efforts find the back of the net. So it goes for David Estrada, who tallied his fourth goal in two league games in Seattle's 2-0 win over Houston.
Kansas City2 (3)Kansas City3-0-0Sunday's encounter was more akin to an edition of "WWE Raw," but SKC ultimately prevailed on Kei Kamara's late tally, allowing him to atone for failing to convert an earlier penalty.
Real Salt Lake3 (1)Real Salt Lake2-1-0Sometimes MLS throws up a shocker, and this past weekend RSL was the victim, losing at home to Chivas USA thanks to a rare blunder by keeper Nick Rimando. Given how RSL otherwise dominated, manager Jason Kreis shouldn't lose too much sleep.
Los Angeles4 (4)Los Angeles1-1-0The Galaxy had the weekend off, but it was likely in anticipation of CONCACAF Champions League commitments that never came to pass. A home date with New England awaits.
Houston5 (5)Houston2-1-0The Dynamo's two-game winning streak ended against Seattle, but six points from three road games still counts as a decent haul for the Dynamo, who get a three-week break until their next league match against Chicago.
Chicago6 (10)Chicago1-0-1Dominic Oduro nabbed his second goal in as many games -- on a header, no less -- to pace Chicago, but the Fire also had keeper Paolo Tornaghi to thank for their 1-0 win over Philadelphia, as the Italian delivered several critical stops.
Vancouver Whitecaps7 (8)Vancouver Whitecaps2-0-1A scoreless draw at home against D.C. United will count as a disappointment for Martin Rennie's side. One positive is that the Whitecaps have yet to concede a goal this season, with Joe Cannon delivering one miraculous stop from Hamdi Salihi.
San Jose8 (11)San Jose2-1-0Frank Yallop's offseason quest to add speed to his lineup paid off, as San Jose's counterattack helped throttle Toronto 3-0. Chris Wondolowski led the charge with two goals, and he'll get plenty more if Sam Cronin continues his laser-guided passing.
New York Red Bulls9 (12)New York Red Bulls1-2-0The Red Bulls were beneficiaries of Colorado's largesse in winning 4-1, but they also benefited from the insertions of Kenny Cooper, Rafa Marquez and Wilman Conde into the starting lineup, with Conde doing plenty to solidify New York's defense.
Colorado10 (6)Colorado2-1-0Charity didn't start at home for the Rapids during their 4-1 loss to New York. Rather, it began with their midfield, which gifted the Red Bulls two early goals because of some ridiculous giveaways.
Portland Timbers11 (7)Portland Timbers1-1-1It's still too early to tell whether Portland will be better on the road this season, but conceding the game winner after a scant 28 seconds against a hobbled New England side is a step backward for the Timbers.
FC Dallas12 (9)FC Dallas1-1-1Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman went from hero to goat against Kansas City, saving a first-half penalty but then taking a poor angle on Chance Myers' late cross that allowed Kei Kamara to stab home the game winner at the near post.
Columbus13 (13)Columbus1-1-0After Columbus benefited from a penalty and an ejection in the first 30 minutes against Montreal, it's tough to gauge how good the Crew are. But manager Robert Warzycha will be happy with the three points.
Chivas USA14 (19)Chivas USA1-2-0The apprentice (Robin Fraser) put one over on his former master (Jason Kreis), as Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy again came up huge in the Goats' 1-0 win.
DC United15 (14)DC United0-2-1It was a step in the right direction for United, which nabbed a road draw in Vancouver to secure its first point of the season. An improved defense deserved a lot of the credit.
New England16 (18)New England1-2-0The Revs gave Jay Heaps his first career coaching victory in his third attempt. Saer Sene got the lone goal in the win against Portland, but it was Shalrie Joseph's stellar work as a makeshift center back that keyed the victory.
Montreal Impact17 (16)Montreal Impact0-2-1Chances are the Impact won't be sending referee Mark Geiger any Easter baskets after he ejected Jeb Brovsky in the 19th minute, then awarded Columbus a dubious penalty 11 minutes later. The subsequent uphill climb proved too much for Montreal.
Toronto FC18 (15)Toronto FC0-2-0Aron Winter is well into his second year in charge, and he still looks no closer to sorting out his defense. With Torsten Frings out for another month, Winter's only option is to hope Adrian Cann quickly recovers from his knee injury.
Philadelphia Union19 (17)Philadelphia Union0-3-0The Union are sinking fast after dropping their third straight game, this time against Chicago 1-0. Philadelphia offered little in attack, and a moment's hesitation cost goalkeeper Zac MacMath once again.