MLS Power Rankings: LA Galaxy Capitalize After a Wild Week 30

Week 30 in MLS was one of the most dramatic rounds of the season. Many of the league's top sides dropped points this past weekend. However, other teams managed to pick up crucial wins as they fight for a spot in the playoffs. With so many differing results, the power rankings have been significantly altered. As always, teams will be ranked based on the following criteria: Quality of opponent and performance Recent form beyond the last week Key absences Current standing Remaining games in hand (if applicable) Here are the latest MLS power rankings.Begin Slideshow

MLS Player Rankings: Giovinco Goes Top, Drogba Surges

Week 30 in Major League Soccer belonged to the designated players.  Sebastian Giovinco, Didier Drogba, David Villa, Obafemi Martins, Robbie Keane, Michael Bradley and a few others made a massive impact on their respective matches over the last week.  The performances put in by Giovinco and Drogba stood out the most as the Italian made league history with his 20th goal of the season, while the Ivorian's hot start continued Montreal's push toward the playoffs.  Due to the dynamic play of the high-priced talents across the league in Week 30, we have plenty of movement throughout the latest MLS Player Rankings.  Our player rankings take into account form over the last four matches with the player's most-recent performance holding more stock than the other three.  Continue reading to see who else earned a spot on the list of the top-20 players in MLS after Week 30.Begin Slideshow

MLS Team of the Week: Drogba, Lampard, Kaka Star in Week 30

The 20th season of Major League Soccer has seen plenty of all-time greats join the ranks and in Week 30 some of those superstars were at their best.  Didier Drogba stole most of the headlines for his brace in Montreal's win over slumping D.C. United, but Kaka and Frank Lampard also played key roles for their respective sides in victories this weekend.  The trio of experienced veterans are joined by a bright rookie in the latest edition of our MLS Team of the Week. Although Drogba's goals may have been the most appealing visually, Cyle Larin produced the best single-game performance of the week as he scored on three occasions in Orlando City's shock road win over the New York Red Bulls. Also included in the best 11 from Week 30 are a pair of Portland Timbers, a goalkeeper who 'stood on his head' and then some, and a midfielder who was sent off immediately after scoring the game-winning goal for his club on Sunday. Due to the plethora of standout attacking showings in Week 30, we shaped out Team of the Week in a 3-4-3. Continue reading to see who joined Drogba, Lampard and Kaka in thee MLS Team of the Week.Begin Slideshow

Steven Gerrard Scores His 2nd MLS Goal for LA Galaxy

The Los Angeles Galaxy beat Dallas 3-2 on Sunday night, and Steven Gerrard scored his second MLS goal since joining the American club. It wasn't a vintage strike from Gerrard, but the former Liverpool man will be delighted that he found the scoresheet. [Twitter: @MLS]Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Exquisite Sebastian Giovinco Chip Finds the Net V Chicago Fire

Sebastian Giovinco was the star again for Toronto on Saturday, as his exquisite outside-of-the-boot chip found the net via the slightest of touches from team-mate Jonathan Osorio.The Italian's moment of magic was the highlight as he helped his side to a 3-2 win over Chicago Fire.Giovinco has been the standout performer in MLS since joining the Reds from Juventus in February.[Twitter: @hashtag_66]Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Frank Lampard Scores Trademark Strike to Finish Move Started by Andrea Pirlo

Two of New York City FC's biggest names combined to devastating effect in their 2-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday night.Former Juventus star Andrea Pirlo started the move by sliding in Angelino, whose low cross was met by a trademark late run and finish by Frank Lampard.It was the sort of goal Lampard became synonymous with during his prolific 13-year spell with Chelsea, while Italian football fans will not be at all surprised to witness Pirlo's role in the build up.[Twitter: @NYCFC]Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Montreal Impact’s Didier Drogba Hits 2 Classy Goals in 11-Minute Span

Didier Drogba is a 37-year-old man, but you wouldn't know it by the display he put on for the Montreal Impact on Saturday.  The Chelsea legend scored twice in an 11-minute span, and his brace against D.C. United was an impressive one.  He drilled a perfect free-kick to open the scoring.  He got his second of the match with a classy chipped finish to give the hosts a 2-0 advantage.  [Twitter] Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

New York Red Bulls Combine Pair of Headers to Score on Beautiful Set Piece

The New York Red Bulls combined a pair of headers to score on a beautiful set piece that tied Friday's game against Orlando City.In the 29th minute, Sacha Kljestan placed a free kick perfectly to the far post for Matt Miazga, who headed it down to Dax McCarty. The midfielder finished it off with a header of his own.  Despite the valiant effort, the Red Bulls lost 5-2.[MLS, h/t SB Nation]Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Ultimate Guide to MLS Weekend: Real Salt Lake Looks to Continue Late Surge

After months of uncertainty caused by formation tinkering and roster moves, Real Salt Lake finally looks the playoff contender we all know it to be.  The seven-time postseason participant left it until the last-possible moment to begin its charge up the Western Conference standings, but all that matters entering the final weekend of September is the club's position to pounce.  Sunday night's trip to Avaya Stadium presents the Claret and Cobalt with a perfect opportunity to climb into at least a tie for the final playoff position in the Western Conference if all goes well. Even if Jeff Cassar's side can't crack the top six after Week 30, it would keep the positive momentum rolling with a win over the plummeting San Jose Earthquakes.  RSL's assault on the top six almost never happened as the club went into the most-recent international break on the heels of a heartbreaking defeat against FC Dallas. RSL had a chance to level the contest at Toyota Stadium from the spot, but club stalwart Javier Morales uncharacteristically missed a penalty in the 78th minute. One minute later, FC Dallas went down the field and sealed a 2-0 victory that at the time seemed to shut the door on RSL's playoff ...

MLS Power Rankings: Eastern Conference Dominates the Top 5

There are only few weeks remaining until the MLS regular season ends and the playoffs begin. Teams are jockeying for the top seeds in their respective conferences as the campaign nears its end. The West's top sides slipped up, but the East capitalized and those clubs have been rewarded in this week's power rankings. As always, teams will be ranked based on the following criteria: Quality of opponent and performance Recent form beyond the last week Key absences Current standing Remaining games in hand (if applicable) Here's where all 20 teams stand after Week 29.Begin Slideshow