Texas teams head separate ways

Stuart Holden (right) and Houston are on the way up, while David Ferreira and FC Dallas are going in the opposite direction. Anthony Vasser/Icon SMI

Our weekly dose of Major League Soccer quick takes, plotlines to watch and Power Rankings.

Big trouble in Big D

Last week, FC Dallas defender Anthony Wallace told Free Kicks his struggling club had rededicated itself after a slow start. "Training has been a lot better this week," the 20-year-old said over the phone. "Everybody is real focused and getting our priorities straight, getting a win at least." Looks like he'll have to wait at least one more week. While the team's league-worst back line only surrendered a single goal, its offense couldn't find the back of the net as FCD fell 1-0 to Houston. The Hoops remain winless at Robertson Stadium and in last place out West. Perhaps "Wally" deserves some PT?

Wide-open East

Just three points separate Eastern Conference leader D.C. United, which has 14 points, from fourth-place Kansas City. Toronto FC (13 points) and Chicago (12) are wedged in between. The four clubs played a total of six matches over the past week but didn't register a single victory (five ties and one loss). Unlike the Western Conference, where Chivas USA opened up an eight-point lead over its nearest competitor, the East remains anyone's game. Multiple squads, from New England to D.C., have been poised to separate from the field, but no team has capitalized. The battle will rage all summer.

Attack and defend in L.A.

In Week 10's marquee matchup, D.C. heads to Los Angeles on Saturday to battle Chivas in a fight between the two conference leaders. Zach Thornton continued his remarkable run of recent form over the weekend, posting his sixth shutout on the young season. United's offense, however, boasts a league-high 15 goals and will provide a stiff test for the impenetrable wall Preki has fashioned. Elsewhere, New England will attempt to return to winning form at home against Colorado and Seattle travels to Dallas for a very winnable match.

Week 9 Power Rankings   New Rank Previous Rank Team 1 1 Chivas USA (7-1-1) After giving up only three goals in nine matches, Goats continue to consolidate stranglehold on early claims to the Supporters' Shield. 2 2 Seattle Sounders FC (4-2-2) Much to Sigi Schmid's chagrin, his Sounders squad sees red frequently. Luckily, the team plays well with only 10 men. 3 3 Chicago Fire (2-0-6) The Fire probably deserved better vs. the Revs, but gave up a lead in their third home match in a row. 4 4 D.C. United (3-1-5) Jaime Moreno ensured the tie, but rookies Chris Pontius (one goal) and Rodney Wallace (two assists) continue to produce. 5 5 Toronto FC (3-2-4) Unlucky not to win at home after Dwayne De Rosario's second tally looked to put the match out of reach in the 87th minute. 6 6 Colorado Rapids (3-2-2) An off-week for the Rapids comes at a good time for a club that's well positioned in the Western Conference. 7 9 Houston Dynamo (3-2-2) Stuart Holden continues to find himself as a playmaker, notching another assist in the Dynamo's third straight victory. 8 12 Columbus Crew (1-2-5) Frankie Hedjuk's return helped Columbus pick up its first victory of the season vs. Wizards in a wild one at Crew Stadium. 9 8 Kansas City Wizards (3-4-2) The Wiz had tired legs against Columbus after a midweek tilt with D.C. ended in a draw. 10 11 Los Angeles Galaxy (1-1-6) Couldn't capitalize a man up in Seattle, but inching toward a win and found offense from someone other than Landon Donovan. 11 10 New England Revolution (2-2-3) The Revs finally scored after 269 minutes as Shalrie Joseph again saved his club from defeat with a game-tying goal. 12 14 New York Red Bulls (2-5-2) The Red Bulls showed their offensive capability for the first time this season, scoring three with blinding speed on San Jose. 13 7 Real Salt Lake (3-4-1) RSL still hasn't tallied away from Rio Tinto Stadium, but no one is getting past Chivas' defense these days. 14 15 FC Dallas (1-6-1) Changes to FCD's epically weak back line helped shore up the D, but the result was the same: another loss. 15 13 San Jose Earthquakes (1-5-2) The debacle against New York sends the Quakes to the bottom of the Power Rankings for the first time this season.