Galaxy have look of a contender

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If the playoffs began today, Landon Donovan, David Beckham & Co. would be in, L.A.'s first postseason appearance in four years. AP

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

Seeing red

After a studs-up tackle on Seattle's Pete Vagenas last weekend, David Beckham was sent off for the first time in his MLS career. The challenge was a surprisingly aggressive one from the mild-mannered Englishman -- especially since he and former teammate Vagenas are friends -- but it's perhaps an indication that Becks returned to the West Coast with a desire to win. (Of course, Mr. Posh could just be frustrated, but Free Kicks will give him the benefit of the doubt for now.) The Galaxy still can't be considered the MLS Cup favorite, but they look to be a lock to make the playoffs for the first time since Goldenballs arrived on these shores. Once Beckham returns from suspension and captain Landon Donovan recovers from swine flu, Bruce Arena's squad can make a deep run into the postseason.

Clean sheets galore

In last weekend's six matches, defenses posted six clean sheets. In fact, the exciting Houston-Chicago five-goal affair was the only game in which both teams managed to find the net. Out of 18 August matches, one team failed to score in 15 of them. On five such occasions, the home side couldn't break down the visitor's back line. Diehard soccer fans know the beauty of a clean sheet, but the casual American sports fan doesn't -- especially when the local boys fail so obviously to muster any offense. It's overstating the case to say that as goals scored go, so will attendance, but Don Garber and league officials would do well to note the trend if it continues.

A full slate

Every team except Columbus takes the field this week, with four squads -- Chicago, L.A., New England and Seattle -- playing twice. Action kicks off Wednesday when the Fire and Galaxy battle in the Windy City, while the Revs attempt to get a result against the Sounders a day later at Qwest Field. The highlight of Saturday's action sees Donovan, Beckham and the gang head into the nation's capital for a date with D.C. United. Sunday's featured game is the week's last, a match between Seattle and Houston that has huge potential playoff implications.

Week 23 Power Rankings   New Rank Previous Rank Team 1 1 Columbus Crew (10-3-9) If it's August, it's time for a win streak. Chad Marshall tallied and got an assist as Columbus rolled over a hot FC Dallas club. 2 2 Houston Dynamo (11-6-6) With a tired Stuart Holden and Brian Ching returning from Mexico, Houston managed exactly zero shots on net at RSL. 3 3 Chicago Fire (9-4-8) At K.C., Chris Rolfe and Mike Banner kept the Fire, who have a game in hand, within striking distance of Eastern leader Columbus. 4 7 Seattle Sounders FC (8-5-8) No. 1 draft pick Steve Zakuani netted his first MLS goal, while Fredy Montero hit double digits in scoring in a win at L.A. 5 4 Los Angeles Galaxy (7-3-10) With Beckham booted and Donovan only playing a half, L.A. couldn't beat the Sounders despite an enthusiastic home crowd. 6 5 D.C. United (6-5-10) Without Chris Pontius and Ben Olsen, United's vaunted offense struggled at TFC, being shut out for just the third time all season. 7 9 Toronto FC (8-7-6) O'Brian White (remember that name) opened his MLS account as a return to BMO Field proved extremely friendly for TFC. 8 6 Colorado Rapids (8-6-6) With 10 matches still remaining, Conor Casey's team should challenge for a postseason berth. 9 8 New England Revolution (6-6-6) Four points from the week -- at Seattle, home against RSL -- would fuel the playoff ambitions of Steve Nicol's squad. 10 11 Chivas USA (9-7-3) Chivas managed a win, but it'll have to beat teams better than the lowly Red Bulls if it hopes to ascend any further up these rankings. 11 10 FC Dallas (6-10-5) Jeff Cunningham's goal-scoring streak ended in Columbus at two matches and FCD's winning streak died along with it. 12 12 Real Salt Lake (7-8-6) RSL managed a good tie with the Dynamo, but will miss talisman Clint Mathis, who picked up a red card in first-half injury time. 13 13 San Jose Earthquakes (4-11-5) If there's any hope for the Quakes to make a playoff push, it must begin with three points against the Wizards this week. 14 14 Kansas City Wizards (5-8-6) Fortunately for Wiz, less than 10,000 saw as interim coach Peter Vermes' debut failed to end his side's five-match winless streak. 15 15 New York Red Bulls (2-16-4) Newly inked Argentine defender Walter García won't turn the lost season around, but perhaps he's a building block for next year.