It was quite the week for most of the top-five teams in the Power Rankings, with three sides going down in defeat, but losing very little ground.

Of note, outside the LAFC bandwagon rolling on, were the big climbs from the New York Red Bulls and Portland Timbers. Just when everyone is ready to write off the Red Bulls, they string together three wins and a draw in their last four matches, including a 2-0 win in Cincinnati after a midweek duel with Vancouver. The more things change in Harrison, New Jersey, the more they stay the same.

The Timbers sent a clear message to the rest of their league on Saturday in a 3-1 win at Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union. New arrival Brian Fernandez is here, and he's ready to punish any mistakes. In MLS, those defensive miscues are aplenty, which bodes well for the Argentine.

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1. LAFC (10 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss)

Previous ranking: 1

Next MLS match: Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET at Portland, ESPN 2

LAFC at home: Carlos Vela scores, Carlos Vela has an assist, LAFC win in dominating fashion. This time it was the Montreal Impact getting the lather, rise and repeat treatment in the City of Angels in a 4-2 final for the hosts. You knew it was going to be a good night for LAFC when Christian Ramirez scored on this howler.

Previous ranking: 2

Next MLS match: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET at FC Dallas, ESPN+

The Sounders endured a defensive nightmare in Sunday 3-2 loss at Sporting Kansas City, at times rolling out the red carpet for Johnny Russell to get his hat trick. It was a performance that evoked memories of last month's 4-1 loss at LAFC. That said, they never threw in the towel and could have come away with a point.

Previous ranking: 3

Next MLS match: Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET vs. Sporting Kansas City, ESPN+

In Saturday's 1-0 loss at Minnesota United, Dynamo fans got a small glimpse of what life could be like without Alberth Elis, should the Honduran leave this summer for a move abroad. Elis was out with a concussion and the Houston attack was not its usual potent self. There were chances to pull level, only for some wayward finishing proving costly.

Previous ranking: 6

Next MLS match: Wednesday, 8:30 p.m. ET at Sporting Kansas City, ESPN+

Are the Galaxy back? Well, Friday's 1-0 win at Orlando City SC was definitely a step in the right direction, and winning without Zlatan Ibrahimovic always has to be considered a positive. Most importantly though, was that Guillermo Barros Schelotto's defense returned to its stingy ways in recording a clean sheet, thanks in part to a penalty save from goalkeeper David Bingham.

Previous ranking: 4

Next MLS match: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. ET vs. Colorado, ESPN+

Saturday's 3-1 home loss to Portland is one that Union boss Jim Curtin will want to forget. Usually, center backs Jack Elliot and Auston Trusty as so good on the Philadelphia back line, but they were each gutted by a rampaging Timbers attack. This is arguably the first real sign of adversity for the Union in 2019.

Previous ranking: 5

Next MLS match: Wednesday, 8 p.m. ET vs Chicago, ESPN+

There are some worrisome signs there for DC United following the 1-1 draw at New England on Saturday. Ben Olsen's team are now winless in their last three, and the attack is not firing like it was earlier in the season. Nevertheless, a late Wayne Rooney penalty was enough to nudge them to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

Previous ranking: 7

Next MLS match: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET at Columbus, ESPN+

Getting a 1-1 draw in Chicago on Saturday was a satisfactory result for NYCFC, who are now unbeaten in their last eight. Alexandru Mitrita announced his return from injury with a strong goal, and if the trio of Mitrita, Heber and Maxi Moralez can start getting a string of games together, NYCFC could make a move upward.

Previous ranking: 11

Next MLS match: Saturday, 7 p.m. ET vs. Real Salt Lake, ESPN+

Well, well, well, look who is back in the mix. The New York Red Bulls are playing their best soccer of the season and pocketed another victory, this time a 2-0 win at Cincinnati after a midweek affair with Vancouver that ended in a tie. Remember when Thierry Henry was rumored to replace Chris Armas? Seems like a lifetime ago. Armas has righted the ship.