Week 18 of MLS saw a number of teams return from their World Cup bye hoping to start their push for a playoff place. How did they get on? Well, here are the Week 18 power rankings.

MLS rumbles on and the shocks don’t stop coming. This time, it was Sporting KC losing 2-0 to the Montreal Impact and opening the door at the top of the West, a conference that they have had a stranglehold over for almost all of the season.

Meanwhile, the New York Red Bulls squeezed past Toronto FC, DC United lost again, but did sign Wayne Rooney to help their quest for goals, and Atlanta United hit four past Orlando City to reassert their goalscoring dominance.

So, here are the Week 18 power rankings as teams begin to start their push for a playoff place.

Bottom of the Barrel

23 San Jose EarthQuakes 2-9-6 Last week: 3-3 Tie vs LA Galaxy

Last rank: 23 Down 3-1 less than half an hour into the California Classico, San Jose fans looked ready to riot. That energy, though, inspired the players for an inspired comeback. Wondolowski’s rebounded penalty leveled the game, but he will regret not doing better with his last chance that hit the crossbar, while Andrew Tarbell and his defense will have to find a new alignment for set pieces and free kicks. It was an enjoyable game, with plenty of moments for players to shine, but too many flaws remain for the Quakes to move up the table. Partida was overwhelmed on his wing and Qazaishvilli did little to help defensively.

22 Seattle Sounders 3-9-3 Last week: 2-3 Loss vs Portland Timbers

Last rank: 21 The Sounders losing at home in crushing fashion, again, extends this long, demoralizing season. Losing to a less than full strength Portland has Sounders fans wonder why life must be so cruel. New DP signing Ruidiaz could finally replace Obafemi Martins, after years, though it is probably too late to save the season. Clint Dempsey looks spent and lethargic from the opening whistle with only a couple of bursts a game. Even the player’s goal celebrations left something to be desired.

21 DC United 2-7-4 Last week: 2-3 Loss @ New England Revolution

Last rank: 22 Wayne Rooney cannot play defense. The DC United back four has been shredded, especially Brilliant and Fisher. Yamil Asad had a MOTM performance and his 70th-minute equalizer was wasted. Even with a prolonged road trip waiting for Audi Field to open, DC United has taken leads in a majority of their games. Rooney in for Mattocks and a couple of defensive anchors and they might at least make things interesting. Without some help, however, the Rooney signing will be all for nothing.

20 Orlando City SC 6-10-1 Last week: 0-4 Loss @ Atlanta United

Last rank: 17 OCSC has never won against Atlanta United and has now lost eight-straight MLS league games. Murphy at least advanced in the US Open Cup. James O’Connor might have the toughest job in MLS for the rest of the season. Ownership spent the money to achieve the playoff berth the fans demanded. However, the players continue to miss chances while giving up several a half at the other end. Those early-season comebacks were fools gold, as the defense is still porous and Dwyer and the other attackers are playing horribly. Kljestan was scattershot on basic passes, Mueller looks to have been a two-week wonderboy instead of dependable depth, and Will Johnson pulled off a month’s worth of Will Johnson’s in one game.

19 Colorado Rapids 3-9-3 Last week: 1-0 Win @ Vancouver Whitecaps

Last rank: 22 The Rapids conceded 10 shots on goal, 25 shots total, and allowed the Whitecaps 72% possession. That’s not a recipe for a victory. But Tim Howard turned back the clock and Colorado secured a rare clean sheet. Hudson deployed a tight and defensive 5-4-1 formation to steal the three points. Nicholson’s cross deserved a better finish, but a scrambled own goal counts just the same. Wynne might not be as bad as he first seemed, while Wilson is looking worse every game. Pre-season is over, yet this roster still feels incomplete. The Rapids conceded 10 shots on goal, 25 shots total, and allowed the Whitecaps 72% possession. That’s not a recipe for a victory. But Tim Howard turned back the clock and Colorado secured a rare clean sheet. Hudson deployed a tight and defensive 5-4-1 formation to steal the three points. Nicholson’s cross deserved a better finish, but a scrambled own goal counts just the same. Wynne might not be as bad as he first seemed, while Wilson is looking worse every game. Pre-season is over, yet this roster still feels incomplete.