The theme of the rankings this week is communication. It's important to be clear with your message when conducting the very important business of soccer: Miscommunication can lead to a host of problems and result in numerous aggrieved parties. No one wants angry middle-aged men stalking referees and screaming obscenities. Think of the children.

Here at the rankings, we always aim to be understood. We say what we mean, no messing around. Our hand signals are vigorous; our voices are resonant. So here they are.

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1. LAFC (14 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses)

Previous ranking: 1

Next MLS match: July 19 at LA Galaxy (10 p.m. ET, ESPN, ESPNdeportes)

Nine changes, no problems for Bob Bradley's group in Houston. After playing a first-choice lineup in the Open Cup loss on Wednesday night, Bradley rotated his squad for the trip to Texas. Turns out LAFC can win convincingly without Carlos Vela. Uh-oh. El Trafico cometh.

Previous ranking: 3

Next MLS match: July 20 vs. Chicago (7.30 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

Knock knock. (You say "Who's there?") Orange. (Now you say "Orange who?") ... Orange you glad the Union aren't playing Orlando City anymore? Back-to-back games separated by four days between the same teams just feels weird. Let's not do that anymore.

Previous ranking: 7

Next MLS match: July 20 at Vancouver (10 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

San Jose outscored the rival Galaxy 6-1 over two games separated by two weeks, with Friday's domination coming on the road in front of the Galaxy's own fans. The Quakes' climb up the standings -- and more importantly, the rankings -- continues with every Almeydian performance.

Previous ranking: 2

Next MLS match: July 20 at Colorado (9 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

Dome Torrent and his NYCFC side were extremely angry about the strange corner kick-that-became-a-throw-in, leading to the Red Bulls' winning goal on Sunday. So many questions come to mind. How did VAR not correct the call? Does NYCFC even have a beef, since they'd probably prefer to give up a throw-in than a corner?

Previous ranking: 12

Next MLS match: July 20 at Real Salt Lake (10 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

The Loons are in full flight as winners of four straight. Goalkeeper Vito Mannone's heroic performance against FC Dallas on Saturday was the latest massive individual performance from a team that seems to have a different player step up big every week.

Previous ranking: 11

Next MLS match: July 17 v. Vancouver (7 p.m. ET on ESPN+)

Bruce Arena's first trip to D.C. as head coach of the Revolution ended with a draw, which is fine, really. The intrigue came after the game when the architect of United's 90s dynasty roasted his old club for a lack of respect for its history. Was Bruce asking for a statue of himself out front of Audi Field? Maybe.