Week 1 Power Rankings

Week 1 is in the books and we all now have seen what each team is looking like for the 2014 season. Although its only one game, there is a lot clearer picture of these teams now than there was last week.

1. Boston Whitecaps: 1-0

Last Week: 1  Change: --


Defeated NY Rumble 22-14

The team remains undefeated in the MLU after their 22-14 win over the NY Rumble.  Their defense was dominant like it was last season, scoring ten times in game that they were in control the entire time. The offense was clean and precise, only being scored on twice. Jeff Graham and others are making sure the winning nature in Boston stays that way as the head to the big game in DC next weekend.




2. DC Current: 1-0

Last Week: 2  Change: --

Defeated Philadelphia Spinners 21-18

The offseason favorites to knock of the Whitecaps, struggled to put away
the Philly Spinners 21-18. Whether it was the Spinners doing better than everyone thought, or the Current under performing (more than likely the first option), everyone expected a bigger game for DC.  Peter Prial showed he is still going to score a lot of points and Alan Kolick showed he is going to be one of the top performers in DC.  Other than that there was no reason to drop the Current below #2


3. San Francisco Dogfish: 1-0

Last Week: 5  Change: +2


Defeated Seattle Rainmakers 18-16

San Francisco pulled out the win this weekend against the Rainmakers in a rematch of the 2013 Western Conference Championship Game. However, this game was nothing compared to what it was last year. With errors and trouble on offense, the Dogfish somehow were able to pull away with the victory with help from Evan Boucher, Mac Taylor, and Jordan Jeffery. Don' take too much account in the #3 ranking.



4. New York Rumble: 0-1

Last Week: 4  Change: --


Lost to Boston Whitecaps 14-22

The "New Look" Rumble this season fell to the defending champions on opening day. It was clear that there was miss communication between the veterans and the rookies on the team. Chris Mazur was impressive as always and there was strong performances by new members of the team. However the Rumble showed that when they are on point, it is difficult for them to be stopped




5. Vancouver Nighthawks: 0-1

Last Week: 3  Change: -2


Lost to Portland Stags 21-23

The Nighthawks played liked it was their first game of the season, lucky for them it was, but it was also lucky for Portland. The bottom line of this game for Vancouver was that of a tennis match, unforced errors.  Way to many problems with the Vancouver's offense prevented Vancouver from taking this game. The Nighthawks did show to me that Mark Leduc and Tayuka Saito will be exciting to watch and will keep them in every game this season.



6. Philadelphia Spinners: 0-1

Last Week: 7  Change: +1


Lost to DC Current 18-21

Okay I'm going to be honest, the Spinners surprised me this weekend against the Current. In the fourth quarter the team scored eight goals in an attempt to send the game into overtime. However the team was halted by the Current to eventually get the three point loss. Looking to the future, former AUDL star, Matt Esser proved to be one of the top players for this season along with 2012 Spinners, David Brandolph and Jake Rainwater, who took a year off from the team

7. Portland Stags: 2013: 1-0

Last Week: 8  Change: +1


Defeated Vancouver Nighthawks 23-21

The Portland Stags arguably played their best game as a franchise of the MLU this weekend as they matched their win total from the 2013 season in Week 1.  Through newcomer Mark Burton and veteran Timmy Perston the Stags were able to drop the preseason Western Conference favorites, Vancouver Nighthawks.  The team will still have to work on closing teams out in how they let Vancouver stay in the game, but look for Portland to make some noise in the West.




8. Seattle Rainmakers: 0-1

Last Week: 6 Change: -2



Lost to San Francisco Dogfish 16-18

This is going to be an interesting year for Seattle and the Western Conference. Adam Simon is still showing that he will keep up with his play from last season, but the rest of the team not so much. A ton of turnovers plagued the Rainmakers and need to get it together if they want to contend in the West this season.



I'm much more confident with my rankings this week after being able to see the teams in action this past weekend. This upcoming weekend will be a big outlook for the rest of the season as Boston travels into DC and San Francisco plays the first two game weekend of the year, as Portland gets a bye.

Don't agree? Tell me what I missed in the comments section and who you think 

should be at the top.