2014 Final Power Rankings

Well there you have it, the 2014 MLU regular season has come to a close! This past weekend Philadelphia was unable to defeat the DC Current in order to position themselves into the playoffs, allowing the Boston Whitecaps to take their spot. With the final spot in the 2014 postseason now claimed its time to move on to the conference championship and with that my 2014 Final Power Rankings, no surprise the teams that are still playing are the teams at the top.

1. DC Current: 9-1

Last Week: 1  Change: +0

Defeated Philadelphia Spinners 21-19

Make that seven straight wins for the DC Current as they marched into Franklin Field to knock the surging Philadelphia Spinners out of the postseason. During the week there was much talk of the Current "throwing away" this game and allowing Philadelphia to win. In doing so, DC would then play Philly again in the championship instead of Boston. Those rumors were then put to rest, while even with mixed lines and reduced playing time from the superstars, with DC's fourth victory over Philly this season.


2. Portland Stags: 8-2

Last Week: 2  Change: +0


Defeated Seattle Rainmakers 13-12

While still conserving their role players, the Stags were still able to hold off one of the best offensive teams in the league, the Seattle Rainmakers.  Once again the entire team worked together for the victory, allowing bench players to get improved stats stars to take a rest.  Cody Bjorklund still led the team with four points (two goals, two assists). The team will begin to prepare for the Vancouver Nighthawks next week as they are one of the only teams to defeat the Portland Stags this season.


3. Vancouver Nighthawks: 6-4

Last Week: 3  Change: +0


Defeated San Francisco Dogfish 17-15

In a week where a story on the Nighthawks was covered by The National, Vancouver was still able to go into San Francisco and defeat the defending conference champions. Brendan Wong continued his offensive dominance as he broke the regular season points record with 64 this season (48 goals, 16 assists). Vancouver is currently on a four game winning streak, after starting the season with a 2-4 record, and have a huge wave of momentum going into the Western Conference Championship.



4. Boston Whitecaps: 5-5

Last Week: 5  Change: +1


Defeated New York Rumble 21-16

It may not have been the way the intended the season to play out but with Philadelphia's loss and Boston's win on Saturday, the Whitecaps are back into the playoffs. In their match-up against New York that ended up being the game that put them into the playoffs, Jeff Graham looked like a man on a mission as he assisted on six scores, leading all players on both squads in points and assists. This sets up a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Championship where the Whitecaps will defend their Championship Crown.



5. Philadelphia Spinners: 4-6

Last Week: 4  Change: -1


Lost to DC Current 19-21

Unfortunately the miracle run for Philadelphia comes to close as they were unable to knock off the DC Current at home. The loss of Jake Rainwater proved costly as the Spinners were struggling to move the disc down the field and would ultimately result in unnecessary throws down-field. However Patrick Earles in the loss was able to collect eight points (four scores and four assists). A bright note to end the season, the were 4-2 against all teams that was not DC in the East and finished better than last season's 3-7.



6. Seattle Rainmakers: 4-6

Last Week: 6 Change: +0


Lost to Portland Stags 12-13

The spirit from the Rainmakers was clearly broken before the match even started as Seattle misses the playoffs for the first time. Even with a lead the Rainmakers were out of it and could not build on any momentum. With the loss they fall to 4-6 which makes their win total half of what it was a year ago (8-2) and disappointingly could not match their playoff berth.

7. San Francisco Dogfish: 2-8

Last Week: 7  Change: +0


Lost to Vancouver Nighthawks 15-17

The frustrating season for the San Francisco Dogfish finally comes to an end with a loss to the Vancouver Nighthawks. A common theme throughout the season was missing players for the Dogfish and was a factor again as they were without their best player, Evan Boucher, and could not match-up with Wong and Hibbert on the other side. Losing Beau Kittredge in the offseason was huge this season and hopefully if San Fran can find a new cutter in the offseason, match their 8-2 record and Western Conference Championship from a year ago.

8. New York Rumble: 2-8

Last Week: 8  Change: +0


Lost to Boston Whitecaps 16-21

After a promising start the New York Rumble ended their 2014 campaign on a six game losing streak. Once again the Rumble were unable to play a complete game, allowing Boston to go on a 7-3 scoring run in the final quarter and a half of play. Hopefully New York is able to keep their star players on their roster a build a cohesive unit after a season that was worse than last year's 3-7.




So that will do it for the regular season, there are now only three games left to play and two of them will be this upcoming weekend. Both conference championships will be played on Saturday with both respective winners to face each other in the MLU Championship in Philadelphia. In the East, it will be a rematch of last year's championship except this year DC is the dominating force and Boston was the team that had to rely on a Week 11 win to get in. DC has been undefeated at home this year and will play a huge factor in this the game. The Western Conference Championship will feature two new playoff teams in the Portland Stags and Vancouver Nighthawks. The Stags will host the game but their most recent loss came against the Nighthawks in Week 10 of the regular season, something has to give...

Be on the lookout later this week for my Conference Championships Previews and Predictions on who I think will be the two teams playing in PPL Park on July 19th.

Week 10 Power Rankings

To me it feels like each week gets better and better in the MLU, the drama continues to rise, and the competitiveness of the players comes out even more. This week featured fantastic match-ups on the East and West coast and now have made our playoff picture a whole lot clearer. If you missed any of the games this weekend I suggest that you go back and find them now because they were all worth watching.

1. DC Current: 8-1

Last Week: 1  Change: +0

Defeated NY Rumble 21-15

"All I Do is Win" was heard at the end of every home game this season for DC as defeating New York gave them a perfect 5-0 record at home, and gave them their sixth straight victory (the longest in the MLU this season). This game was closer than what most probably expected but with the DC superstars getting a good amount of rest, the Rumble were able to stay in the game a lot longer. With the limited playing time, 21 of the 25 players for DC recorded at least one point with Jeff Wodatch leading the roster with five points.


2. Portland Stags: 7-2

Last Week: 2  Change: +0


Defeated Seattle Rainmakers 17-16
Lost to Vancouver Nighthawks 18-20

The Stags played two incredible games this weekend against the only two teams that had a chance of playing them in the playoffs. They came away from this doubleheader 1-1, their only one of the season. Jeremy Norden had a combined 11pts this weekend, with nine of them being assists. However after their victory in Seattle, Portland clinched the #1 seed in the West allowing the team to rest some key players and spread the scoring across the board in route to letting Vancouver clinch the last playoff spot.


3. Vancouver Nighthawks: 5-4

Last Week: 3  Change: +0


Defeated Portland Stags 20-18

The preseason favorite Nighthawks, despite their struggles, were able to finally clinch a spot in the 2014 playoffs by defeating the Portland Stags. This game was yet another classic in the Vancouver-Portland series, where the game was tied at 18 with three minutes left to go. When looking at a preview into their Western Conference Championship matchup, it must take into account that this was the second game of the weekend for Portland and they were resting some players. Brendan Wong scored seven more goals, breaking the league's scoring record.



4. Philadelphia Spinners: 4-5

Last Week: 5  Change: +1


Defeated Boston Whitecaps 21-18

After starting the season 1-4, the Philadelphia Spinners have the opportunity to finish the second half at 4-1. A run from Philadelphia that is similar's to DC's run into the playoffs last season; except going into another must-win game for Philly, DC has already clinched a spot. But after their game against the Whitecaps, anything is possible. The Spinners were in control the entire game, holding a three point lead for most of the second half and not allowing Boston's offense to be consistent. The team played like they had to win and it showed.


5. Boston Whitecaps: 4-5

Last Week: 4  Change: -1


Lost to Philadelphia Spinners 18-21

After a 10-0 championship season, this season the Boston Whitecaps will finish at .500 or below and might not make the playoffs. Losing this weekend to the Spinners was the first time in franchise history that they lost back-to-back games and the team continues to be winless on the road. The play from the trio of Markette, Graham, and Malechek was not enough to overcome the Spinners fleeting attempt to stay alive in the postseason hunt. With this loss, much to the Whitecaps dismay, they do not control their own fate. In order to make the final playoff spot the must defeat New York and hope for DC to do the same to Philadelphia.

6. Seattle Rainmakers: 4-5

Last Week: 6 Change: +0


Lost to Portland Stags 16-17

The final five minutes of this game was one of the most exciting, on-the-edge-of your seat moments that a professional ultimate game has ever given me. The game was tied at 15 when Portland won two long points, both that were two minutes plus to take a 17-15 lead. With only 27 seconds now left, Seattle had to score, get a D, and score again.  After an incredible snag by Isaac Entz in the endzone, Seattle still had a faint chance with only 18 seconds remaining. Sam Harkness then perfectly reads the disc to get the D, and the disc gets right in front of the endzone where Kalif El-Salaam turfs a ten yard throw to a wide open teammate. Unfortunately this heart breaker eliminates Seattle from the playoffs and forces them to look ahead to next year.

7. San Francisco Dogfish: 2-7

Last Week: 7  Change: +0


Bye

The bye this week will allow San Francisco to alter their game plan, because clearly what they have been doing this season has not worked. The only thing the Dogfish have to play for on Saturday is the chance to get the series win against Vancouver, the #2 seed in the Western Conference Playoffs.




8. New York Rumble: 2-7

Last Week: 8  Change: +0


Lost to DC Current 15-21

Well I will give the Rumble some credit, they continue to play despite the results they have been getting this season. Unfortunately for them that the most interesting story from the Big Apple in the second half of the season is that when the MLU season is done, Isaac Saul will play for the New York based AUDL team (the New York Empire).  But in their matchup against DC, they were able to stay in the game throughout the first three quarters, before being outscored 6-2 in the final frame. Once again the Rumble will have the opportunity to play spoiler and prevent the Whitecaps from making the postseason this upcoming week.

So now heading into the final week of regular season play in the MLU, the Western Conference has been decided. Portland will get the #1 seed and play host to the Vancouver Nighthawks (#2 seed). The two teams that made the playoffs last year, the Seattle Rainmakers (3) and San Francisco Dogfish (4), have been eliminated. This week Seattle will travel to Portland and Vancouver will travel to San Francisco to conclude their respective regular seasons. In the East, DC has clinched the #1 seed and will host either the Philadelphia Spinners or Boston Whitecaps in the Eastern Conference Championship Game. But first DC must travel to Philadelphia, in a game that if the Spinners won would give the Spinners the #2 seed. In order for Boston to make the playoffs they must beat New York (4) and hope for a Philadelphia loss.

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

should be at the top.

Week 9 Power Rankings

This weekend was a must watch in the MLU, every single match-up had playoff implications. Opening the weekend the Portland Stags won against the Dogfish and clinched a spot in the Western Conference Championship, that game was followed up by DC's complete control of the Whitecaps in their first loss in Boston in franchise history. Vancouver put themselves in the driver's seat for the final playoff spot in the West, and then finally on Sunday the Philadelphia Spinners stayed alive in the playoff hunt while knocking the New York Rumble out of the postseason for the second straight season.

1. DC Current: 7-1

Last Week: 1  Change: +0

Defeated Boston Whitecaps 22-16

It is officially the Current's Eastern Conference, yes I know they were 6-1 while Boston was 4-3 but we all still thought the Boston had a chance to comeback. In fact if Boston had won, the East would be singing a different tune. Nevertheless, DC clinched the #1 seed and home-field advantage for the conference championship. Their opponent? They probably do not care and will be prepared for whoever it is. I would expect their star players to still play the next two weeks but not play nearly the same amount of points.


2. Portland Stags: 6-1

Last Week: 2  Change: +0


Defeated San Francisco Dogfish 17-12

Defeating the Dogfish this weekend put last season's bottom dweller team undefeated, 4-0, against last season's Western Conference Champions. While doing so they clinched their first playoff berth in their two year history.  In this game four Stags were able to rack up four points each, including Lohre, Davis, Kenton, and Burton. There were still some turnovers that Portland needs to eliminate but all the Stags have to do is win one of the final three games to get home-field advantage for the Western Conference Championship.



3. Vancouver Nighthawks: 4-4

Last Week: 5  Change: +2


Defeated Seattle Rainmakers 27-12

Last week's game between these two teams was a classic, one of the top 10 games in league history, this week Vancouver did not even give Seattle a chance. Vancouver was in complete control the whole game, very few drops, clean throws, aggressive defense, and every lucky bounce or call went their way. Brendan Wong scored 4 goals bringing his total to 36 on the season and a whopping 50 points, 10 more than second place (Daniel Trytiak 40pts). Three of the team's four wins have been against Seattle as they now hold the tiebreaker between the two teams.


4. Boston Whitecaps: 4-4

Last Week: 3  Change: -1


Lost to DC Current 16-21

This weekend marked the first time a Boston based professional ultimate frisbee team lost in Bean-town. Bringing with that their lowest point total of the season in 16.  When the game started it looked like Boston was the team coming off a seven hour bus ride in getting broken on the first three points to fall behind 0-3.  The Whitecaps simply got out played, DC was laying out all over the field, while Boston failed to run all the way through the disc, misreads etc. However they still control their playoff destiny with a huge match-up against the Spinners upcoming.


5. Philadelphia Spinners: 3-5

Last Week: 6  Change: +1


Defeated NY Rumble 23-22

A huge game from Nick Hirranet that included nine assists, kept the Spinners playoff hopes alive and quite possibly threw his name into the MVP discussion by now being tied with Alan Kolick with the most assists in the league.  From this game I have determined that these teams love playing each other, their combined point total in their head-to-head games was 59-58 with the Spinners scoring one more point. While Boston controls their destiny so does Philadelphia, whichever team wins this upcoming weekend will be the favorite to get the last playoff spot in the East.


6. Seattle Rainmakers: 4-4

Last Week: 4 Change: -2


Lost to Vancouver Nighthawks 12-27

Two weeks ago I had Seattle as the #2 team in the league coming off their win over the Portland Stags and with momentum to try and fight to the top of the standings. Now they are coming off two straight losses against Vancouver and are outside of the playoffs. However if I were Seattle I wouldn't take this game to heart to much as 16 players were listed as inactive or out for this game.

7. San Francisco Dogfish: 2-7

Last Week: 7  Change: +0


Lost to Portland Stags 12-17

I know that this is what we have been used to from the Dogfish all season, but it still shocks me at how poorly they played this weekend.  I am still expecting the members that are 2013 Western Conference Champions to step up but it fails to happen week in and week out. The amount of drops from San Fran this game and this season is astronomical and what has been one of the deciding factors in every loss this season.


8. New York Rumble: 2-6

Last Week: 8  Change: +0


Lost to Philadelphia Spinners 22-23

The Rumble were so close to ending their three game losing streak in yet another thriller against Philly. In this game the Rumble played their best full four quarters all season, unfortunately in a heartbreaking loss. The good from this game: this team looked like an actual team, there was great flow and every player looked like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves and there were stats from every star player that you expected. The bad: with this loss the Rumble are officially eliminated from the playoffs with two games still to go in the season.


The playoff picture is now more clear with two teams that have clinched playoff spots, two teams that are eliminated and four teams (two in each conference) still battling to get the last spot.  This upcoming weekend there is a huge game in the East when the Boston Whitecaps travel to Philadelphia with the final playoff spot on the line. If Boston were to win they would get the number two seed in the playoffs where if the Spinners won they would control their destiny going into the final week. DC will host New York at home where they have been undefeated the whole season in their regular season home finale. In the Western Conference the Dogfish have off this weekend and the Stags will have the final doubleheader of the regular season. On Saturday the Stags will travel up to Seattle, the only team to defeat them this season, and then on Sunday travel to Vancouver in their final head-to-head regular season game this season.

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

should be at the top.

Week 8 Power Rankings

MLU play revamped up this past weekend as six of the eight teams played with playoff positioning on the line. The DC Current played at home trying to clinch a berth into the playoffs and also to remain undefeated at home; the Vancouver Nighthawks had an opportunity to gain ground on the Seattle Rainmakers while traveling to Seattle; and the San Francisco Dogfish were trying to remain in playoff contention while playing the conference leading Portland Stags.

1. DC Current: 6-1

Last Week: 1  Change: +0

Defeated Philadelphia Spinners 22-16

The DC Current got back into the work-grind this week by playing a Spinners squad that saw numerous Pitt Ultimate players make their season debuts. Despite the early scare, in which DC trailed 3-6, they fought back and scored four straight points to make it 7-6 and then went on a 10-1 scoring run to take a 20-11 lead.  Early in the game DC's offense struggled to score and used their defense to carry the weight in this game. The Current's defensive play is going to be pivotal in the playoffs because with this win the DC Current were the first team to clinch a spot in the playoffs.

2. Portland Stags: 5-1

Last Week: 3  Change: +1


Defeated San Francisco Dogfish 20-15

The Stags increased their lead in the Western Conference this weekend to 1.5 games over the Rainmakers by defeating the Dogfish in their largest point differential of the season. The game started off in an exciting back and forth thriller that gave the Stags a 9-7 lead at half.  Portland would then ride that lead til the end of the game that was an entire team effort with 17 of the 22 players recording a point.  Now the Stags will go on a three game road trip as they hope to secure a playoff berth before returning home for the season finale.


3. Boston Whitecaps: 4-3

Last Week: 4  Change: +1


Bye

Despite coming off a game 23-6 throbbing of the Rumble, Boston had plenty to work on this bye week.  The win was not in typical fashion of Boston with turnovers and throwaways in a lineup that was ran on an X and Y type of lines rather than O and D lines.  Coming out of the bye week, they are getting prepared for a huge match-up with DC at home that will decide the regular season series between the top two teams in the East as well as the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs if DC were to win.



4. Seattle Rainmakers: 4-3

Last Week: 2 Change: -2


Lost to Vancouver Nighthawks 24-29 2OT

Seattle had a opportunity to all but clinch a playoff spot in the West with a win over the Nighthawks, however it was all for not. It was yet another high scoring thriller between these two teams that needed two overtime periods to decide it.  Danny Trytiak lead the team with seven points (3 scores, four assists) but had a devastating drop in the end zone that would have put Seattle up a break in the first overtime period.

5. Vancouver Nighthawks: 3-4

Last Week: 6  Change: +1


Defeated Seattle Rainmakers 29-24 2OT

Is this the real Vancouver? Has the real Vancouver finally showed up?The answer is yes but the real question is "are they here to stay?" An incredible battle between Seattle and Vancouver  had to be settled in not one but two overtimes. Even though this was a high scoring affair the difference was Vancouver's defense that was lead by Morgan Hibbert who had six defensive plays, and now puts him in the lead of the MLU with 17. Riding their defensive intensity will be key if they hope to make a playoff push.


6. Philadelphia Spinners: 2-5

Last Week: 5  Change: -1


Lost to DC Current 16-22

Honestly I gave the Pitt Ultimate players more credit than I should have, granted they are fantastic players and lead the stat sheet for the Spinners, but they cannot get thrown in and change everything; it takes time i.e. New York. No one in this game scored more than three points for Philadelphia that included over ten minutes of play without a score from Philly.  Despite the loss Philadelphia still has a shot of the playoffs but must win their remaining games and hope for another loss from Boston.




7. San Francisco Dogfish: 2-6

Last Week: 7  Change: +0


Lost to Portland Stags 15-20

At the very beginning of the season if you told me that the Week 8 matchup between the Dogfish and Stags would feature a 5-1 team and a 2-6 team, I would have thought everything would be reversed.  This week another poor second half was the deciding factor in the game. Leading the team this week was Drew Kim who had 3 goals and 3 assists but the drops from the Dogfish were too much to overcome. With this loss the Dogfish are the first team eliminated from the playoffs.

8. New York Rumble: 2-5

Last Week: 8  Change: +0


Bye

Hmmm, New York can make the playoffs with New York defeating the Spinners, Current, and Whitecaps in addition to Boston losing to DC or Philadelphia. Simple right? Well it may seem improbable but the Rumble might make it interesting. I have been waiting all season for the team to put it all together, they have the talent to be a top tier team in the MLU, it just takes time to put everything together. I'm not saying that they will come back because it is highly improbable but expect a better team after this bye week.


All the team are back in action this week with great matchups in the Eastern Conference with top two teams playing each other, DC and Boston, in which DC has the best road record in the league but Boston also being undefeated in Boston. The lower two teams, Philadelphia and New York, will play each other in which the loser will be the first team in the East eliminated from the playoffs and the winner with still a faint shot. In the West both games will be rematches of last week with a change in venues, as Portland travels to San Francisco and Seattle travels to Vancouver.  All of these games will have playoff implications with only three spots left in the postseason and only 3 weeks left.

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

should be at the top.

Week 7 Power Rankings

A good mid-season slow up in the action was extremely needed after the past couple of weeks we have had in the MLU; props to the schedule makers on fore-seeing it! On the other hand my fantasy league is taking a hit with four teams being off! By hitting the middle of the action I released my Mid-Season Awards on Friday based on what has happened so far including Best Game, Most Outstanding Performance, MVP, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Playoff picks for the both the Eastern and Western Conference.  Nevertheless this week did not disappoint as Boston manhandled New York and Portland won a thriller over the Nighthawks in Vancouver.

1. DC Current: 5-1

Last Week: 1  Change: +0

Bye

Back to back blowout wins for DC over New York was followed by a bye this past week, and some might say it was ill timed considering the roll the Current have been on.  I'm on the other side, a week off is perfect for DC; it gives the coaching staff time to talk down the players and get some cockiness out of their head in order to prepare for the Spinners. Also if DC wins this weekend they will be the first team to clinch a spot in the playoffs.



2. Seattle Rainmakers: 4-2

Last Week: 1 Change: +0


Bye

Coming off an important win over the Portland Stags two weeks ago, Seattle had a bye this past week. The win has the Rainmakers percentage points behind the Stags since they won this week. However Seattle is the only team in the West that has beaten every other team in the conference.


3. Portland Stags: 4-1

Last Week: 3  Change: +0


Defeated Vancouver Nighthawks 19-16

Despite a bus breaking down and having only 15 minutes to dress and warm-up the Portland Stags were able to pull out a win in Canada. There is a lot to talk about in this victory, that was one of the better matchups of the season, but more impressive to me was the discipline of the Stags.  Being able to deal with the breakdown and limited time to get ready for the game showed to me the control that the coaches and captains have on the team. Because of this I'm really looking forward to see Portland go the rest of the way.



4. Boston Whitecaps: 4-3

Last Week: 4  Change: +0


Defeated New York Rumble 23-6

Its hard to imagine that Boston lost to New York at some point this season, but that is not what the Whitecaps were worried about Saturday night.  The Boston Whitecaps were able to hold the Rumble to the lowest point total in league history as well as having the largest point differential.  The team accounted for a total of 15 blocks and prevented the Rumble from scoring a single point in the final quarter of play.




5. Philadelphia Spinners: 2-4

Last Week: 6  Change: +1


Bye

The Philadelphia Spinners, coming off their best win in MLU history, was one of the four teams on a bye this past weekend.  Even with their four loses Philadelphia is still in contention for a playoff spot but in order to actually have a shot they must defeat the Current this weekend.  Not that far fetched of an idea considered they are only -5 points in two games against DC this year. A loss would all but eliminate the Spinners from the playoffs for the second straight year, but with a lot of college players now coming back from nationals, it will be a very interesting to the end of the season.


6. Vancouver Nighthawks: 2-4

Last Week: 5  Change: -1


Lost to Portland Stags 16-19

Another game that Vancouver could have easily won but once again we are here looking at a loss for the Nighthawks.  The opening points looked promising for the Nighthawks after starting with a 3-1 lead. Portland then when on an 8-2 run that gave them a 9-5 lead at half. Vancouver eventually would tie the game at 15 but had trouble to score on the final points. Brendan Wong continues to lead the league in points by adding 6 goals and 2 assists (8 points).



7. San Francisco Dogfish: 2-5

Last Week: 7  Change: +0


Bye

Portland defeating Vancouver really hurts San Francisco's playoff chances with only three games left for the Dogfish. They still must win out and then hope for some other games to fall their way.  Playing Portland two straight weeks is both a good and a bad thing for San Fran. Win both and you are back in the hunt but if you lose one you are most likely done.



8. New York Rumble: 2-5

Last Week: 8  Change: +0


Lost to Boston Whitecaps 6-23

Just think, three weeks ago New York had just defeated Boston and was on track to battle for first place in the conference with the DC Current.  My how things have changed, New York has currently lost three games in a row by a combined score of 78-39. Honestly its tough to watch at some points, because the team (which actually has a ton of star power) cannot put it together.  Maybe if I start comparing them to the Dallas Cowboys they will start playing better?



Things start heading back to normal now that most teams have completed their byes for the regular season. Only Boston and New York (who really needed this bye week) are off this week as they prepare for the end of the season.  This week will feature three games with the lone game in the East being between the Philadelphia Spinners and the DC Current.  Like stated before, if DC were to win this game they would clinch a spot in the postseason.  In the Western Conference the Dogfish will take on the Stags as they try and make the improbable comeback, and the Rainmakers will host the Nighthawks. Every game becomes more important now, so expect the intensity to rise as well.

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

should be at the top.

Week 6 Power Rankings

Every week in the MLU never fails to disappoint.  New York promised revenge against DC but came up short once again, Boston remains winless on the road, and Portland suffered their first loss of the season.  Once again every matchup in the league had a huge impact on the playoffs and where everyone will end up at the end of the year.  We have officially passed the mid season mark of 2014 but there is a lot left to happen in this season.

1. DC Current: 5-1

Last Week: 1  Change: +0

Defeated New York Rumble 27-18

New York acted like they were primed to show up the team that destroyed them last week, and after the first quarter they looked to have the opportunity to do so.  However once again the Current were way too much for the Rumble.  The duo of Markham Shofner and Alan Kolick is proving to be one of the top handlers in the league but once again it was the teams defense that put away this game.  DC's defense provided five straight breaks for the team en route to their third straight win, the longest running winning streak in the MLU.


2. Seattle Rainmakers: 4-2

Last Week: 5 Change: +3


Defeated Portland Stags 25-23

I normally am not a fan of bumping up a team three spots in an eight team league but after their handling of Portland, a team that has controlled the West this year, Seattle deserved it.  The final count looks deceiving, but Seattle was in control of the match the entire game, despite allowing Portland to come back.  Donnie Clark had another strong performance in Seattle's first game against the Stags in 2014


3. Portland Stags: 3-1

Last Week: 2  Change: -1


Lost to Seattle Rainmakers 23-25

Portland has taken advantage of opportunity they have been given this season, and they almost were given another at the end of the Rainmakers game. The Stags started the fourth down 15-20, almost coming back in an improbable fashion.  Friedman and Bjorkland both had impressive outings, still playing without Timmy Perston.  Portland suffered their first loss of the season in their first game against Seattle, this loss opened up the West and gives teams an opportunity to work back into playoff contention.



4. Boston Whitecaps: 3-3

Last Week: 3  Change: -1


Lost to Philadelphia Spinners 25-26

These are not the same dominating Whitecaps of last season, the entire league has stepped up their game play and Boston not as much. This season the Whitecaps are 3-0 at home (still 9-0 in Boston in the franchise's history). However the more stunning stat is that Boston is 0-3 on the road.  Loses to DC, New York, and Philly are huge especially if DC is to get the #1 seed in the playoffs.  Granted the plus-minus margin for those three away games is (-3) so the road is not too terrible for Boston to play at.



5. Vancouver Nighthawks: 2-3

Last Week: 4  Change: -1


Lost to San Francisco Dogfish 12-13 OT

Another game that had the wind as a huge factor allowed the Dogfish to comeback and eventually win in overtime over the Nighthawks.  There were a ton of turnovers by both sides, including one point which had a combined 16 turnovers and lasted seven minutes long.  The loss keeps the Nighthawks 1.5 games behind Portland in the standings for the final playoff spot in the West.  Next week Vancouver will try and make some of that ground up as the take on the Stags at home.



6. Philadelphia Spinners: 2-4

Last Week: 7  Change: +1


Defeated Boston Whitecaps 26-25

The best game played by the Spinners this season, some would go as far to say their best game in their history in the MLU, but I'm not going to make those comparisons.  In a game in front of 1,500+ fans, Philadelphia had a complete team effort from the entire team. Nick Hirannet had six assists and the D-line, which was lead by Frederick Brasz, was the ultimate factor in the Spinners getting their first ever franchise win against Boston. Philadelphia is now one game behind Boston in the standings for the final spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.


7. San Francisco Dogfish: 2-5

Last Week: 8  Change: +1


Defeated Vancouver Nighthawks 13-12 OT

Past their doubleheader weekends, San Francisco is trying to make a next to impossible playoff push after their bad start to this season.  The Dogfish were somehow able to comeback against Vancouver this weekend despite the wind  and a 12-10 deficit, scoring the final 3 points of the match. The team will rely on captain Evan Boucher (three D's, two assists, and a goal) the rest of the way for motivation in their final three games.

8. New York Rumble: 2-4

Last Week: 6  Change: -2


Lost to DC Current 18-27

New York promised a better performance this weekend against the Current, and according to the final counts they did, however the end result was no where near what they wanted.  After starting off being tied 3-3, New York let DC score seven straight point allowing the Current to pull away for the rest of the game.  In order to make the playoff now New York has to pull off at least one more victory against the Whitecaps and probably taking at least one game from the Spinners and the final game against the Current.


After this week, officially moving past the halfway point in the season, four team go on a bye this weekend.  The DC Current, Philadelphia Spinners, San Francisco Dogfish, and Seattle Rainmakers all have off this weekend to prepare for the homestretch in the 2014 season.  The only two games this week will be the Nighthawks trying to gain ground on the Stags for the final playoff spot, and New York trying to get back into their winning ways as they travel to Boston.  Be on the lookout on Thursday/ Friday for my mid-season awards and my outlook for the teams to make the playoffs.

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

should be at the top.

Week 5 Power Rankings

This weekend two teams set their franchise records for points this weekend at home. Things are starting to become clear in the East with DC showing that they are the favorite to challenge Boston for the Eastern Conference Title, while New York shows that there are more problems than answers.  The West continues to show that this conference is for anyone's taking with Vancouver getting revenge on Seattle with San Francisco and Portland having byes.

1. DC Current: 4-1

Last Week: 1  Change: +0

Defeated New York Rumble 28-15

Clean, solid, and scary. Those are the proper words to describe the Current this past weekend, not just on offense but defense as well. The O-line converted on 14 of 15 possessions and the D-line was able to force 14 breaks throughout the game in scoring a franchise high 28 points. There were very little mistakes by DC and sometimes made the NY Rumble look like a team playing together for the first time. If the Current can keep it up they are very strong favorites to be the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the East.


2. Portland Stags: 3-0

Last Week: 2  Change: +0


Bye

Last week putting at Portland at number #2 in the rankings, even though they are the only remaining undefeated team left in the league, caused some controversy.  Yes the Stags are good but after the season they had last year and after some of the fortune they have had in games this year, they haven't shown to me any reason to be higher than DC.  With a bye this week and DC winning in dominating fashion, I had to keep them at #2.




3. Boston Whitecaps: 3-2

Last Week: 3  Change: +0


Defeated Philadelphia Spinners 24-18

Another performance by the Whitecaps that got the Whitecaps back to their clean nature.  Their offense was extremely effective and allowed them to build a lead over the Spinners. Their defense also took advantage of the problems that Philadelphia was having with disc.  Boston looked like a completely different team than they did last week against New York and looked to determined to finish the rest of the regular season.




4. Vancouver Nighthawks: 2-2

Last Week: 6  Change: +2


Defeated Seattle Rainmakers 29-23

Again I do not know what to think of this team. One week they look dysfunctional against the Rainmakers and two weeks later they score a franchise-high 29 points.The typical star players were out in full force, like Aaron Loach, Mark Leduc, and Takuya Saito being involved on both offense and defense.  It is going to take more games like this one for me to be confident in the Nighthawks being a playoff favorite.




5. Seattle Rainmakers: 3-2

Last Week: 4 Change: -1


Lost to Vancouver Nighthawks 23-29

The stat line of the weekend was Danny Clark getting a MLU-record 14 points in a single game.  Unfortunately this is the only thing I have heard from the Seattle side of the disc this weekend.  Normally the defensive oriented team can control the score but Vancouver's defense was too sharp, preventing the Rainmakers from scoring on offense.


6. New York Rumble: 2-3

Last Week: 5  Change: -1


Lost to DC Current 15-28

What happened to the team that was able to handle the Boston Whitecaps and give them their second loss an franchise history?  My guess is that they never made it to DC.  The Current controlled the entire game and prevented Chris Mazur, Jack Marsh, Ben Faust and the other top Rumble players from getting on a roll.  Again I'm waiting for the unstoppable O-line in New York to come together this season, but unless they fix their offense soon, it might be too late.



7. Philadelphia Spinners: 1-4

Last Week: 7  Change: +0


Lost to Boston Whitecaps 18-24

Take away the second quarter from this game and Boston would have one 15-14.  In fact you could do this for a majority of Philadelphia's games this season and there would be cases where Philly would have won the game.  This was the largest loss of the season for Philadelphia that are close to breaking through their tough stretch they have had in the MLU the past two seasons. Also keep an eye of Matt Esser and Jake Rainwater as they continue to highlight the scoring table for the Spinners.

8. San Francisco Dogfish: 1-5

Last Week: 8  Change: +0


Bye

Another week that gave San Fran an opportunity to learn from a doubleheader weekend.  The Dogfish benefited from Vancouver topping the Rainmakers this weekend but still need to make things happen that they can control.  This team needs wins and with no more doubleheader weekends they are in a position to get some. However they are done with Seattle for the year which puts San Francisco's playoffs hopes out of their control.


This upcoming weekend all teams will be in action with the Eastern Conference simply having rematches of this previous weekend in different locations. While in the West Portland hopes to keep up their winning ways and the Dogfish begin their playoff push now.

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

should be at the top.