The MLS season is now well underway. As usual, things look pretty even across much of the league.

True, there are the decided front runners (and they mostly reside in Kansas City), but even the struggling New England Revolution have managed an early three points and look threatening.

Still, some players definitely placed themselves at the forefront of the league in Week 3. Let's have a look at a few of them.

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Welcome to the first edition of MLS First XI!

In the next couple of weeks I will be making lists of the top 11 players at each general position in the American league.

We start off with the men that make and break their careers off of pressure situations: strikers.

This is a list of the 11 most effective strikers in MLS, and the rankings are based on who is the most productive on the attack, not who is necessarily the most talented.

History, recent form and style were all taken into account during the production of this list. Which 11 players can their team count on to get the job done in crunch time? 

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Back in business for LA

This week, it was back to work for the Los Angeles Galaxy, who were prepping for Saturday's contest with the New England Revolution (8 p.m. PT/11 p.m. ET, NBC Sports). Along the way, the team has been able to gel and develop some chemistry.

“We never kind of caught a rhythm because of fatigue and all that kind of stuff,” manager Bruce Arena told LAGalaxy.com's Larry Morgan.

For the Galaxy, it has been a long, grueling start to the year and for Arena, the team just had to get on with it.

“No excuses,” Arena said. “It’s a little bit better now to have this where we get a little bit of training in and get to know each other a little better.

“We needed a little bit of rest.”

With Michael Stephens returning to the club after a dismal Olympics qualifying run, three players are missing from the roster: Omar Gonzalez, who is expected to miss most of the season after undergoing knee surgery in January, fellow center back Leonardo, who is coming back from major knee surgery of his own last April, and goalkeeper Brian Perk, sidelined 4-6 weeks after sports hernia surgery.

“We couldn’t get our guys here to play as a unit," said forward Chad Barrett. "We had to figure out how to play without Omar. We had to figure out how Edson was going to pair up top with Keane. And me getting back from injury, tons of things.

“Most important, we had to learn how to play as a unit. Now we’ve played a few games and everybody knows what to expect from everybody.”

Big Bill steps up to the plate

Bill Gaudette has stepped in as the second string goalkeeper with Brian Perk's absence.

“It was nice to be back with the boys, getting back on the field and competing,” Gaudette told Morgan. “It’s been a while. Hopefully I’m back fully healthy. I’m excited.”

Arena knew what to expect from Gaudette, given his extensive experience in goal.

“He’s an experienced goalkeeper,” Arena concluded. “There’s no reason to believe he’s not going to be a player who’s capable of playing for us.”

Goalkeepers coach Ian Feuer recalled Gaudette's performance against the Galaxy a couple of years ago as a member oif the Puerto Rico Islanders.

“One of the things that attracted us to him was when we played against Puerto Rico,” Feuer said. “He played really well and showed he was capable of shutting us down and controlling the box and all that.

“But whoever comes into the Galaxy there’s always stuff to work on, whether it’s (Donovan) Ricketts, (Josh) Saunders or (Brian) Perk. I have no problem with any of our three guys playing. They could do the job at any time.”

In the meantime, Saunders is expected to earn the start on Saturday against the New England Revolution.

The ongoing center back question

The question has troubled Galaxy fans for ages: who is going to replace Omar Gonzalez at center back?

Will it be the veteran Andrew Boyens? Or will it be the rookie, Tommy Meyer? According to a poll on LAGalaxy.com, nearly 57 percent would prefer the rookie.

“As a player you always want to start the game but I have a huge respect for the other players and the coaching staff on this team and at the end of the day, what’s most important is that we’re getting results,” Boyens told MLSsoccer.com's Luis Bueno. “It’s up to Bruce [Arena] to put the lineup on the field.

"If it’s me, great. If it’s not then I’ll work hard to get back in there.”

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Week 3 of the 2012 MLS season proved nothing (it's only Week 3), while simultaneously reestablishing what we already knew (but might have forgotten).

Parity isn't going anywhere; the best MLS teams can still be beaten by the worst. Thierry Henry is really good at putting the ball in the back of the net. Toronto desperately needs their star defensive mid. Cross-country travel is still a pain in the...well, you know.

But wait, there's more. Things in Philadelphia are getting to the desperation stage awfully early, while Chicago is showing signs of life. 

Sporting Kansas City will run at you really, really fast and dare you to keep up with them.

Clubs missing players due to injury or Olympic qualifying call-ups typically aren't deep enough to fill those holes and get by. 

For a further review of all of those things we learned (but will probably forget by next weekend), let's dive in to the 10 most striking things we learned from MLS Week 3.  

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Real Salt Lake fell hard at home this week, which is something that isn't often said. Sporting Kansas City jumps up one spot after another impressive win. And five teams got their first win of the season.

1. Sporting Kansas City (3-0-0, 9 pts.) A late goal from Kei Kamara sealed a 2-1 win over FC Dallas over the weekend for Kansas City. Sporting's attacking weapons and versatility make this team one to watch every week.

2. Seattle Sounders (2-0-0, 6 pts.) It looks like David Estrada will score plenty of goals this season for the Sounders, he scored the opener against Houston over the weekend.Opponents now have another thing to worry about when playing Seattle outside of Fredy Montero, Brad Evans, Alvaro Fernandez and Mauro Rosales.

3. Vancouver Whitecaps (2-0-1, 7 pts.) No shots on target isn't usually a good thing for the home team, and last season the Whitecaps would have lost if that was the case, but this year the team showed some nerve when struggling to create against D.C. United and got a point despite playing sub-par.

4. San Jose Earthquakes (2-1-0, 6 pts.) Where Chris Wondolowski goes so do the Quakes. And Wondo is on fire to start the season. An impressive, 3-0, win on the roar at Toronto was much deserved.

5. Real Salt Lake (2-1-0, 6 pts.) Rio Tinto is more than a home to RSL, it's a place where it devours its enemies. Except for this weekend. A tough home loss to Chivas was not the way Salt Lake envisioned its home opener going.

6. Los Angeles Galaxy (1-1-0, 3 pts.) No game for the Galaxy, just more time for the team to gel together, which is a good thing for a squad that needed a week off to get healthy.

7. Colorado Rapids (2-1-0, 6 pts.) Injuries have plagued the Rapids early in the year, and finally the list got too long. The loss to New York wasn't pretty, but at least Colorado gets to play at home next week when it hosts Chicago.

8. Houston Dynamo (2-1-0, 6 pts.) Seattle showed its class and Houston just didn't have an answer. Well, Colin Clark had an answer for a ball boy, and it wasn't pretty.

9. FC Dallas (1-1-1, 4 pts.) Kansas City just had too many playmakers for the depleted Dallas side struggling with injuries.

10. New York Red Bulls (1-2-0, 3 pts.) Hans Backe gets his first win of the season. It took some home-cooking for the Red Bulls to get three vital points they hope will kick-start their season.

11. Chivas USA (1-0-2, 3 pts.) Rio Tinto is usually a fort, but somehow Chivas USA was able to break that fort for a moment and defend for its 

12. New England Revolution (1-0-2, 3 pts.) First home game = first win for the Revs. Saer Sene scored the eighth-fastest goal in MLS history to get New England its first goal of the season. Then, the Revolution did the best it could with a injury-cursed backline that only had one healthy center-back entering the game, and lost right back Kevin Alston later in the game, to keep Portland at bay.

13. Portland Timbers (1-1-1, 4 pts.) Portland has struggled since its home opener. Thankfully for the Timbers, they head home this week. Bad news? They host a Real Salt Lake side that will look to turn around from a disappointing loss of its own.

14. Chicago Fire (1-1-1, 4 pts.) The fist win is always the hardest. Chicago—like Columbus, New England, Chivas and New York—got its first this weekend. All it took was a home game. Now, can Chicago keep the momentum going forward after beating Philadelphia 1-0? 

15. Columbus Crew (1-1-0, 3 pts.) Columbus took advantage of playing the league's newest team, Montreal, and got its first win of the year. Next week, Columbus gets a chance at a second win over a struggling Canadian team, Toronto.

15. D.C. United (0-2-1, 1 pts.) One point in Vancouver is not easy. Ben Olsen's team played much better this week. 

17. Montreal Impact (0-2-1, 1 pts.) It's never easy being the new guy in school, and Montreal is finding out that no one wants to play nice. Another tough loss for the expansion side.

18. Toronto FC (0-2-0, 0 pts.) League form isn't as important as CONCACAF Champions League form for Toronto right now. Beating Mexican side Santos Laguna is more important, but probably won't happen. The Reds have a tough week next week as they not only Laguna, but also Columbus later in the week. 

19. Philadelphia Union (0-3-0, 0 pts.) From bad to worse. Another loss for Philadelphia puts Peter Nowak's job of building a young side in question. Who will stand up for the Union and get this thing back on track? It's tough to see anyone right now turning this ship around.

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With the Major League Soccer season off and running again, let’s take a look at who would make the Best XI of players in the league that are on the wrong side of 30.

The Rules—to be selected, a player must currently be playing in Major League Soccer and have played at least one full season.

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New York, NY- After losing the first two matches of the 2012 Major League Soccer season, the New York Red Bulls finally showed their horns as they stampeded the Colorado Rapids 4-1 in their home opener at Red Bull Arena.

Leading the way for the Red Bulls was team captain Thierry Henry and former Portland Timbers forward Kenny Cooper who combined to produce all four goals. With each scoring two goals, the 21,024 fans in attendance for at least one match had reason to visualize the potential success of their club.

In a tribute to Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba, who is recovering from a cardiac arrest suffered on March 17, 2012 in FA Cup competition against Tottenham Hotspur, the Red Bulls wore a t-shirt which read Get Well Soon Muamba. Anyone in attendance on Sunday could easily recognize the serious and determined attitude the Red Bulls players displayed in their body language.

After losing back-to-back road matches to FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake by a combined score of 4-1, the Red Bulls needed every inch of home-field advantage in order to secure a win over the Colorado Rapids. Along with the cloudy and cool weather flowing throughout Red Bull Arena, the enthusiasm of the South Ward which consists of the Viking Army, Empire Supporters Club and the Garden State Supporters was infectious and served as a reminder that MLS has returned to the NY/NJ area.

Chanting loud and proud must have played a role in the Red Bulls overall performance because Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper each scored a goal within the first six minutes of the match. In the third minute of the match, Thierry Henry opened the Red Bulls goal register when he passed by Rapids defender Drew Moor and blasted the ball past GK Matt Pickens to give the Red Bulls a 1-0 advantage. 

Minutes later, former Timbers forward Kenny Cooper made it 2-0 in the sixth minute. For a club that appeared clueless in their first two matches, the Red Bulls ball movement was crisp and fluid. Defensively, the quartet of William Conde, Markus Holgerson, Roy Miller and Jan Gunnar Solli were able to prevent the Rapids from advancing the ball and have a serious shot towards the back of the net. 

Also playing inspired for the Red Bulls were their midfielders of Dane Richards and Rafa Marquez. Coming off a year where they underachieved, both players were aggressive and defensively sound. Solid as a rock, Joel Lindpere brought his fire and passionate style of soccer which many fans have come to appreciate over the past two years. 

After the first half, the Red Bulls had a 2-0 advantage and they were able to build a 3-0 advantage when Henry scored his second goal of the match in the 53rd minute. Despite Colorado's goal to make it 3-1 in the 77th minute when Omar Cummings capitalized off a Marquez turnover, the Red Bulls were never in serious threat. 

With the Red Bulls comfortably leading 3-1 within the closing minutes, Kenny Cooper made it 4-1 in the 89th minute. Minutes later, Henry missed his opportunity of a hat trick. Despite his missed attempted, the South Ward gave him his due as they chanted Henry in unison. 

With the Red Bulls (1-2-0) winning their first match of the season over the previously undefeated Colorado Rapids (2-1-0), the Red Bulls will have an opportunity to win their second match of the season when they face first-year MLS club, the Montreal Impact (0-2-1). With intentions of seeking their first win of the season, the Impact will travel to Red Bull Arena on Saturday March 31, 2012 for their 4 p.m. showdown. 

Other MLS Results from the Weekend

Seattle Sounders (2-0-0) won 2-0 over the Houston Dynamo (2-1-0).

Toronto FC (0-2-0) lost 3-0 to the San Jose Earthquakes (2-1-0).

New England Revolution (1-2-0) won 1-0 over the Portland Timbers (1-1-1). 

Columbus Crew (2-1-1) won 2-0 over the Montreal Impact (0-2-1).

Chicago Fire (1-0-1) won 1-0 over the Philadelphia Union (0-3-0).

Real Salt Lake (2-1-0) lost 1-0 to Chivas USA (1-2-0).

Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2-0-1) battled D.C. United (0-2-1) to a scoreless draw. 

Sporting Kansas City (3-0-0) won 2-1 over FC Dallas (1-1-1). 

Cesar Diaz is a freelance writer for several online soccer publications. If there's a soccer topic you believe needs to be written about, please feel free to contact him. Easily approachable, you may contact him at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  and @CesarDiazNYC.

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A major shakeup has occurred in this week's MLS Power Rankings on Bleacher Report.

Real Salt Lake's demise has forced the LA Galaxy to move up the ladder in spite of a bye week. Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders rule the roost, making the top of this week's list.

Also in this week's rankings, a new face takes over at the cellar. It's all here, in Bleacher Report's Major League Soccer Power Rankings.

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This was the performance that Red Bulls fans had been waiting for. Wilman Conde was spectacular in his debut, Dax McCarty bossed the midfield, and Thierry Henry was seemingly everywhere doing everything, particularly in the second half.

New York scored a quick strike double from Theirry Henry and Kenny Cooper in the first 10 minutes of Sunday's match as Colorado struggled to settle in at Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls seemed to let their foot off the gas for most of the remainder of the first half, but came out strong in the second half attacking and defending well. Henry scored again in the 53rd minute and was looking dangerous for the majority of the half.

Their defensive play was solid and they did well pressing Colorado and getting them to make mistakes; the most critical error was allowing the Red Bulls' first goal.

The Red Bulls did falter slightly, allowing Omar Cummings to score after a bad giveaway by Rafa Marquez in the 77th minute, but the team did recover with Kenny Cooper scoring again in the 89th minute.

Player Ratings

GK Ryan Meara

The rookie played well in his Red Bulls Arena debut. He was steady throughout, particularly on crosses. He did very well to save a well headed ball to his right in the 32nd minute. He was let down by his defense on the Colorado goal in the 77th minute and could do nothing about it.

Rating: 7

RB Jan Gunnar Solli

Solli didn't have the best of games. He was solid at the back breaking up a few attacking movements, but his distribution was not very good. Solli gave away the ball easily on two occasions in the second half only to be saved by Markus Holgersson's interceptions. He received a 32nd minute yellow card for impeding Colorado first half dangerman Tony Cascio. 

Rating: 4

CB Wilman Conde

Strong game all around for the big Colombian defender as he imposed his will on the Colorado attacker. Distribution from the back was spectacular, including his perfectly weighted assist to Theirry Henry that set up Henry's 53rd minute goal. So good Henry called him "one hell of a difference."

Rating: 8

CB Markus Holgersson

He had a good game. Holgersson  broke up a number of Colorado attacking movements and saved Jan Gunnar Solli after poor passes in the Red Bulls half twice. His distribution was solid with a few errors, but overall very good.

Rating: 7

LB Roy Miller

Solid defensively throughout, but was a little up and down with the ball at his feet in the first half. Played much better in the second half going forward, culminating in the beautiful move with Theirry Henry setting up his assist of Kenny Cooper.

Rating: 6

RM Dane Richards

Richards had a lively start to the game, sending a dangerous cross across the 6-yard box that almost found teammate Theirry Henry. He had a hard time going forward as the first half went on, but worked hard pressing Colorado and winning back possession. He also had a few dangerous runs in the second half, including a 58th minute surge off a Theirry Henry through-ball that ended in a save by Colorado Keeper Matt Pickens. Substituted late in the game for Brandon Barklage.

Rating: 7

CM Rafa Marquez

He worked hard and defended well. Generally played higher up the field then his Central Midfield partner McCarty. His distribution was largely good, but a little bit suspect at times as he searched for chemistry with the players around him in his season debut. He will bear the brunt of the responsibility for Colorado's 77th minute goal after giving the ball away easily in his own half. Marquez also received a Yellow Card for a cynical challenge to break up a Colorado attack in the 59th minute.

Rating: 6

CM Dax McCarty

McCarty bossed the midfield and played in the hole in front of the defense for most of the game breaking up Colorado attacks. He distributed the ball well and almost found the end of a 75th minute Roy Miller cross on a surging run from the midfield. He was a live wire throughout, pushing his teammates forward when the game bogged down in the first half.

Rating: 8

LM Joel Lindpiere

Lindpiere caused the giveaway that led to Theirry Henry's first goal.  He didn't have much success going forward despite a few good plays linking up with Theirry Henry. He was largely anonymous throughout and substituted in the 85th minute.

Rating: 5

ST Thierry Henry

The Arsenal Legend had an outstanding game despite fading a bit in the second half. He scored two goals, assisted on another, and was crucial in the build up to the final goal. His finishing was clinical and passing was spot on all game. Henry worked hard, dropping back into the midfield to collect the ball and forcing the Red Bulls' attack forward when it got bogged down. He was a little lucky to not receive a card for dissent in the 59th minute.

Rating: 9

ST Kenny Cooper

Cooper did very well to finish his first chance in the 6th minute and his positioning was perfect for his final 89th minute goal off a Roy Miller assist in the 6-yard box. He looked active early on but largely fell out of the game after that. Showed some ability to hold up the ball, but was largely cut off and out of position throughout. He should have done better with a 59th minute Theirry Henry cross, but his first touch let him down. Later he endured Henry's wrath for failing to feed him the ball. Yet all in all, any day a striker scores two goals is still pretty solid.

Rating: 6

Substitutes

LM Mehdi Ballouchy (on for Lindpiere's 85th minute)

It was almost the right place, right time to finish a Dane Richards move. He had a few good moments, but also gave the ball away too easily on one occasion. He didn't really have a ton of time to make an impression.

Rating: 5

RM Brandon Barklage (on for Richards' 90th minute)

Not enough time to make an impression.

Rating: INC

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This week saw a sub-par performance from Canadian teams, as Vancouver was the only club able to squander points. 

This weekend we saw Toronto FC take on the San Jose Earthquakes at BMO Field. Montreal Impact played at Columbus against the Crew and Vancouver Whitecaps hosted Canadian international Dwayne De Rosario and DC United. 

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