AP Power Rankings: Week 4

Before we really get in to week 4 of the AP Power Rankings, I need to make a couple of things clear in advance of the significant changes you'll see below. 

Recently, I found out that several other USASA Elite Leagues are currently playing, and several others are getting ready to kick off. Some of these leagues have teams featuring in multiple leagues, such as West Chester United and CD Aguiluchos USA. Both organizations have a team in the NPSL and in a more regional Elite League. This has caused the creation of a new rule for the rankings. Any organization featuring a team in two leagues can only have the side playing in the higher ranked league featured in the power rankings. 

Now, due to finding out how many Elite Leagues have been playing and have teams eligible for the Power Rankings, you'll see a lot of changes this week. And expect to see teams from the Bay State Soccer League here in the next week or two. 

In week 4, we have a new number 1: Strikers FC South Coast, courtesy of a big win over Cal Arsenal FC. Right behind them is a new number 2, Santa Ana Winds, who downed Ozzy's Laguna over the weekend. Riverside Coras falls to 3 courtesy of an off week.

Making their debut at number 4 is Vereinigung Erzgebirge of the USL of Pennsylvania. La Maquina swaps the 5 and 6 spots with Moreno Valley,  who drew 2-2 with PCS Football Club. LA Wolves, who also had an off week, fell from number 2 to number 7.

FC Arizona defeated Corinthians USA 4-1, pushing their goal differential further up, but also gave up their first goal of the season. Colorado Rush knocked off Club El Azul 3-0 to go top of the UPSL Colorado Conference, and solidify their position in the standings. Ozzy's Laguna, courtesy of their loss to Santa Ana Winds and the worst goal differential in the Top 10, fall from third all the way to tenth.

1. Strikers FC South Coast, UPSL - GD: +23 - Pts: 18 - GP: 7
2. Santa Ana Winds, UPSL - GD: +19 - Pts: 18 - GP: 7
3. Riverside Coras, NPSL - GD: +12 - Pts: 15 - GP: 5
4. Vereinigung Erzgebirge, USLPA - GD: +10 - Pts: 17 - GP: 8
5. La Maquina FC, UPSL - GD: +14 - Pts: 16 - GP: 6
6. Moreno Valley FC, UPSL - GD: +12 - Pts: 16 - GP: 7
7. LA Wolves, UPSL - GD: +20 - Pts 15 - GP: 6
8. FC Arizona, NPSL - GD: +14 - Pts: 13 - GP: 5
9. Colorado Rush, UPSL - GD: +12 - Pts: 14 - GP: 6
10. Ozzy's Laguna, UPSL - GD: +6 - Pts: 16 - GP: 6

As more leagues and divisions start kicking off, I've started a new section where you can see the teams that just missed the cut this week, or have just become eligible for a spot in the Top 10. Here are your 'Teams on the Brink.'
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• Orange County FC, NPSL - GD: +8 - Pts: 11 - GP: 4
• Boise FC, UPSL - GD: +16 - Pts: 12 - GP: 5
• CD Aguiluchos USA, NPSL - GD: +4 - Pts: 12 - GP: 4
• Olympic Club, SFSFL - GD: +14 - Pts: 10 - GP: 4
• Las Vegas Mobsters, UPSL - GD: +14 - Pts: 9 - GP: 3

Help us continue to improve our Power Rankings. Should we add a couple more spots? How would you incorporate adding new teams to the Top 10 as more teams hit the 3 games played mark? Let us know in the comments below!