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3 best MLS matches to watch this weekend

By Harvey Cruz

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 28: Atlanta United's Greg Garza (4) pushes the ball upfield while being pursued by NYCFC's Ben Sweat (2) during a MLS match between Atlanta United and NYCFC on May 28, 2017 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta United defeated NYCFC 3 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 28: Atlanta United's Greg Garza (4) pushes the ball upfield while being pursued by NYCFC's Ben Sweat (2) during a MLS match between Atlanta United and NYCFC on May 28, 2017 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta United defeated NYCFC 3 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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After U.S. Open Cup action in midweek, MLS returns this weekend. Here are the three best matches to watch this weekend.

It’s a hectic time in MLS right now. With the U.S. Open Cup now upon us, MLS club are playing more games on a weekly basis. Moreover, the World Cup is fast approaching along with international friendlies so teams are affected by call-ups.

Nonetheless, MLS soccer returns with a nice lineup this weekend. Here are three matchups to watch.

New York City FC vs. Atlanta United

Heavyweights clash as second place hosts first. Their first meeting was a fantastic 2-2 draw in Atlanta, but now they meet at Yankee Stadium. The first game of the weekend sees not only the top two in the Eastern Conference, but the top two in all of MLS.

City have been fantastic at home, unbeaten still after brushing aside Orlando City 3-0 last Saturday. Ismael Tajouri-Shradi and Maxi Moralez both scored to bring their totals to seven and six goals respectively. However, they were victims of a second 4-0 defeat to the New York Red Bulls in over a month in the fourth round of the U.S. Open. It’s the second straight season they were eliminated by their local rivals. David Villa was subbed off early in the second half, but will lead the line this weekend.

Atlanta have been a juggernaut, scoring the most goals in MLS with 30. City are second with 29. Much of the credit goes to Josef Martinez, whose hat-trick in last Saturday’s 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union makes him the league’s top scorer with 12 goals. This past Wednesday, they defeated Charleston Battery 3-0 to advance to the round of 16 of the USOC. While the strikers will be on full display, the battle to watch is in midfield where the game will be won.

Since their opening day road loss to Houston, Atlanta have gone unbeaten on their travels winning four and drawing one. But this is a huge test with Supporters’ Shield implications, just two points separate the teams. It’s the first game of the weekend, and if it’s anything like their April contest, it’ll arguably be the best.

Columbus Crew vs. NY Red Bulls

Another Eastern Conference battle, as Columbus host New York in their first meeting this season.

The Crew have been rolling, going unbeaten in their last eight games. Their last game put that streak in major jeopardy facing Toronto. After going down 3-0, Columbus rallied back for a crazy 3-3 draw at home. Gyasi Zardes scored yet again, bringing his goal tally to nine, he’s been revived since being acquired by LA Galaxy via trade.

However, Wednesday night saw the Crew and Chicago Fire face off in an epic shootout after drawing 2-2 after 120 minutes. The Fire escaped victorious eliminating Columbus in the Open Cup, but now have a quick turnaround at home against the Red Bulls. They’ll be without goalkeeper Zack Steffen and midfielder Will Trapp, as the pair are away on international duty.

New York had their five-game unbeaten streak snapped at the hands of the New England Revolution. Bradley Wright-Phillips scores as he usually does, equalling Zardes with nine goals for the year. But they’ll be in high spirits after dismantling City 4-0 yet again, and once more eliminating them in the Open Cup.

In addition, goalkeeper Luis Robles will start against the Crew after missing time through injury, yet five players will be missing for the game. Defenders Fidel Escobar and Michael Murillo are with Panama for the World Cup. Tim Parker, Tyler Adams and Kaku are with the United States and Paraguay respectively for international friendlies.

This game features the league’s two stingiest defenses. Columbus have the best defensive record in the league, having conceded only 13 goals, while the Red Bulls are tied for the second-fewest with 14. Expect an evenly-matched game between the two.

Portland Timbers vs. Sporting Kansas City

The Timbers host the Western Conference leaders in a huge game for both teams. After a dreadful start to the season going winless in their first five, Portland have turned it around with a seven-game unbeaten run. First year manager Giovanni Savarese has turned it around rather nicely.

Suddenly, the Timbers are in fifth place ahead of this game. Diego Valeri is back firing goals, the reigning league MVP now has five goals and three assists. New signing Samuel Armenteros has three goals in his last three games, and is expected to start against Kansas City. Their last league game was a 1-1 draw against Los Angeles FC, maintaining an unbeaten record at home. Portland brushed aside the San Jose Earthquakes a 2-0 Open Cup win in midweek.

For Sporting, they bring their five-game unbeaten run to one of the toughest places in all of MLS. Johnny Russell has been a success since signing from Derby County, he’s got five goals so far. Felipe Gutierrez also has five, and Sporting are in their best form of the season. As a whole, they’ve scored 28 goals — the most in the conference, third-most in the league.

Confidence is at a supreme high after beating rivals Real Salt Lake 2-0 away in the Open Cup. However, with two teams carrying unbeaten runs against each other, something will give. This Saturday night match will surely cap off a great weekend in MLS.

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