Count them: There are five MLS Week 3 matches on tap for Sunday and the slate gets started with an FS1 national TV doubleheader that should whet the soccer appetite:
NYCFC vs. LAFC (3 pm ET on FS1)
These two teams play some of the most attractive soccer in all MLS.
That should come as little surprise since they're led by quality players like Carlos Vela (LAFC) -- some think he's the best player in MLS -- and newcomer Alexandru Mitrita (here are 10 Things about NYCFC's new star).
LAFC are off to a perfect start and are playing some sparkling soccer which has caught the eye of NYCFC boss Domenec Torrent, who in turn has seen his team start the campaign undefeated after the two matches:
"I am impressed with their [LAFC's] performance, especially the last two MLS games. They played really well and I like the way they play. It seems a little bit like when I worked with Pep especially in Barcelona. They play a 4-3-3 and they respect the position, even a position like Vela's -- he has a commitment to the system and stays wide sometimes.
"I like especially when they have the ball," Torrent continued. "They have a clarity to play soccer ... For me it will be a tough game because they're in top form right now."
FC Cincinnati vs. Portland Timbers (5 pm ET on FS1)
An expansion team's first-ever home game is always one to savor and remember. And FC Cincinnati will have a sellout crowd at Nippert Stadium for the occasion.
They promise Nippert's going to be buzzing. But why is the Queen City so head over heels for Major League Soccer? A local Cincinnatian explained the dynamic.
And on top of the city's first taste of MLS action, there's another intriguing subplot: FCC striker Fanendo Adi going up against the Portland Timbers team that traded him last year.
Adi clarified that he was the one who asked to be traded, but you can still tell that he wants to win this match badly.
