The Pitch - Tonight: MLS & LIGA MX All-Stars Face Off in Leagues Cup Semifinal

MLS Roster Freeze Hits Tomorrow

With clubs strategizing as the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs come into clearer view, rosters for all 27 teams are set to lock tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. ET on the 2021 Roster Freeze Date. This important marker on the competition calendar means no additional roster moves can be made until after MLS Cup on Dec. 11, when the half-day trade window commences on Dec. 12. Clubs may only add a player after the Roster Freeze Date in cases of extreme hardship.

Additional roster and player transaction information can be found in the 2021 MLS Roster Rules and Regulations.

Tonight: MLS & LIGA MX All-Stars Face Off in Leagues Cup Semifinal

Roldans

Seattle Sounders FC are looking to book a spot in the Leagues Cup Final as the team takes on Santos Laguna of LIGA MX tonight in a semifinal showdown. On the heels of an incredible 2021 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target, the intensity returns with another high-stakes match featuring the best players from MLS and LIGA MX, when the trio of All-Star starters from both sides face off at Lumen Field (10 p.m. ET, ESPN2 /TUDN / TSN).

Seattle Sounders FC – who have seven wins and draws in their 15 previous matchups against Mexican teams – feature MLS All-Star Game starters: captain Cristian Roldan, MLS leading scorer Raúl Ruidíaz, midfielder João Paulo alongside defenders Alex Roldan, Nouhou Tolo, and Yeimar.

The Santos Laguna squad features familiar players for the Sounders FC All-Stars as three starters from the LIGA MX All-Star team are available for selection tonight: defender Matheus Doria, midfielder Fernando Gorriarán and attacking midfielder Diego Valdés.

Seattle and Santos Laguna have met on four prior occasions as Los Guerreros have maintained a 2-1-1 advantage in four previous Concacaf Champions League matchups.

During this second edition of the single-elimination competition, which is a focal point in the continuing partnership between North America’s top soccer leagues, will Seattle Sounders FC become the first MLS Club to appear in the Leagues Cup final on Sept. 22 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas?

Union Host América with Eyes on CONCACAF Champions League Final

The Philadelphia Union enter a must-win moment as they host Club América in Leg 2 of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League semifinals on Wednesday (9 p.m. ET, FS1 / Univision / TUDN),

The Union will need a trio of goals in this match to overtake their opponent’s lead, but the team is primed for the task, having recorded several, three-goal outings already in 2021 – including a Leg 1, 3-0 Concacaf Champions League win over Atlanta United (April 27) as well as a pair of regular season 3-0 victories over Portland Timbers (May 30) and Toronto FC (Aug. 4), and a 3-3 draw against the Chicago Fire (June 26).

The Union can advance to the Concacaf Champions League Final if they win by at least three goals tonight, while they must equal the América 2-0 result from the first leg if they are to send the series into extra time. The Union will have to win by three goals outright if they concede any goals, with the away goals tiebreaker in effect.

As tournament debutants, the rejuvenated side boasts the tournament’s leading scorer Kacper Przybyłko and also will return to near-full strength as they come off an 11-day break to welcome back a league-high seven players from FIFA World Cup Qualifiers that featured Jamaica, Hungary, Venezuela, Cape Verde, and Cameroon.

With an energized home crowd in Subaru Park and only two matches away from a potential berth in the FIFA Club World Cup, could the Union be one match away from joining the ranks of four previous MLS clubs to advance to the regional final (LAFC, 2020; Toronto FC, 2018; CF Montréal, 2015; Real Salt Lake, 2011)?

Complete regulations for this year’s tournament can be found here.

Under-the-Radar Rapids Within Reach of Western Conference Peak

The No. 3 Colorado Rapids (12-4-6 record, 42 points) are swiftly moving upstream to near the top of the Western Conference on an eight-game unbeaten streak and matching their highest point total at this point of any season in club history (achieved in 1999 when they were 16-6). Their success is thanks in large part to the acquisitions of Canadian National Team midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye and goalkeeper William Yarbrough, who won two LIGA MX titles with Club León before joining the MLS side a year ago.

After signing Kaye on July 27, Colorado’s rapid, yet somewhat quiet, rise to success kicked off with the beginning of the club’s unbeaten streak on July 31 before the Canadian midfielder made his first appearance in an Aug. 7 start. Kaye has since recorded a goal and an additional five starts in all matches in which he has been available. Meanwhile in goal, Yarbrough is turning heads with nine shutouts this season, which ranks second among league goalkeepers this year. Since July 31, the two-time Liga MX champion ranks second in MLS in total saves (32) and leads the league with the highest save percentage among keepers with at least three games played (86.5%).

Additionally, Colorado has seen strong production off the bench, as five of the club’s last six matches featured at least one goal scored or assisted by a substitute, including three game winners.

The Colorado Rapids are sitting one win away from tying the Conference-leading Seattle Sounders FC (13-4-6, 45 points. With these two game-changers gaining significant attention, will the Rapids continue to rise against the Portland Timbers on Wednesday (10 p.m. ET, ESPN+) and vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Sunday (9 p.m. ET, ESPN+)?

New England Revolution on Record-Setting Pace

The New England Revolution are running away with the Supporters’ Shield lead, with their 55 points sitting 10 ahead of the next closest team, and their rate of 2.20 points-per-game at an all-time record pace ahead of the 1998 LA Galaxy. If the Revolution can maintain a level of two points from their final nine matches, they will surpass the Los Angeles Football Club’s record total of 72 points from their historic 2019 season – a rate which just six other teams in MLS history have achieved over the course of a season.

Game Notes

Tuesday, September 14
Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami CF, 7:30 p.m. (TSN)
 

  • Toronto FC saw their stretch without a victory extended, falling 2-0 to FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Saturday evening.
  • Inter Miami CF set a club record with a fifth consecutive game without loss, winning a second game in a row in a 1-0 win vs. the Columbus Crew at DRV PNK Stadium on Saturday evening. Gonzalo Higuaín netted the lone goal, his ninth of the season, tied for 10th place in the MLS Golden Boot standings
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Rodolfo Pizarro scored a pair of goals and Robbie Robinson added a third as Inter Miami took a 3-1 win Aug. 21 at DRV PNK Stadium.
  • The teams met once in Inter Miami’s inaugural season. Ayo Akinola and Alejandro Pozuelo netted second-half goals as Toronto FC came back for a 2-1 win Nov. 1 at Rentschler Field at Pratt and Whitney Stadium in E. Hartford, Conn.

Columbus Crew SC vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.

  • The Crew suffered a second consecutive reversal, falling by the game’s only goal to Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on Saturday evening
  • The Red Bulls gained a second result in the last three games, reaching a 1-1 draw with D.C. United at Red Bull Arena on Saturday evening. Dru Yearwood scored his first MLS and Red Bulls goal for the lone tally.
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. John Tolkin netted the game’s only goal in the 33rd minute as the Red Bulls took the victory Aug. 18 at Red Bull Arena.
  • The Red Bulls victory in the first meeting ended a six-game undefeated streak for the Crew in the series in league play. The Red Bulls have not won in Columbus since March 28, 2015, a span of five games; the Crew have won two of those, with three draws. The Crew had won the previous two meetings in Harrison.
  • The teams also met last year in Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs, the Crew taking a 3-2 win in Columbus on Nov. 21. It was the fifth meeting all-time between the teams in the postseason, which also includes MLS Cup 2008, won by the Crew.

New York City FC vs. FC Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

  • NYCFC suffered a second defeat in a row, dropping a 2-1 decision to the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on Saturday evening. Santiago Rodríguez scored his third goal, all coming in the last eight games.
  • FC Dallas reached a 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes at Toyota Stadium on Saturday evening. Ricardo Pepi netted his 12th goal of the season, now tied for third place of the MLS Golden Boot standings; he has four goals in the last four games.
  • The teams last met in 2019, reaching a 1-1 draw Sept. 22 at Toyota Stadium.
  • The last victory in the series came April 29, 2018, a 3-1 win for NYCFC at Yankee Stadium, their only victory in five matches in the series. FC Dallas won the first meeting ever between the clubs in 2015 in Frisco, Texas, a 2-1 win for their only triumph in the series.

Wednesday, September 15

Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati, 7 p.m.

  • Atlanta United won for a fifth time in the last six games, rolling to a 3-0 win against Orlando City SC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday evening. Ezequiel Barco scored his fifth goal of the season, his fourth in the last six games, and George Campbell netted the first goal of his MLS career.
  • FC Cincinnati won for the first time in their new TQL Stadium home, defeating Toronto FC 2-0 on Saturday evening. Brenner scored his sixth goal of the season, his third in the last six games, and Haris Medunjanin netted his second goal of the season, in snapping a 12-game overall run without a win.
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Luciano Acosta gave FCC the lead with a half-hour to play, but Ronald Hernández leveled terms shortly thereafter for ATLUTD, leaving the teams in a 1-1 draw July 21 at TQL Stadium.
  • The teams met three times a season ago. ATLUTD won twice – Ezequiel Barco and Emerson Hyndman each netted goals for a second consecutive game as Atlanta took a 2-1 win March 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, then Adam Jahn and Marcelino Moreno scored in the opening 25 minutes for a ATLUTD win Nov. 1 in Atlanta. The teams also met during the group stage of the MLS is Back Tournament on July 16, Frankie Amaya netting the game’s only goal in the 76th minute for the FC Cincinnati win.
  • The teams met twice in FCC’s inaugural season. The teams reached a 1-1 draw March 10 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, then Josef Martínez netted both goals (his second and third in the series) in ATLUTD’s 2-1 triumph Sept. 18 at Nippert Stadium.

Orlando City SC vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. (TVA Sports; TSN)

  • Orlando City SC saw their seven-game undefeated streak put to an end, falling 3-0 to Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday evening.
  • CF Montréal had their four-game undefeated run come to a halt, falling by the game’s only goal to Nashville SC at Stade Saputo on Saturday evening.
  • The teams met once a season ago in league play, Daryl Dike scoring the game’s only goal in the first half as Orlando City took the win Nov. 1 at Red Bull Arena in a Montréal home game. The teams also met in the round-of-16 at the MLS is Back Tournament, Orlando City winning by the game’s only goal on July 25.
  • Orlando City has won the last three meetings over all competitions, which followed a three-game Montréal winning streak in the series, and a six-game undefeated streak, with five wins in that span. The last OCSC victory in the series had come Sept. 7, 2016, a 4-1 victory at Stade Saputo. The Impact have a four-game undefeated streak alive in Orlando, with three wins and a draw.

D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire FC, 7:30 p.m.

  • D.C. United reached a second result in a row, gaining a 1-1 draw with the New York Red Bulls on Saturday evening. Ola Kamara converted a penalty kick for his 13th goal of the season, a second consecutive game with a goal, now in second place in the MLS Golden Boot standings, one behind Raúl Ruidíaz of Seattle Sounders FC.
  • The teams are meeting for the third time this season. Edison Flores scored the game’s only goal in the seventh minute as United took the victory May 13 at Audi Field, then on July 21 at Soldier Field, Kevin Paredes and Ola Kamara scored five minutes apart in the final stretch as United overcame a 2-goal deficit to gain a 2-2 draw.
  • United have now won two of the three meetings all-time at Audi Field, with one draw. The Fire have a win and a draw in the two meetings since the return to Soldier Field; the Fire’s 2-1 win there Oct. 11, 2019 was the first matchup in the series there since the 2005 season.

Sporting Kansas City vs. Minnesota United FC, 8:30 p.m.

  • Sporting Kansas City gained points for a seventh time in the last eight games, defeating Chicago Fire FC at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday evening. José Mauri scored his first MLS and SKC goal and Johnny Russell added his fifth, both coming in the opening six minutes of the game.
  • MNUFC had their three-game stretch without a loss come to an end, falling by the game’s only goal to Seattle Sounders FC at Lumen Field on Saturday evening.
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. They reached a goalless draw Aug. 21 at Allianz Field.
  • SKC has won all five matchups at home in league play. Sporting’s win at Allianz Field last year was their first in six visits to Minnesota all-time in all competitions; there have now been three draws there.
  • The teams also met in the Western Conference Semifinal at Children’s Mercy Park last year, Minnesota United FC taking a 3-0 win. Kevin Molino scored a pair of goals while Emanuel Reynoso collected assists on all three MNUFC goals, a second consecutive game in the MLS Cup Playoffs with three assists – the first player to record three assists or more in multiple games in MLS postseason history.

Austin FC vs. Los Angeles Football Club, 9 p.m.

  • Austin FC saw their losing skid continue, dropping a 3-0 decision to Houston Dynamo FC at BBVA Stadium on Saturday evening.
  • LAFC won their second game on the trot, getting a late 3-2 win against Real Salt Lake at Banc of California Stadium on Sunday evening.
  • Cristian Arango scored a pair of goals – the opener coming after just 20 seconds, equaling the eighth-fastest from the start of a game in MLS history; Arango has four goals on the year, all coming over the last three games.
  • The teams are meeting for the third time this season and in their histories, and LAFC has won the first two. Corey Baird and José Cifuentes netted goals in the final half-hour as LAFC took the 2-0 win in the first game in Austin FC club history, April 17 at Banc of California Stadium, then Cifuentes and Diego Rossi scored late in each half as LAFC won 2-0 on July 7 at Q2 Stadium.

Portland Timbers vs. Colorado Rapids, 10 p.m.

  • The Timbers won their third game in a row, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC by the game’s only goal. The goal came from an own goal, just the second time in Portland’s MLS history the club won a game with the lone goal coming through an own goal (also: 4/21/12 vs. KC).
  • The Rapids extended their undefeated streak to eight games, reaching a 1-1 draw with the LA Galaxy at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday evening. Michael Barrios scored his sixth goal of the season for the Rapids tally.
  • The teams met once a season ago. Kellyn Acosta scored the game’s only goal in the 82nd minute, giving the Rapids the win Nov. 4 at Providence Park.
  • The Rapids win last year ended a five-game undefeated streak for the Timbers in the series, winning three consecutive matchups before draws in both meetings in 2019. The last Rapids win had come June 17, 2017, a 2-1 win in Commerce City.
  • The visiting team has won just four times in the all-time series, the Timbers winning twice in Commerce City since 2015. The Rapids win in the first meeting ended a nine-game home undefeated streak for Portland in the series; the lone other win for the Rapids in Portland coming June 11, 2011.

LA Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo FC, 10:30 p.m.

  • The Galaxy reached a second draw in succession, playing to a 1-1 result with the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday evening. Samuel Grandsir scored his second MLS goal for the Galaxy marker.
  • Dynamo FC snapped their winless streak after 16 games, defeating Austin FC 3-0 at BBVA Stadium on Saturday evening. Fafa Picault scored a pair of goals, the fourth two-goal game of his MLS career, now with six goals in his last eight games, while Griffin Dorsey scored his first MLS goal after just 48 seconds.
  • The teams met twice a season ago, reaching a pair of 1-1 draws. Cristian Pavón opened the scoring the Galaxy on 12 minutes, before Mauro Manotas leveled terms just after the halftime break in the season opener for both clubs, Feb. 29 at BBVA Stadium. Then Darwin Quintero scored in the first half, but Pavón equalized on the stroke of full time, leaving the teams in the deadlock during group play at the MLS is Back Tournament on July 23.
  • The teams split their two encounters in 2019, each winning on their home ground. The Galaxy claimed a 2-1 victory April 19 at Dignity Health Sports Park, then the Dynamo took a 4-2 victory Oct. 6 at BBVA Stadium.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake, 10:30 p.m.

  • The Quakes gained a result for the 11th time in the last 12 games, reaching a 1-1 draw with FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on Saturday evening. Oswaldo Alanis converted a penalty kick for his second goal of the season.
  • Real weren’t able to build upon a first win in three games, dropping a 3-2 decision to Los Angeles Football Club at Banc of California Stadium on Sunday evening. Damir Kreilach netted his ninth goal of the season, tied for 10th place in the MLS Golden Boot standings, and Anderson Julio added his sixth of the year.
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Chris Wondolowski scored goals five minutes late after coming off the substitutes’ bench, leading the Quakes to a 2-1 comeback win May 7 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
  • In the previous meeting between the teams, last Oct. 28 at PayPal Park, Wondolowski scored both goals as the Quakes took a 2-0 win at home. The Quakes now own a six-game undefeated streak in the series in San Jose, with five wins in that span, the last RSL win there a 1-0 triumph on April 5, 2015. 
  • The Quakes win in the first meeting ended a six-game home undefeated streak for Real in the series, with three wins and three draws in that time. The last San Jose victory in Sandy had come in 2013.

Friday, September 17

Inter Miami CF vs. New York Red Bulls, 7 p.m. (FS1 / FOX Deportes)

  • The teams met twice in Inter Miami’s inaugural season, each winning on the other’s home ground. The Red Bulls got goals from four different players in cruising to a 4-1 win Sept. 23 at DRV PNK Stadium; Matías Pellegrini and Gonzalo Higuaín scored second-half goals as Inter Miami came from behind for a 2-1 win Oct. 7 at Red Bull Arena.

Saturday, September 18

Atlanta United vs. D.C. United, 3:30 p.m. (Univision / TUDN)

  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Josef Martínez scored in the first half then set up Marcelino Moreno’s late winner as ATLUTD took a 2-1 win Aug. 21 at Audi Field.
  • The visiting team has won each of the last three meetings in the series, including both encounters a year ago. Jon Gallagher scored a pair of goals and Brooks Lennon hit for another and added two assists as Atlanta United rolled to a 4-0 win Oct. 3 at Audi Field; Russell Canouse and Gelmin Rivas scored in the final quarter-hour as D.C. took a 2-1 win Oct. 24 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
  • Home form had ruled in the previous two seasons, each winning 2-0 on their home ground in 2019, and winning by 3-1 scorelines on their own ground in 2018 in three meetings overall (two in Atlanta). D.C. United took all three meetings in ATLUTD’s expansion season, winning 3-1 at Bobby Dodd Stadium on April 30 before taking the next two at RFK Stadium.

New England Revolution vs. Columbus Crew SC, 7 p.m.

  • The Revolution won their league-leading 17th game of the season, their 10th in the last 12 outings, defeating New York City FC 2-1 at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 11. Tajon Buchanan netted his seventh goal of the season, his fourth in the last six games, and Emmanuel Boateng added his second.
  • The teams are meeting for the third time this season. Adam Buksa netted the game’s only goal in the 86th minute, giving the Revolution the victory May 16 at Gillette Stadium; the teams also reached a 2-2 draw July 3 at Lower.com Field.
  • The win in the first meeting was the first for the Revs in the series since May 21, 2017, a 2-1 victory in Foxborough. Columbus SC have won six of the previous nine meetings between the teams (with one draw).
  • Columbus SC have a seven-game undefeated streak alive at home in the series (5-0-2); the last Revolution league win in Columbus was on Oct. 27, 2013, though the Revolution won the first leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinal Series there in 2014.
  • The teams did meet last year in the Eastern Conference Final, Artur scoring the game’s only goal in the 59th minute to book the Crew’s place in the 2020 MLS Cup. It was the first win for Columbus in eight meetings all-time in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

FC Cincinnati vs. New York City FC, 7:30 p.m.

  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Jesús Medina scored a pair of goals and Valentin Castellanos scored a goal and added an assist as NYCFC cruised to a 5-0 win April 24 at Yankee Stadium.
  • NYCFC has won all five meetings in the series between the teams, now with a 20-4 advantage in goal differential. NYCFC has scored the last nine goals in the series without reply.

Toronto FC vs. Nashville SC, 7:30 p.m. (TSN)

  • Nashville SC extended their undefeated run to five games with a fourth win in that span, defeating CF Montréal by the game’s only goal at Stade Saputo on Sept. 11. Walker Zimmerman scored the Nashville goal; Joe Willis was credited with three saves in recording his MLS-leading 10th shutout of the season, a single-season career high in his 11th MLS campaign.
  • The teams are meeting for the third time this season. Luke Haakenson scored a pair of late goals, the 83rd-minute equalizer and the stoppage-time game-winner, leading Nashville SC to the 3-2 win June 23 at Nissan Stadium, then on Aug. 1 at BMO Field, Omar Gonzalez scored early for TFC, but Robert Castellanos equalized before the interval, leaving the teams in a 1-1 draw.
  • The first meeting this season was the first ever in league play, but they did meet in Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs a year ago. Daniel Ríos netted the game’s only goal and Joe Willis made three saves in extending his shutout streak to 197 minutes in the postseason as Nashville SC took the victory Nov. 24 at Rentschler Field.

Minnesota United FC vs. LA Galaxy, 8 p.m.

  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Kévin Cabral scored the game’s only goal in the 41st minute as the Galaxy took the win Aug. 14 at Allianz Field.
  • The teams had last met during the 2019 season. Jonathan dos Santos and Chris Pontius netted goals five minutes apart in the first half and Sebastian Lletget added a late one as the Galaxy held out for a 3-2 win March 16 at Dignity Health Sports Park; the teams reached a goalless draw April 24 at Allianz Field.
  • The Galaxy have never lost to Minnesota United FC, now in seven meetings between the teams all-time, with five wins. The Galaxy also won a Round One meeting in the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2019, a 2-1 win in Saint Paul.

Austin FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 8 p.m.

  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season and in their histories. They reached a goalless draw June 19 in the grand opening of Q2 Stadium.

Real Salt Lake vs. Seattle Sounders FC, 9:30 p.m.

  • Sounders FC won for a fourth time in five games in league play, defeating Minnesota United FC by the game’s only goal at Lumen Field on Sept. 11. João Paulo scored his second goal of the season for the match-winner.
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Cristian Roldan and Raúl Ruidíaz scored second-half goals as Sounders FC took a 2-1 win June 23 at Lumen Field.
  • Sounders FC have won 10 of the past 11 league meetings between the teams at Lumen Field, the lone RSL win coming on May 26, 2018, a 1-0 triumph. Real are undefeated in the last nine home meetings vs. Seattle, winning eight in a row before a 2-2 draw there last Sept. 2 in the last meeting in Sandy.
  • The teams also met in the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs. Gustav Svensson and Nicolás Lodeiro scored second-half goals as Sounders FC took a 2-0 win in the Western Conference Semifinals, Oct. 23 at CenturyLink Field. The clubs had also met in the MLS Cup Playoffs in back-to-back seasons in 2011 and 2012, each advancing on one occasion.

Houston Dynamo FC vs. FC Dallas, 10 p.m. (Univision / TUDN)

  • The teams are meeting for the third time this season, reaching a pair of draws. FCD’s Fafa Picault converted a penalty kick, then Dynamo FC’s Jader Obrian hit for the leveler, as the teams reached a 1-1 draw May 8 at Toyota Stadium; then on Aug. 21 at BBVA Stadium, Picault converted another spot kick and Matías Vera scored late, wrapped around goals from Nkosi Tafari and Ricardo Pepi as the teams finished 2-2.
  • The Dynamo have won in the series each of the last two seasons. Since the start of 2013, FC Dallas are 10-3-9 in league play against Houston, and have won the three meetings between the teams in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
  • FC Dallas has won five of the 13 matches (with five draws) between the teams over all competitions at BBVA Stadium. The Dynamo haven’t won in Frisco since 2011, FCD winning the last four there.
  • The clubs play for “El Capitán,” the 19th-century Mountain Howitzer cannon to be awarded to the winner of the season series by supporters’ groups for both clubs.

Sunday, September 19

CF Montreal vs. Chicago Fire FC, 1 p.m. (TVA Sports; TSN)

  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Mason Toye scored the game’s only goal in the 87th minute as CFMTL took the win May 29 at Soldier Field.
  • The teams have evenly split their season series each of the last five years. The home team had won each of the previous four meetings before last year’s 2-2 draw Oct. 3 at Red Bull Arena in the only meeting between the teams.

Philadelphia Union vs. Orlando City SC, 4 p.m. (ESPN / ESPN Deportes)

  • The Union return to league play for the first time since Aug. 28, their last match a 1-0 loss to the New England Revolution on Sept. 3 at Subaru Park.
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Benji Michel scored in the first half and Andres Perea in the second as OCSC took a 2-1 win July 22 at Exploria Stadium.
  • The previous two meetings in the series had ended in draws. The Union had won on their last visit to face Orlando City SC, taking a 3-1 win July 3, 2019, behind a pair of goals from Kacper Przybylko. OCSC has taken points on its last two visits to Chester, winning there 2-0 on April 13, 2018.

Portland Timbers vs. Los Angeles Football Club, 7:30 p.m. (FS1 / FOX Deportes)

  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Felipe Mora scored the dramatic game-winner in second-half stoppage time, giving the Timbers the 2-1 win July 21 at Providence Park.
  • The Timbers win in the first meeting ended a seven-game LAFC undefeated streak in the series, since the Timbers won the first meeting ever between the clubs, a 2-1 win May 19 at Providence Park. LAFC won three of the seven meetings, with four draws.

Colorado Rapids vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 9 p.m. (TSN)

  • Whitecaps FC saw their four-game winning streak put to an end last time out, falling by the game’s lone goal to the Portland Timbers at BC Place on Sept. 11.
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Diego Rubio scored the game’s only goal directly from a free kick, giving the Rapids the victory May 2 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
  • The Rapids win in the first meeting ended a four-game undefeated streak for Whitecaps FC on trips to Commerce City, when they won twice (in both 2017 and 2018) – just their second and third wins ever at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The only other Whitecaps FC win in Commerce City came in 2012.
  • The last meeting in Vancouver ended in a 2-2 draw, June 22, 2019. The Rapids won the previous meeting at BC Place, a 1-0 victory there July 1, 2018. It was their first win over their past six trips to Vancouver, their previous win there coming on April 5, 2014.

Tuesday, September 14
Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami CF, 7:30 p.m. (TSN)
 

  • Toronto FC saw their stretch without a victory extended, falling 2-0 to FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Saturday evening.
  • Inter Miami CF set a club record with a fifth consecutive game without loss, winning a second game in a row in a 1-0 win vs. the Columbus Crew at DRV PNK Stadium on Saturday evening. Gonzalo Higuaín netted the lone goal, his ninth of the season, tied for 10th place in the MLS Golden Boot standings
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Rodolfo Pizarro scored a pair of goals and Robbie Robinson added a third as Inter Miami took a 3-1 win Aug. 21 at DRV PNK Stadium.
  • The teams met once in Inter Miami’s inaugural season. Ayo Akinola and Alejandro Pozuelo netted second-half goals as Toronto FC came back for a 2-1 win Nov. 1 at Rentschler Field at Pratt and Whitney Stadium in E. Hartford, Conn.

Columbus Crew SC vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.

  • The Crew suffered a second consecutive reversal, falling by the game’s only goal to Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on Saturday evening
  • The Red Bulls gained a second result in the last three games, reaching a 1-1 draw with D.C. United at Red Bull Arena on Saturday evening. Dru Yearwood scored his first MLS and Red Bulls goal for the lone tally.
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. John Tolkin netted the game’s only goal in the 33rd minute as the Red Bulls took the victory Aug. 18 at Red Bull Arena.
  • The Red Bulls victory in the first meeting ended a six-game undefeated streak for the Crew in the series in league play. The Red Bulls have not won in Columbus since March 28, 2015, a span of five games; the Crew have won two of those, with three draws. The Crew had won the previous two meetings in Harrison.
  • The teams also met last year in Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs, the Crew taking a 3-2 win in Columbus on Nov. 21. It was the fifth meeting all-time between the teams in the postseason, which also includes MLS Cup 2008, won by the Crew.

New York City FC vs. FC Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

  • NYCFC suffered a second defeat in a row, dropping a 2-1 decision to the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on Saturday evening. Santiago Rodríguez scored his third goal, all coming in the last eight games.
  • FC Dallas reached a 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes at Toyota Stadium on Saturday evening. Ricardo Pepi netted his 12th goal of the season, now tied for third place of the MLS Golden Boot standings; he has four goals in the last four games.
  • The teams last met in 2019, reaching a 1-1 draw Sept. 22 at Toyota Stadium.
  • The last victory in the series came April 29, 2018, a 3-1 win for NYCFC at Yankee Stadium, their only victory in five matches in the series. FC Dallas won the first meeting ever between the clubs in 2015 in Frisco, Texas, a 2-1 win for their only triumph in the series.

Wednesday, September 15

Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati, 7 p.m.

  • Atlanta United won for a fifth time in the last six games, rolling to a 3-0 win against Orlando City SC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday evening. Ezequiel Barco scored his fifth goal of the season, his fourth in the last six games, and George Campbell netted the first goal of his MLS career.
  • FC Cincinnati won for the first time in their new TQL Stadium home, defeating Toronto FC 2-0 on Saturday evening. Brenner scored his sixth goal of the season, his third in the last six games, and Haris Medunjanin netted his second goal of the season, in snapping a 12-game overall run without a win.
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Luciano Acosta gave FCC the lead with a half-hour to play, but Ronald Hernández leveled terms shortly thereafter for ATLUTD, leaving the teams in a 1-1 draw July 21 at TQL Stadium.
  • The teams met three times a season ago. ATLUTD won twice – Ezequiel Barco and Emerson Hyndman each netted goals for a second consecutive game as Atlanta took a 2-1 win March 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, then Adam Jahn and Marcelino Moreno scored in the opening 25 minutes for a ATLUTD win Nov. 1 in Atlanta. The teams also met during the group stage of the MLS is Back Tournament on July 16, Frankie Amaya netting the game’s only goal in the 76th minute for the FC Cincinnati win.
  • The teams met twice in FCC’s inaugural season. The teams reached a 1-1 draw March 10 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, then Josef Martínez netted both goals (his second and third in the series) in ATLUTD’s 2-1 triumph Sept. 18 at Nippert Stadium.

Orlando City SC vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. (TVA Sports; TSN)

  • Orlando City SC saw their seven-game undefeated streak put to an end, falling 3-0 to Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday evening.
  • CF Montréal had their four-game undefeated run come to a halt, falling by the game’s only goal to Nashville SC at Stade Saputo on Saturday evening.
  • The teams met once a season ago in league play, Daryl Dike scoring the game’s only goal in the first half as Orlando City took the win Nov. 1 at Red Bull Arena in a Montréal home game. The teams also met in the round-of-16 at the MLS is Back Tournament, Orlando City winning by the game’s only goal on July 25.
  • Orlando City has won the last three meetings over all competitions, which followed a three-game Montréal winning streak in the series, and a six-game undefeated streak, with five wins in that span. The last OCSC victory in the series had come Sept. 7, 2016, a 4-1 victory at Stade Saputo. The Impact have a four-game undefeated streak alive in Orlando, with three wins and a draw.

D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire FC, 7:30 p.m.

  • D.C. United reached a second result in a row, gaining a 1-1 draw with the New York Red Bulls on Saturday evening. Ola Kamara converted a penalty kick for his 13th goal of the season, a second consecutive game with a goal, now in second place in the MLS Golden Boot standings, one behind Raúl Ruidíaz of Seattle Sounders FC.
  • The teams are meeting for the third time this season. Edison Flores scored the game’s only goal in the seventh minute as United took the victory May 13 at Audi Field, then on July 21 at Soldier Field, Kevin Paredes and Ola Kamara scored five minutes apart in the final stretch as United overcame a 2-goal deficit to gain a 2-2 draw.
  • United have now won two of the three meetings all-time at Audi Field, with one draw. The Fire have a win and a draw in the two meetings since the return to Soldier Field; the Fire’s 2-1 win there Oct. 11, 2019 was the first matchup in the series there since the 2005 season.

Sporting Kansas City vs. Minnesota United FC, 8:30 p.m.

  • Sporting Kansas City gained points for a seventh time in the last eight games, defeating Chicago Fire FC at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday evening. José Mauri scored his first MLS and SKC goal and Johnny Russell added his fifth, both coming in the opening six minutes of the game.
  • MNUFC had their three-game stretch without a loss come to an end, falling by the game’s only goal to Seattle Sounders FC at Lumen Field on Saturday evening.
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. They reached a goalless draw Aug. 21 at Allianz Field.
  • SKC has won all five matchups at home in league play. Sporting’s win at Allianz Field last year was their first in six visits to Minnesota all-time in all competitions; there have now been three draws there.
  • The teams also met in the Western Conference Semifinal at Children’s Mercy Park last year, Minnesota United FC taking a 3-0 win. Kevin Molino scored a pair of goals while Emanuel Reynoso collected assists on all three MNUFC goals, a second consecutive game in the MLS Cup Playoffs with three assists – the first player to record three assists or more in multiple games in MLS postseason history.

Austin FC vs. Los Angeles Football Club, 9 p.m.

  • Austin FC saw their losing skid continue, dropping a 3-0 decision to Houston Dynamo FC at BBVA Stadium on Saturday evening.
  • LAFC won their second game on the trot, getting a late 3-2 win against Real Salt Lake at Banc of California Stadium on Sunday evening.
  • Cristian Arango scored a pair of goals – the opener coming after just 20 seconds, equaling the eighth-fastest from the start of a game in MLS history; Arango has four goals on the year, all coming over the last three games.
  • The teams are meeting for the third time this season and in their histories, and LAFC has won the first two. Corey Baird and José Cifuentes netted goals in the final half-hour as LAFC took the 2-0 win in the first game in Austin FC club history, April 17 at Banc of California Stadium, then Cifuentes and Diego Rossi scored late in each half as LAFC won 2-0 on July 7 at Q2 Stadium.

Portland Timbers vs. Colorado Rapids, 10 p.m.

  • The Timbers won their third game in a row, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC by the game’s only goal. The goal came from an own goal, just the second time in Portland’s MLS history the club won a game with the lone goal coming through an own goal (also: 4/21/12 vs. KC).
  • The Rapids extended their undefeated streak to eight games, reaching a 1-1 draw with the LA Galaxy at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday evening. Michael Barrios scored his sixth goal of the season for the Rapids tally.
  • The teams met once a season ago. Kellyn Acosta scored the game’s only goal in the 82nd minute, giving the Rapids the win Nov. 4 at Providence Park.
  • The Rapids win last year ended a five-game undefeated streak for the Timbers in the series, winning three consecutive matchups before draws in both meetings in 2019. The last Rapids win had come June 17, 2017, a 2-1 win in Commerce City.
  • The visiting team has won just four times in the all-time series, the Timbers winning twice in Commerce City since 2015. The Rapids win in the first meeting ended a nine-game home undefeated streak for Portland in the series; the lone other win for the Rapids in Portland coming June 11, 2011.

LA Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo FC, 10:30 p.m.

  • The Galaxy reached a second draw in succession, playing to a 1-1 result with the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday evening. Samuel Grandsir scored his second MLS goal for the Galaxy marker.
  • Dynamo FC snapped their winless streak after 16 games, defeating Austin FC 3-0 at BBVA Stadium on Saturday evening. Fafa Picault scored a pair of goals, the fourth two-goal game of his MLS career, now with six goals in his last eight games, while Griffin Dorsey scored his first MLS goal after just 48 seconds.
  • The teams met twice a season ago, reaching a pair of 1-1 draws. Cristian Pavón opened the scoring the Galaxy on 12 minutes, before Mauro Manotas leveled terms just after the halftime break in the season opener for both clubs, Feb. 29 at BBVA Stadium. Then Darwin Quintero scored in the first half, but Pavón equalized on the stroke of full time, leaving the teams in the deadlock during group play at the MLS is Back Tournament on July 23.
  • The teams split their two encounters in 2019, each winning on their home ground. The Galaxy claimed a 2-1 victory April 19 at Dignity Health Sports Park, then the Dynamo took a 4-2 victory Oct. 6 at BBVA Stadium.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake, 10:30 p.m.

  • The Quakes gained a result for the 11th time in the last 12 games, reaching a 1-1 draw with FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on Saturday evening. Oswaldo Alanis converted a penalty kick for his second goal of the season.
  • Real weren’t able to build upon a first win in three games, dropping a 3-2 decision to Los Angeles Football Club at Banc of California Stadium on Sunday evening. Damir Kreilach netted his ninth goal of the season, tied for 10th place in the MLS Golden Boot standings, and Anderson Julio added his sixth of the year.
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Chris Wondolowski scored goals five minutes late after coming off the substitutes’ bench, leading the Quakes to a 2-1 comeback win May 7 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
  • In the previous meeting between the teams, last Oct. 28 at PayPal Park, Wondolowski scored both goals as the Quakes took a 2-0 win at home. The Quakes now own a six-game undefeated streak in the series in San Jose, with five wins in that span, the last RSL win there a 1-0 triumph on April 5, 2015. 
  • The Quakes win in the first meeting ended a six-game home undefeated streak for Real in the series, with three wins and three draws in that time. The last San Jose victory in Sandy had come in 2013.

Friday, September 17

Inter Miami CF vs. New York Red Bulls, 7 p.m. (FS1 / FOX Deportes)

  • The teams met twice in Inter Miami’s inaugural season, each winning on the other’s home ground. The Red Bulls got goals from four different players in cruising to a 4-1 win Sept. 23 at DRV PNK Stadium; Matías Pellegrini and Gonzalo Higuaín scored second-half goals as Inter Miami came from behind for a 2-1 win Oct. 7 at Red Bull Arena.

Saturday, September 18

Atlanta United vs. D.C. United, 3:30 p.m. (Univision / TUDN)

  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Josef Martínez scored in the first half then set up Marcelino Moreno’s late winner as ATLUTD took a 2-1 win Aug. 21 at Audi Field.
  • The visiting team has won each of the last three meetings in the series, including both encounters a year ago. Jon Gallagher scored a pair of goals and Brooks Lennon hit for another and added two assists as Atlanta United rolled to a 4-0 win Oct. 3 at Audi Field; Russell Canouse and Gelmin Rivas scored in the final quarter-hour as D.C. took a 2-1 win Oct. 24 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
  • Home form had ruled in the previous two seasons, each winning 2-0 on their home ground in 2019, and winning by 3-1 scorelines on their own ground in 2018 in three meetings overall (two in Atlanta). D.C. United took all three meetings in ATLUTD’s expansion season, winning 3-1 at Bobby Dodd Stadium on April 30 before taking the next two at RFK Stadium.

New England Revolution vs. Columbus Crew SC, 7 p.m.

  • The Revolution won their league-leading 17th game of the season, their 10th in the last 12 outings, defeating New York City FC 2-1 at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 11. Tajon Buchanan netted his seventh goal of the season, his fourth in the last six games, and Emmanuel Boateng added his second.
  • The teams are meeting for the third time this season. Adam Buksa netted the game’s only goal in the 86th minute, giving the Revolution the victory May 16 at Gillette Stadium; the teams also reached a 2-2 draw July 3 at Lower.com Field.
  • The win in the first meeting was the first for the Revs in the series since May 21, 2017, a 2-1 victory in Foxborough. Columbus SC have won six of the previous nine meetings between the teams (with one draw).
  • Columbus SC have a seven-game undefeated streak alive at home in the series (5-0-2); the last Revolution league win in Columbus was on Oct. 27, 2013, though the Revolution won the first leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinal Series there in 2014.
  • The teams did meet last year in the Eastern Conference Final, Artur scoring the game’s only goal in the 59th minute to book the Crew’s place in the 2020 MLS Cup. It was the first win for Columbus in eight meetings all-time in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

FC Cincinnati vs. New York City FC, 7:30 p.m.

  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Jesús Medina scored a pair of goals and Valentin Castellanos scored a goal and added an assist as NYCFC cruised to a 5-0 win April 24 at Yankee Stadium.
  • NYCFC has won all five meetings in the series between the teams, now with a 20-4 advantage in goal differential. NYCFC has scored the last nine goals in the series without reply.

Toronto FC vs. Nashville SC, 7:30 p.m. (TSN)

  • Nashville SC extended their undefeated run to five games with a fourth win in that span, defeating CF Montréal by the game’s only goal at Stade Saputo on Sept. 11. Walker Zimmerman scored the Nashville goal; Joe Willis was credited with three saves in recording his MLS-leading 10th shutout of the season, a single-season career high in his 11th MLS campaign.
  • The teams are meeting for the third time this season. Luke Haakenson scored a pair of late goals, the 83rd-minute equalizer and the stoppage-time game-winner, leading Nashville SC to the 3-2 win June 23 at Nissan Stadium, then on Aug. 1 at BMO Field, Omar Gonzalez scored early for TFC, but Robert Castellanos equalized before the interval, leaving the teams in a 1-1 draw.
  • The first meeting this season was the first ever in league play, but they did meet in Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs a year ago. Daniel Ríos netted the game’s only goal and Joe Willis made three saves in extending his shutout streak to 197 minutes in the postseason as Nashville SC took the victory Nov. 24 at Rentschler Field.

Minnesota United FC vs. LA Galaxy, 8 p.m.

  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Kévin Cabral scored the game’s only goal in the 41st minute as the Galaxy took the win Aug. 14 at Allianz Field.
  • The teams had last met during the 2019 season. Jonathan dos Santos and Chris Pontius netted goals five minutes apart in the first half and Sebastian Lletget added a late one as the Galaxy held out for a 3-2 win March 16 at Dignity Health Sports Park; the teams reached a goalless draw April 24 at Allianz Field.
  • The Galaxy have never lost to Minnesota United FC, now in seven meetings between the teams all-time, with five wins. The Galaxy also won a Round One meeting in the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2019, a 2-1 win in Saint Paul.

Austin FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 8 p.m.

  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season and in their histories. They reached a goalless draw June 19 in the grand opening of Q2 Stadium.

Real Salt Lake vs. Seattle Sounders FC, 9:30 p.m.

  • Sounders FC won for a fourth time in five games in league play, defeating Minnesota United FC by the game’s only goal at Lumen Field on Sept. 11. João Paulo scored his second goal of the season for the match-winner.
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Cristian Roldan and Raúl Ruidíaz scored second-half goals as Sounders FC took a 2-1 win June 23 at Lumen Field.
  • Sounders FC have won 10 of the past 11 league meetings between the teams at Lumen Field, the lone RSL win coming on May 26, 2018, a 1-0 triumph. Real are undefeated in the last nine home meetings vs. Seattle, winning eight in a row before a 2-2 draw there last Sept. 2 in the last meeting in Sandy.
  • The teams also met in the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs. Gustav Svensson and Nicolás Lodeiro scored second-half goals as Sounders FC took a 2-0 win in the Western Conference Semifinals, Oct. 23 at CenturyLink Field. The clubs had also met in the MLS Cup Playoffs in back-to-back seasons in 2011 and 2012, each advancing on one occasion.

Houston Dynamo FC vs. FC Dallas, 10 p.m. (Univision / TUDN)

  • The teams are meeting for the third time this season, reaching a pair of draws. FCD’s Fafa Picault converted a penalty kick, then Dynamo FC’s Jader Obrian hit for the leveler, as the teams reached a 1-1 draw May 8 at Toyota Stadium; then on Aug. 21 at BBVA Stadium, Picault converted another spot kick and Matías Vera scored late, wrapped around goals from Nkosi Tafari and Ricardo Pepi as the teams finished 2-2.
  • The Dynamo have won in the series each of the last two seasons. Since the start of 2013, FC Dallas are 10-3-9 in league play against Houston, and have won the three meetings between the teams in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
  • FC Dallas has won five of the 13 matches (with five draws) between the teams over all competitions at BBVA Stadium. The Dynamo haven’t won in Frisco since 2011, FCD winning the last four there.
  • The clubs play for “El Capitán,” the 19th-century Mountain Howitzer cannon to be awarded to the winner of the season series by supporters’ groups for both clubs.

Sunday, September 19

CF Montreal vs. Chicago Fire FC, 1 p.m. (TVA Sports; TSN)

  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Mason Toye scored the game’s only goal in the 87th minute as CFMTL took the win May 29 at Soldier Field.
  • The teams have evenly split their season series each of the last five years. The home team had won each of the previous four meetings before last year’s 2-2 draw Oct. 3 at Red Bull Arena in the only meeting between the teams.

Philadelphia Union vs. Orlando City SC, 4 p.m. (ESPN / ESPN Deportes)

  • The Union return to league play for the first time since Aug. 28, their last match a 1-0 loss to the New England Revolution on Sept. 3 at Subaru Park.
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Benji Michel scored in the first half and Andres Perea in the second as OCSC took a 2-1 win July 22 at Exploria Stadium.
  • The previous two meetings in the series had ended in draws. The Union had won on their last visit to face Orlando City SC, taking a 3-1 win July 3, 2019, behind a pair of goals from Kacper Przybylko. OCSC has taken points on its last two visits to Chester, winning there 2-0 on April 13, 2018.

Portland Timbers vs. Los Angeles Football Club, 7:30 p.m. (FS1 / FOX Deportes)

  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Felipe Mora scored the dramatic game-winner in second-half stoppage time, giving the Timbers the 2-1 win July 21 at Providence Park.
  • The Timbers win in the first meeting ended a seven-game LAFC undefeated streak in the series, since the Timbers won the first meeting ever between the clubs, a 2-1 win May 19 at Providence Park. LAFC won three of the seven meetings, with four draws.

Colorado Rapids vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 9 p.m. (TSN)

  • Whitecaps FC saw their four-game winning streak put to an end last time out, falling by the game’s lone goal to the Portland Timbers at BC Place on Sept. 11.
  • The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Diego Rubio scored the game’s only goal directly from a free kick, giving the Rapids the victory May 2 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
  • The Rapids win in the first meeting ended a four-game undefeated streak for Whitecaps FC on trips to Commerce City, when they won twice (in both 2017 and 2018) – just their second and third wins ever at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The only other Whitecaps FC win in Commerce City came in 2012.
  • The last meeting in Vancouver ended in a 2-2 draw, June 22, 2019. The Rapids won the previous meeting at BC Place, a 1-0 victory there July 1, 2018. It was their first win over their past six trips to Vancouver, their previous win there coming on April 5, 2014.