I’m tired y’all. The delayed start to last night’s game meant a late arrival back at the False 9 compound. The coffee did not hit right this morning, but the world of MLS doesn’t stop as we have a full weekend of games to scope out. Let’s get this done so that I can take a nap.
- All ratings are on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most impactful towards ATXFC.
Games That Make You Go Meh
D.C. United vs Colorado Rapids – Sunday @ 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Seattle Sounders vs Houston Dynamo – Sunday @ 8:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
San Jose Earthquakes vs Vancouver Whitecaps – Sunday @ 8:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Games With Playoff Implications That Don’t Affect ATXFC
Columbus Crew vs Chicago Fire – Saturday @ 4:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
New York Red Bulls vs Philadelphia Union – Saturday @ 6:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
FC Cincinnati vs FC Charlotte – Saturday @ 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Toronto FC vs Club de Foot Montreal – Sunday @ 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
New England Revolution vs NYCFC – Sunday @ 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Games That Matter
Minnesota United FC vs FC Dallas – Saturday @ 2:30 p.m. (TUDN/Univision/Twitter)
Massive game here for playoff positioning. Minnesota enters the week one point ahead of FCD for 3rd place but the Loons have a game in-hand. Nashville and RSL are just 2 points back for the 3rd spot. A Minnesota win keeps the in the higher position, while any other result really opens up the door for chaos and helps Austin FC out a bit for holding 2nd place without a real threat.
The Side: I like chaos…..a lot.
ATXFC Impact Watch Score: 3.5
Portland Timbers vs Atlanta United – Sunday @ 4:30 p.m. (Fox)
Portland’s win last night at Q2 Stadium kept them in the playoff race. They are currently just above the line, but they have the fewest games remaining of teams fighting for the last two spots in the West. Atlanta is only 3 points out of the playoffs in a jumbled up Eastern Conference. Each team needs to win this game, bank some points, and hope others falter if they want a realistic shot at squeaking into the post-season. Lots to play for, meaning this match should be fun.
The Side: Atlanta United
ATXFC Impact Watch Score: 4
L.A. Galaxy vs Sporting Kansas City – Sunday @ 7:00 p.m. (TUDN/Univision/Twitter)
I need to point your attention to the absurdity that was Chicharito on Wednesday night in Toronto:
THIS KIND OF VIOLENCE HAS NO PLACE IN SOCCER! THERE ARE KIDS WATCHING!
OK, now that I’m done laughing, let’s talk about this match. The Galaxy got worked by Sporting just a few weeks ago. L.A. is still below the playoff line, but trail Portland by just one point and have two games in-hand. They have the advantage but can’t falter here to an SKC team that will be watching soccer on their couch in mid-October. However, SKC is playing much better lately, having won 3 of their last 5 games (with both losses coming against Austin). Dangerous game for L.A.
The Side: Sporting KC
ATXFC Impact Watch Score: 4.25
LAFC vs Real Salt Lake – Sunday @ 9:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
LAFC lost their 3rd straight match with a stunning 2-1 defeat at Houston and I’m now more convinced than ever that the Angelenos over-tinkered with their roster during the summer transfer window. Simply put, they don’t look the same. Now they go home to play a pesky RSL squad that will give anyone fits in the playoffs. Big game for LAFC with regards to the Supporters’ Shield race and just general confidence. Here’s hoping Salt Lake breaks them.
The Side: RSL
ATXFC Impact Watch Score: 4.5
Uncle Tony P.
Uncle Tony P. is a lifelong Austin FC supporter and overall handsome son of a bitch who always has a full supply of mustard on hand for his Verde friends.