MLS Cheering Guide: Volume 3, Week 11

Don’t look now, but Austin FC has won four of its last five matches, including a shutout of the Western Conference’s top scoring team.  I’ll be honest with you: I’m shocked.  This team looked like it would be lucky to average 1 PPG for the entire season after five weeks, but a healthy Driussi plus some much-needed tactical flexibility are starting to give me hope.  Are we thinking this could be a…..<gulp>……playoff team?!

Another huge test this weekend on the road at Vancouver.  The Whitecaps are quietly putting together a very good season and Austin traditionally plays like shit up there.  If ATXFC can find a result, I think we’ll all be happy Saturday night.

Sidebar: We all agree that Josh Wolff is the guy who says “May the 4^th be with you” and thinks it’s funny, right?

Now to the rest of the league, where every game is free this week on Apple TV!

Saturday, May 4^th

Atlanta United vs Minnesota United – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Which city is more UNITED despite both being major hubs for Delta?!  The Loons have been the better team this year, however Atlanta is always dangerous at home.  Expect a combined 4 goals at minimum in this contest.

FC Charlotte vs Portland Timbers – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Neither team enters this game in great form.  Completely skippable match.  Just watch MLS 360 and catch the highlights or drop-ins.

D.C. United vs Philadelphia Union – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
This is a game between two teams that don’t really know who they are from week-to-week.  However, it has the potential to be the most fun match of the early window for a neutral fan to watch.

Inter Miami vs New York Red Bulls – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Game of the weekend!  This is the 2^nd matchup between these two teams this season, but the first was played in a torrential downpour without Messi ever seeing the field.  The Herons are susceptible to defensive lapses which NY will quickly pounce on with their pressing style.  Curious to see how Miami’s beleaguered back line will hold up.

Orlando City vs FC Cincinnati – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Orlando completed an amazing magic trick last week by turning a 1-0 win into a 2-1 loss in the final minutes.  Now they get one of the best teams in MLS coming to the kingdom.

San Jose Earthquakes vs LAFC – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
This game is being played early.  I don’t know why.  I do know that San Jose is terrible though.

Toronto FC vs FC Dallas – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Toronto currently sits 4^th in the East despite have a negative goal differential, which actually makes sense by the eye test.  When they win, it’s by 1 goal.  When they lose, they get smoked.  Luckily for our Canadian friends this week, they get to play Frisco, meaning a multi-goal win is very realistic.

Chicago Fire vs New England Revolution – 7:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Hey look, it’s the MLS Sickos Game of the Week!  At least the second half of the early games kick off at the same time.

Houston Dynamo vs St Louis CITY – 7:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
LOL Houston lost to Frisco!  DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD THAT IS TO DO RIGHT NOW?!!!!!  As for this game, these two met in the CCC earlier this year, with each picking up wins on their respective home fields.  Kind of expecting more of the same here.

Nashville SC vs CF Montreal – 7:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
I’m not sure the average MLS fan realizes it yet this year, but Nashville is fucking terrible.  Montreal is at least mediocre, so I give them the edge.  I cannot recommend watching this match though.

Real Salt Lake vs Sporting KC – 8:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
First place RSL (yes, that’s correct) hosts a struggling Kansas City side.  On the bright side, KC fans should feel at home in Salt Lake.

Sunday, May 5^th

NYCFC vs Colorado Rapids – 3:00 p.m. (Apple TV)
Sneaky good Sunday afternoon game between mid-table cross-conference clubs.  This has the potential to be a ton of fun.

Seattle Sounders vs LA Galaxy –5:45 p.m. (FOX/Apple TV)
MLS really needs to be able to flex games off of national television.  Seattle is dog water bad and the American public should not be subjected to watching that product.  Galaxy are looking to bounce back after their loss last week.  Can’t remember who beat them though…….