MLS Cheering Guide – Independence Day Edition

Let’s all stand for the playing of our National Anthem.

Yes friends, there are five, count ’em FIVE MLS games to enjoy on your Fourth of July holiday. Of the course the main sporting event of the day will be anchored by Joey Chestnut, but some evening soccer isn’t a bad desert before setting Texas on fire with exploding boom-boom lights in the sky.

Just like everyone else, I’m slacking off today, so here’s a quick preview. All games are on Apple TV Season Pass, however El Trafico will be free to watch.

6:30 p.m. Block
Inter Miami CF vs Columbus Crew
Orlando City vs Toronto

Neither one of these games matter with respect to Austin’s playoff chances. Theoretically, Columbus and Orlando should roll past the two worst teams in the East. I say theoretically though because this is MLS and <gestures wildly at last Saturday’s result in Miami>.

7:30 p.m.
FC Dallas vs D.C. United

FC Dallas picked up a somewhat surprising win Saturday by defeating LAFC in Frisco 2-0. The Toros are in 5th place and three points ahead of Austin after 20 games. We need teams in this bunched up middle to start dropping points and that isn’t impossible in this matchup. D.C. is quietly one of the most improved teams in the league this year. Wayne Rooney has those guys playing composed, competent, competitive soccer. This could be a good match.
The Side: The team in America’s capital led by an Englishman on the 4th of July
ATXFC Impact Rating: 3.5

8:30 p.m.
Colorado Rapids vs Portland Timbers

Colorado is your current leader for this year’s Wooden Spoon. But the Timbers have gained just 7 points in 11 games all year away from Providence Park. If that trend continues, Austin would gain some more space between itself and the teams chasing the Verde & Black for the playoffs.
The Side: Rocky Mountains Majesty
ATXFC Impact Rating: 3

9:30 p.m.
LA Galaxy vs LAFC (at the Rose Bowl)

Hello spectacle game of the season. A new MLS attendance record will be set as over 80,000 fans flock to the Rose Bowl for this year’s 3rd El Trafico (2nd in league play + 1 Open Cup). LAFC won in Carson, but the Galaxy got some revenge by knocking the Black & Gold out of the U.S. Open Cup, though in all fairness it was LAFC’s 2nd team. As in literally, most of the guys play for LAFC 2.

But this match will have all of the stars, the pageantry, and the setting to potentially be something special. I actually hate it for MLS that this isn’t on broadcast TV somewhere. As for results, they honestly don’t matter much here. Even though Austin is just 6 points back of LAFC, it feels as if ATXFC is unlikely to be near LAFC by the end of the year and the Galaxy aren’t making the playoffs. Just enjoy this one.

Happy Independence Day everyone! Here’s to our greatest athlete. Long may he reign.