MLS Cheering Guide – Match Day 17

In the immortal words of Evil Mopac’s favorite band Bon Jovi, “Whoooaaaa, we’re halfway there!”  Or at least we will be after mid-week madness.  That’s right, the MLS season is at the midway point and Austin FC still finds itself in great position for the playoff chase.  Time to figure out who we need to root for this week to keep that train on the tracks.

Games That Make You Go Meh

FC Cincinnati vs NYCFC – Wednesday @ 6:30 p.m.  (ESPN+)
Toronto FC vs Columbus Crew – Wednesday @ 6:30 p.m.  (ESPN+)
Chicago Fire vs Philadelphia Union – Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.  (ESPN+)
New York Red Bulls vs Atlanta United – Thursday @ 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)

Games That Actually Matter

Seattle Sounders vs Club de Foot Montreal – Wednesday @ 9:00 p.m.  (ESPN+)
You may remember that just 10 or so days ago, Austin went into the land of poutine and snagged three points while playing an entire half a man down.  Why do I bring this up?  BECAUSE IT’S FUN TO THINK ABOUT, THAT’S WHY!  But also, it’s important to know how impressive that win actually was for ATX.  Club de Foot is 3^rd in the East and has been very good all year long.  Seattle is starting to look like the CCL Champion Sounders, which is scary for us all, so we’re cheering hard for the Quebec conquerors here.
The Side: Club de Foot Montreal
ATX Impact Watch Rating: 3.5

L.A. Galaxy vs Minnesota United FC – Wednesday @ 9:30 p.m.  (ESPN+)
The Galaxy did not play their scheduled match at San Jose this past weekend.  How did this happen?  Oh, well because the game was to be played at the larger Stanford Stadium, but nearby wildfires knocked out power to the area.  Now they get to host a Loons squad that is struggling and definitely did not get the day off after losing 2-1 in Miami.  So to add this up:

– Home Team is rested
– Road Team is playing 2^nd road match in 5 days while flying cross-country

The Loons are so screwed.  But I’m cheering for them anyway.
The Side: L.A. Galaxy
ATX Impact Watch Rating: 3

Portland Timbers vs Houston Dynamo – Wednesday @ 9:30 p.m.  (ESPN+)
Portland actually played decent soccer this past weekend in a comfortable win against Colorado.  And usually, since they are playing Houston, this would be an easy call.  But we’re getting to a point where we need teams below the playoff line to stay there and create some breathing room for ATXFC.  Splitting the points is the best option.
The Side: A draw
ATX Impact Watch Rating: 2.5

LAFC vs FC Dallas – Wednesday @ 9:30 p.m.  (FS1)
Hey, did you hear LAFC signed Gareth Bale under a TAM contract?!  Yeah, so did everyone else.  It’s honestly a good signing and Bale will do well in MLS, but I call shenanigans on this contract.

Anywho, LAFC remain at the top of the conference and to be honest, I don’t see anyone catching them now for the #1 seed.  So it’s in our best interest that the teams we are battling against for spots 2-4 drop points.  And wouldn’t you know it, Frisco is currently in 4^th place.
The Side: LAFC, preferably by a score of “Dos A Cero”…..yeah, we heard that Frisco fans
ATX Impact Watch Rating: 4.5