Good morning TOP OF THE LEAGUE Verde friends! Now that I’ve had my coffee and begun to come down from last night’s ass whipping of Houston, it’s time to turn our attention to a 10 game MLS slate tonight. 3rd thru 9th place in the West are separated by just four points. Let’s figure out to who to cheer for!
- All ratings are on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most impactful towards ATXFC.
Games That Make You Go Meh
Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC – 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
D.C. United vs Columbus Crew – 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Inter Miami FC vs Philadelphia Union – 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Colorado Rapids vs Orlando City – 8:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Games That Matter
Atlanta United vs Real Salt Lake – 6:30 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
RSL is now a full 10 points behind Austin in the standings, yet still in 3rd place, which is crazy considering just a couple of weeks ago they were ahead of ATX. They get to play an Atlanta squad in disarray after the Verde handed them the worst home loss in Mercedes-Benz Stadium history on Saturday. Atlanta held a long post-game meeting after that loss and I think they come out pissed off. Plus, ATL supporters were extremely cool to us visiting fans last week, so we shall return the favor by cheering for them.
The Side: ATLiens
ATX Impact Score: 3
FC Cincinnati vs Vancouver Whitecaps – 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
This is MLS and things can change in an instant, but this feels like a must win for Vancouver if they want to stay in the playoff race. The ‘Caps are in 10th place, but just three points out of a playoff spot. However, there are so many teams jumbled that they can’t afford to lose cross-conference matches right now. I’m conflicted. My concern is no longer about pushing teams out of the playoffs. Instead, its about trying to get teams in that I would rather have Austin face in a potential first round matchup. Give me a game against Vancouver at Q2 all day over other options.
The Side: Whitecaps
ATX Impact Score: 4
Minnesota United FC vs Sporting KC – 7:00 p.m. (ESPN)
Where the hell did Minnesota come from?! A team that has looked lost at times this season has now won three straight and sits in 6th place, which is good enough for a playoff spot. Meanwhile Sporting is just……well they’re bad. Very, very bad. This game again falls into that “Who would we rather play” scenario, and since the Loons are fighting with Seattle, Portland, and Nashville, that makes it an easy call.
The Side: Cue Wonderwall
ATX Impact Score: 4
Nashville SC vs Seattle Sounders – 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
This game is FASCINATING. Two teams that I thought would be playoff locks are instead fighting for their post-season lives right now, as Nashville enters the game in the 7th and final playoff position and Seattle is on the outside looking in at 8th. They are separated by just one point and the Sounders have a game in hand. Honestly, I don’t want to see either of them in October. But if we have to take our chances with one, give me the Coyotes.
The Side: Guitar Riff Me Baby!
ATX Impact Score: 4.5
FC Dallas vs NYCFC – 8:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Game of the night. Frisco enters the match in 4th place in the West, which is good enough for a home playoff game. But they’re also only two points above the playoff line. It’s completely plausible that FCD enters tonight in 4th and leaves the evening out of the playoffs. NYCFC, you know what to do.
The Side: Man City USA
ATX Impact Score: 3.5
LA Galaxy vs San Jose Earthquakes – 9:00 p.m. (FS1)
I do not like the Galaxy and I am fine with them missing the playoffs. Currently they sit one point above the line. It’s California Clasico time and here’s hoping the last place Quakes find a way.
The Side: San Jose
ATX Impact Score: 2
I’ll be back tomorrow with your weekend cheering guide. Until then, enjoy the view from the top!
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.