We are less than two months from the playoffs starting, which is weird to think about because this season has flown by. Luckily for us, this is MLS and the unique setup of the league typically offers up an insane stretch run where a bunch of teams are in a Ron Burgundy news team fight. It’s glorious.
Every game this week is intra-conference, meaning we don’t have to worry about any of the teams out East. And before you ask, no, LAFC vs San Jose doesn’t matter. LAFC are going to win the Shield and San Jose sucks. Do something better with your time.
- All ratings are on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most impactful towards ATXFC.
Games That Make You Go Meh
New York Red Bulls vs FC Cincinnati – Saturday @ 5:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
D.C. United vs Philadelphia Union – Saturday @ 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Club de Foot Montreal vs New England Revolution – Saturday @ 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Inter Miami CF vs Toronto FC – Saturday @ 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
San Jose Earthquakes vs LAFC – Saturday @ 9:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United FC – Sunday @ 4:30 p.m. (FS1)
Chicago Fire vs NYCFC – Sunday @ 5:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
FC Charlotte vs Orlando City – Sunday @ 6:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Games That Matter
L.A. Galaxy vs Seattle Sounders – Friday @ 9:00 p.m. (ESPN)
Two of the league’s premier franchises playing for……wait, they are both fighting for their playoff lives? I don’t think that is the scenario ESPN or MLS envisioned when this game was scheduled for national TV, but it is a compelling storyline. The Galaxy and Sounders are separated by just 1 point. L.A. currently sits above the line and the Sounders are below. Huge, huge 6-point match here. I’ve been on the “anyone not named Seattle or Galaxy for a 1st Round opponent” train and I’m staying on board. Let’s hope both teams have fun and get jumped in the standings while doing so.
The Side: A draw
ATXC Impact Watch Score: 4.75
Colorado Rapids vs Houston Dynamo – Saturday @ 8:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Rapids dropped a tense 2-1 midweek match to Vancouver, but still find themselves just 2 points out of the postseason. They also have a game in-hand on several teams above them, all of which are battling for those last few spots. Point being, they aren’t out of this. However if there ever was a must win, it’s this weekend at home against a bad Houston team. The Dynamo have just 4 points in their last 8 matches. We’d be OK if that trend continues and Colorado jumps back above the line.
The Side: Rapid-man!
ATXC Impact Watch Score: 4.25
Real Salt Lake vs Vancouver Whitecaps – Saturday @ 9:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Well this game suddenly got spicey. The ‘Caps win last night vaulted them to the 7th and final playoff spot for now. Yet if you look at the standings, they are tied on points with four other teams (Galaxy, Nashville, & Portland). RSL are right in the middle of everything in 5th place. They are one point shy of hosting a playoff match, but just 4 points above the playoff line. No rest for either team here and I expect a fun one. But a Vancouver win makes Seattle, LA, and Portland’s paths tougher.
The Side: Vancouver
ATXC Impact Watch Score: 4
Sporting Kansas City vs Portland Timbers – Sunday @ 6:30 p.m. (FS1)
This game only matters because Portland is playing. SKC’s season is done. But that doesn’t mean they can’t play spoiler and keep a solid club out of the playoffs.
The Side: Sporting blown 3-1 leads
ATXC Impact Watch Score: 4
Nashville SC vs FC Dallas – Sunday @ 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Y’all want to know a secret? Nashville isn’t very good. The Coyotes haven’t won in a month despite a home heavy schedule. Their trademark defense hasn’t been fantastic and they can’t score goals. That’s a bad recipe for success.
Y’all want to know another secret? Frisco may be playing better than anyone in the West not named LAFC. Beating Philly in the midweek is a big deal and the addition of Sebastian Lletget only makes them more dangerous. They’re still 6 points behind ATXFC and the Verde & Black have two game in-hand, so I’m not too worried about FCD catching Austin for 2nd. But Nashville winning makes it harder for some other, more dangerous clubs, to qualify for the playoffs.
The Side: Nashville
ATXC Impact Watch Score: 4.25
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.