MLS Week 3 Cheering Guide

After taking time to celebrate the beautiful mind of Claudio Reyna this morning, I’m back with another week of the MLS Cheering Guide. Once again we are here not to make picks, but rather to tell you, discerning Austin FC fan, who to root for in this weekend’s league action.

NYCFC vs CF Montréal – Saturday @ Noon (ESPN+)
CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCHUP BABY! OK, so this is just a regular ole MLS game, but both teams are coming off of mid-week CCL clashes. NYCFC got to “host” a game on Tuesday in Hartford, CT, making this their first true home game of the year at the soccer Mecca known as Yankee Stadium. Sorry, but when the game has no meaning to Austin, I’m rooting against the team that plays on a baseball field (and an overrated one at that).
The Side: CF Montréal

Columbus Crew vs Toronto FC – Saturday @ 12:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Crew jumped out to a 3-1 lead against a 10-man San Jose last week, only to see that lead crumble faster than the fake concrete that they jackhammer through at Lower.com Field. Seriously, this is the dumbest goal celebration of all time. Meanwhile Toronto spent time getting smacked around by the Red Bulls, largely because Toronto looks to be a very bad squad. Still, unless the game has implications for Austin in the standings, it will be this blogs long-standing policy to actively laugh at The Crew.
The Side: Toronto FC

Inter Miami vs LAFC – Saturday at 12:30 p.m. (Univision/TUDN/Twitter)
Here’s the thing. I like both of these fan bases a lot. Heron supporters were amazing last Sunday at Q2, loudly cheering on their team despite the score. They were also very cool to interact with throughout the weekend. The same can be said from our interactions with LAFC fans last year. So trust me when I say that this isn’t personal, its just business. LAFC is in the Western Conference. Them dropping points helps Austin. Easy call.
The Side: The Fighting Beckhams

Seattle Sounders vs L.A. Galaxy – Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (FOX)
There are two teams in the Western Conference that have started 2-0-0: Austin FC and L.A. Galaxy. And even though Austin has a rather large lead via goal differential, it’s L.A. Galaxy getting all of the plaudits for defeating NYCFC and…….<checks notes>…….Charlotte FC. Yeah, screw them.
The Side: Seattle Sounders

Houston Dynamo vs Vancouver Whitecaps – Saturday at 5:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
I have a weird love affair with Vancouver. Their kits are gorgeous. The city is beautiful. The people are cool. The healthcare is free. What isn’t there to like? Oh wait, they’re playing Houston this week? BRING ME MY SCOTTISH MESSI JERSEY!
The Side: Vancouver Whitecaps

D.C. United vs Chicago Fire – Saturday at 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
D.C. United is 2-0-0 after getting the gift of a stoppage time PK last week at Cincinnati. The Fire have played two scoreless draws. If you like things that will put you to sleep, this is the game for you.
The Side: Watching paint dry. I’m begging you, don’t watch this game.

New England Revolution vs Real Salt Lake – Saturday at 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
RSL kept one of the most inexplicable streaks in all of MLS alive last week after clipping Seattle 1-0. They have now gone unbeaten against the Sounders at Rio Tinto Stadium in 11 straight contests. Meanwhile, The Revs beat FC Dallas last Saturday and have a short turnaround after their CCL mid-week match against Pumas UNAM. Like last year, RSL may be battling for a playoff spot out west. Dropping points against Eastern Conference teams only helps ATX.
The Side: New England Revolution

Orlando City vs FC Cincinnati – Saturday at 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Lions went on the road and played a lifeless game in a lifeless stadium while stumbling to a 0-0 draw in Chicago. Down in Ohio, FC Cincinnati continue to refuse to give up their grasp on the wooden spoon without a fight, as they gagged away a draw in stoppage time. This game is the definition of “it exists”.
The Side: Go to the stadium, drive East, and go 61 miles to Cocoa Beach. You’ll have more fun.

Philadelphia Union vs San Jose Earthquakes – Saturday at 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Philly won the battle of the gut last week in comeback fashion, besting Club de Foot 2-1. They did so while wearing their sweet, sweet alternate kits, which earns them bonus points in my book. On the other coast, San Jose had their previously mentioned hilarious comeback to draw Columbus, which also earns bonus points for me. But this is an East vs West battle, so I’ll defer to my inner Rocky Balboa.
The Side: Not actually anywhere near Philadelphia Union

FC Dallas vs Nashville SC – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Nashville continues its eight game road trip by going to hell, I mean Frisco, for a matchup with the Toros. The Coyotes look like a bona-fide Supporter’s Shield contender. I have but one request Nashville: crush them into oblivion.
The Side: Nashville SC

Colorado Rapids vs Sporting Kansas City – Saturday at 8:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Each team sits on three points coming into this matchup. Neither has looked all that inspiring in the early going and I would like to see that continue from two clubs who should be battling Austin for playoff spots. Let’s just hope both teams have fun.
The Side: A nice, friendly draw

Atlanta United vs Charlotte FC – Sunday at 3:30 p.m. (FS1)
Atlanta fans are big mad that Charlotte usurped the MLS attendance record last week. This is a big brother picking on little brother situation. I’m siding with the new kids here.
The Side: Charlotte FC

New York Red Bulls vs Minnesota United FC – Sunday at 6:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Look, Minnesota nice is a real thing. They’re genuinely great people. But you know the drill by now. East vs West has our support going towards New Jersey.
The Side: Energy Drink FC