MLS Week 4 Cheering Guide

Hello Verde friends and welcome to your Week 4 MLS Cheering Guide. It’s the final chance for teams to build some momentum before heading into the international break, meaning we should see some spirited games throughout the league. So let’s figure out who we are rooting for this weekend, shall we?

* All times listed are central

FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami – Saturday at 12:00 p.m. (ESPN+)

These two teams have a lot in common, with the most notable attribute being that they each gave up five goals to Austin FC this season. FCC played at Orlando last week and…..wait, they won?!!! What next?!

Meanwhile Miami were busy keeping things in balance by dropping a home match to LAFC. In reality, we don’t have a real rooting interest here. But if you want to see two teams go at it for early Wooden Spoon contention, this is your game.
The Side: You sickos

NYCFC vs Philadelphia Union – Saturday at 12:00 p.m. (ESPN+)

Now this game has some juice! The last time these two played was in the 2021 Eastern Conference Championship game where NYCFC upset Philly thanks to a late winner from Talles Magno. Their first meeting of 2022 will be on the hallowed grounds of Yankee Stadium, a place where NYCFC has dominated their foes over the last year. If the FCC/Inter Miami game is the MLS Sickos Game of the Week, this may well be the actual MLS Game of the Week.
The Side: Afternoon Delight

Toronto FC vs D.C. United – Saturday at 2:00 p.m. (ESPN+)

D.C United head north of the border to face Toronto after losing to Chicago last week, which of course means their first two wins were entirely flukes, right Andrew Wiebe? Toronto isn’t very good, but something tells me they will be tough at BMO this week. And a rowdy BMO Field is something worth cheering for when you can. Especially because I just imagine their supporters heckling like Terrance and Phillip.
The Side: Toronto FC

L.A. Galaxy vs Orlando City – Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (Univision, TUDN, Twitter)

There is one nationally televised game on Saturday. This is it. Why do you hate us MLS?! Anyway, if we have to watch this, we might as well cheer for Orlando because an East team taking points away from a Western division opponent is good for ATX.
The Side: Orlando City

Atlanta United FC vs CF Montréal – Saturday at 3:00 p.m. (ESPN+)

The MLS schedule makers did Club de Foot no favors this year. Along with their CONCACAF Champions League travels, they have had to go Orlando, New York, and now Atlanta in three of the first four weeks. This also helps to explain them sitting on zero points right now. I feel bad for our CONCACAF travelers. I shall cheer for them.
The Side: CF Montréal

Chicago Fire FC vs Sporting KC – Saturday at 5:00 p.m. (ESPN+)

Here’s a dirty secret: SKC haven’t looked very impressive so far this season. Like, at all. Their win was at home against Houston. Otherwise they’ve gotten whacked by Atlanta and Colorado. And frankly, I’m 100% fine with those results continuing. Let’s hope that the fortress known as Soldier Field can hold for 90 more minutes Saturday.
The Side: A certain team, from a certain town that shares a field with Daaaaaa Bears

Charlotte FC vs New England Revolution – Saturday at 6:00 p.m. (ESPN+)

Charlotte was thissss close to getting their first point last Sunday before those bullies in Atlanta had to score a stoppage time goal and dash their dreams. Now they get the distinct pleasure of going home to face the defending Supporters Shield winners. Sometimes life isn’t fair. I still love you McKenzie Gaines.
The Side: Charlotte FC

Minnesota United FC vs San Jose Earthquakes – Saturday at 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Loons have yet to taste defeat this season with a win and two draws and look to be a formidable eleven once again. Why does this matter? Because there’s a distinct possibility that Austin will be battling Minnesota for playoff positioning all season. On the other hand, San Jose is not that good and shouldn’t be a threat come October. We’ll take the help if we can get it.
The Side: San Jose Earthquakes

FC Dallas vs Portland Timbers – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

This one’s a conundrum. Flatly put, I don’t like Dallas. At all. However, Portland dropping points is good for ATX. What to do???? If I can’t be happy, no one should be happy.
The Side: A draw please

Houston Dynamo vs Colorado Rapids – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

You may have missed this, but Colorado looks to have shaken off their CONCACAF Champions League disappointment. Back-to-back home wins over Atlanta United and Sporting KC have turned the narrative in the Rocky Mountains rather quickly. Sadly, we need them to have a slight dip in form this week for Austin’s sake.
The Side: See also, Frisco vs Timbers

Real Salt Lake vs Nashville SC – Saturday at 8:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

Without looking at the standings, which of these teams is currently in second place and which is in 10th? That’s right, say hello to your Western Conference overlords, REAL SALT LAKE! I don’t mind them winning again this week at the RioT. Nashville dropping points is a good thing before they go on their extended homestand. Gotta play the long game with this pick.
The Side: RSL

New York Red Bulls vs Columbus Crew – Sunday at 1:00 p.m. (ESPN+)

You know the rules here. This game is of no consequence to ATX, so we will choose to actively root against Leaky Roof SC.
The Side: Red Bull Gives You Winnnnsssss

LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps – Sunday at 9:00 p.m. (ESPN+)

My beloved friends in Vancouver have just one point so far on the campaign and now they go on the road to face the Western Conference leaders. LAFC are probably going to win this convincingly, but our hearts are with the Whitecaps.
The Side: Vancouver whatever the hell this thing is supposed to be.