Major League Soccer is playing midweek games for the first time this season, and while there may not be the same level of derby excitement that we experienced this weekend, there’s still plenty of storylines. This is especially true in the Eastern Conference, as leaders New England are idle and the chasing pack will be glad of an opportunity to make up ground.
FC Cincinnati vs. CF Montréal
The hosts are currently level with New England on points, having played a game fewer. They’ll try to move into top spot at home against a streaking CF Montréal side who have overcome some early season struggles to move into the playoff positions. Montréal have won six straight matches in all competitions and have conceded just once in that span, but Cincinnati are also unbeaten in five, making this a tussle between two of the league’s form sides.
Philadelphia Union vs. D.C. United
After shaking off a disappointing elimination from the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League, the Union have got back to winning ways, and are beginning to look more like the team that was among the league’s best last season. Elimination in the US Open Cup against Minnesota last midweek will have stung, but they’ve won three straight in MLS play, and could move as high as third with a win. D.C. are just two points further back, though, and have shown that with Christian Benteke on form, they are capable of going toe-to-toe with any opponent.
Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami CF
A match with a distinctly southern flair, this isn’t a rivalry, strictly speaking, but there’s no love lost between these two sides. Josef Martínez has scored three goals in the team’s last two matches, and his finding form has coincided with the team’s rise up the table, having won five straight matches in all competitions to move into sixth place. Nashville still boast the league’s best defense, but could find the visitors a handful going forward, making this likely to be a must-watch encounter.
Seattle Sounders vs. Austin FC
Seattle are still top of the Western Conference, but LAFC have two matches in hand, so Brian Schmetzer’s side will be eager to keep that distance, with the two set to face off in a month’s time. After a strong start, Seattle have been more uneven of late after a galling defeat to Cascadia Cup rivals Portland. Austin, meanwhile, haven’t won in MLS since early March and are dealing with the absence of Sebastián Driussi, who will miss out with a groin injury – the Argentine scored 22 goals last season and is sorely missed.
