Matchday 9 in Major League Soccer looks to be as exciting as previous rounds. What this weekend may lack in traditional rivalries like last week’s thrilling Tráfico and a Cascadian derby between Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers, it more than makes up for in high-stakes encounters. Here’s our look at three of the biggest ahead of tomorrow’s action.
Nashville vs LAFC
LAFC will be brimming with confidence after last week’s derby win against the Galaxy. Carlos Vela led the way with two goals and an assist, and he remains dangerous as does Dénis Bouanga – the Gabon international has scored eleven goals already for the visitors. But Nashville will counter with the league’s best defense – they’ve conceded just four times in their first eight matches, and reigning MVP Hany Mukhtar remains a threat, having been involved in five goals in 2023.
Seattle Sounders vs Minnesota United
The Sounders may have been knocked out of first place in the Western Conference after losing in Portland last weekend, but remain as dangerous as any team in the league. Jordan Morris is the league’s leading scorer, and behind him Léo Chú and Nicolás Lodeiro pull the strings – both have five assists, top in the league in that figure as well. Minnesota have been rather less flashy, but have only lost twice in their first seven matches. Only LAFC have conceded fewer goals among Western Conference teams and Seattle’s attacking verve will be put to the test here.
LA Galaxy vs Austin FC
Despite a valiant performance backed by the return of Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández and a stunner from Tyler Boyd, the Galaxy are still without a win this season. But after testing their derby rivals last weekend, they will be ready to welcome an Austin team that is also struggling to hit the heights of last season. After finishing second in the Western Conference last year, the visitors have been knocked out of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League by Haiti’s Violette and are winless in the league since a loss to rivals Houston Dynamo four weeks ago.
