The Seattle Sounders will face Los Angeles FC on a short week after LAFC qualified for the next round of the Concacaf Champions League, making for a very interesting matchup in the fourth week of MLS action. The MLS will continue to play as teams continue to rediscover their rhythm when the majority of the world enters an international break after the weekend. One squad that doesn’t have those concerns is St. Louis City SC. Since joining MLS, the Western Conference leaders have won all three of their games, scoring eight goals and allowing just four. They’ll have an excellent chance to improve their record to a perfect 4-0 when they play the San Jose Earthquakes.
Here is a look at the MLS schedule and storylines for this coming weekend:
MLS Schedule
Saturday, Mar. 18
All times Eastern and all games are available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
- Seattle Sounders vs. Los Angeles FC, 4 p.m. (fuboTV — try for free)
- CF Montreal vs. Philadelphia Union, 7:30 p.m.
- Atlanta United vs. Portland Timbers, 7:30 p.m.
- New England Revolution vs. Nashville SC, 7:30 p.m.
- Orlando City SC vs. Charlotte FC, 7:30 p.m.
- Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami, 7:30 p.m.
- NY Red Bulls vs. Columbus, 7:30 p.m.
- New York City FC vs. D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
- FC Dallas vs. Sporting KC, 8:30 p.m.
- Houston Dynamo vs. Austin FC, 8:30 p.m.
- St. Louis City vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 8:30 p.m.
- Chicago Fire vs. FC Cincinnati 8:30 p.m.
- Colorado Rapids vs. Minnesota United, 9:30 p.m.
- LA Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, 10:30 p.m.
Fight at the West’s highest point
With their early-season exploits, LAFC are not only continuing where they left off from the previous campaign, but with the acquisition of Timothy Tillman, the team may even improve on the MLS Cup-winning squad. They suffered a setback in Champions League play losing to Alajuelense but already leading 3-0 after a first leg triumph, there was no reason for Steve Cherundolo to try for much more in the encounter.
After missing the playoffs the previous season, Seattle is back. Despite Heber’s injury, Seattle has a good chance to bounce back after losing to FC Cincinnati. Since Raul Ruidiaz has been getting fitter, he might start this game, giving the tie the appearance of a Championship encounter. Jordan Morris is also in excellent shape, so the two have plenty of firepower to spare.
Who is St. Louis’s only hope?
St. Louis City has had one of the best seasons for an expansion team and one of the best seasons overall because to their perfect record through their first three games. With one more victory, St. Louis will have started the year with four victories, which is second most in league history. The 2012 Sporting Kansas City team’s overall record of seven is also within reach. If St. Louis can escape a protracted slump in form this season, they might have already secured a spot in the postseason due to the expanded playoffs.
Hello again from the East SC Nashville
Nashville SC are appearing to be a complete team this season with goals from wing backs and a well-organized defense managed by Walker Zimmerman. The squad has been able to take its time reintegrating star forward Hany Mukhtar after he sustained an injury during the preseason because they haven’t yet given up a goal. At wing back, Jacob Shaffelburg has been a revelation, which is a big loss for Toronto FC, which desperately needs the support of young players. With yet another victory over the Revolution, Joe Willis already has a share of that record with three clean sheets, but he can become the solo leader if they can prevent the Revs from scoring. Nashville will have a share of the lead for the most consecutive shutouts to start a season with four.
