Inter Miami Leads Key MLS Fixtures this Weekend | OneFootball

Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami CF

4:30pm ET @ BMO Field, Toronto, Canada

It’s not only the first MLS game this weekend, it’s one of the most impactful. Miami heads north to play Toronto FC. After Wednesday’s 4 – 0 beatdown of NYCFC, and Vancouver’s 1 – 1 draw with Portland, the Herons are in control of their own destiny. If they win all five of their remaining matches they will win the Supporter’s Shield for a second year in a row.

But there’s an equally compelling narrative concerning Lionel Messi as well. His brace in the Big Apple moved him two goals above LAFC’s Denis Bouanga in the race for the Golden Boot. Both teams have five games remaining. Let the hottest foot win.

Toronto are already eliminated from the playoffs, but that doesn’t mean they’ll roll over for Miami. Playing the spoiler is fun for everyone. The stadium should be packed, as this might be Messi’s last appearance in Ontario unless he extends his current contract.

Charlotte FC vs. CF Montréal

7:30 PM ET @ Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Their record-tying nine-game winning streak was foiled last weekend, but a win here clinches Charlotte a playoff spot. They’re at home, and should pack win over 30,000 rowdy fans to watch them do it. Montréal are the worst team in the East and not great on the road, with only 3W, 4D and 8L.

New York Red Bulls vs. New York City FC

7:30 PM ET @ Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey

It’s a derby, AND there’s a playoff spot at stake! What’s not to love? NYCFC, despite losing badly to Miami, can still guarantee their post-season slot. Red Bulls are fighting for one of the play-in spots, two points behind Chicago Fire. This is a must-win game, or at worst a not-lose game and please-give-us-some-help.

Chicago Fire FC vs. Columbus Crew

8:30 PM ET @ Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Both these teams are in the bubble spot, sitting 9th and 8th place respectively. If the season were over now, this would be the play-in match. Columbus have five points more than Chicago, but that doesn’t give them any solace. They’ve been on a long, slow slide since matchweek 25 and cannot afford to give up any more ground. Chicago just wants to keep their nose above water.

St. Louis CITY SC vs. LAFC

8:30 PM ET @ Energizer Park, St. Louis, Missouri

After putting a serious dent in the Quakes post-season dreams last weekend, St. Louis returns home on a two-game win streak. They’ll need all the help they can get, and another heroic effort from keeper Roman Bürki, to stop the red-hot LAFC machine. Heung-Min Son and Denis Bouanga have twelve goals in the past three games; the latter is also chasing Messi for the Golden Boot.

San Diego FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes

10:30 PM ET @ Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California

San Diego has been top of the Western Conference for 12 straight weeks.With only three more games, their dream of becoming the first expansion team to win the Supporter’s Shield is fading fast. Winning out, and some assistance, would give them a chance. The Quakes dropped two spots down to 11th last weekend; it’s another must-win scenario for them.

All the Other Fixtures