🖐️ matches you must watch in MLS this weekend | OneFootball

After a short international break, MLS returned to our screens and our stadiums Wednesday night for some electric, high-scoring action.

But attention now turns to the first full weekend of matches since mid-June. Here are some of the fixtures you simply can not miss this weekend.

Orlando City vs FC Cincinnati

It's a top-five clash in the Eastern Conference on Saturday, and the margins should be slim between these two in-form sides.

Both Orlando and Cincinnati are fresh off of road wins Wednesday evening, dispatching St. Louis City and Montréal respectively.

While they have lost twice in their last five matches, a 12-game unbeaten run in the late spring saw Orlando City join the conversation as a potential top-four team in the East.

On the other hand, Cincinnati, will consider themselves Supporters Shield contenders, and while Pat Noonan's side tends to win games by narrow margins, they will be favorites most of the time they take the pitch.

San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy

Despite the emergence of adolescent expansion clubs in California in recent years, the Cali Clásico between the Earthquakes and the Galaxy remains one of the league's most storied rivalries.

And while neither side in this fixture is setting the world alight at the moment, it is their flaws that sees them remain box office material.

In particular, the Galaxy finally etched their name into the win column back in May, their first and only win in 19 games this season — a might fall for the reigning champions.

San Jose, on the other hand, are simultaneously the highest scorers and third worst defense in the Western Conference.

Long story short, there should be fireworks, though they may come in the in form of calamities.

LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps

LAFC return to MLS action on Monday as they take on the Vancouver Whitecaps.

It will be LAFC's first MLS match in 21 days, having been away at the Club World Cup where they finished bottom of their group.

The Whitecaps, on the other hand, are coming off a wild 5-3 loss to San Diego in which they conceded four goals in 12 minutes to San Diego's Milan Iloski.

Vancouver are still second in the west with 35 points and a game in hand, while LAFC are nine points behind them, having played two less matches.

While Vancouver and LAFC have been preoccupied with the Concacaf Champions Cup and Club World Cup respectively, both clubs will turn their focus turns towards MLS as they look to the top the Western Conference.

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union

There's another top-five clash coming up in the Eastern Conference as the Philadelphia Union face the Columbus Crew.

Philadelphia extended their eleven-match unbeaten run as a Bruno Damiani penalty secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Chicago. The Union are currently top of the race for the Supporters Shield with 40 points after 19 matches.

Meanwhile, the Columbus crew claimed a 3-1 victory over Atlanta after a brace from Jacen Russell-Rowe claimed a second straight victory for the Crew.

However, with both sides in good form, Columbus will be hoping to reduce the six-point gap between themselves and Philadelphia at the top of the east.

Chicago Fire vs Charlotte FC

While there are still lots of regular season matches to be played, Charlotte FC and the Chicago Fire look to be in close competition for a playoff position.

As things stand, Charlotte occupy the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, level on points with Chicago who have a game in hand.

Charlotte are coming off of a frustrating 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City in which Kansas scored two stoppage-time goals to overtake Charlotte's lead.

Meanwhile, Chicago lost their previous match 1-0 to league leader's Philadelphia Union.

Ultimately, this will be a pivotal test for both sides as neither team can afford to slip out of playoff contention.

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