Five matches you must watch in MLS this weekend 🍿 | OneFootball

The MLS season is entering its decisive stretch, and every match now carries weight for playoff positioning, Supporters’ Shield hopes, and momentum heading into October.

From top-of-the-table clashes to high-stakes rivalry matchups, here are the five games you need to watch this weekend.

New York City FC vs Charlotte FC

This is arguably the headline matchup of the weekend. Charlotte FC arrive in New York riding a nine-game winning streak, the longest in club history, and looking to keep their Eastern Conference title push alive.

NYCFC, meanwhile, have quietly won four of their last five and are determined to close the gap near the top.

Expect attacking fireworks from Idan Toklomati and Wilfried Zaha for Charlotte, with Hannes Wolf leading the charge for the team from the Big Apple.

Orlando City vs Nashville SC

Playoff seeding is the focus in Orlando, where both sides are still battling for a top-four finish in the East.

Orlando’s late-season push has put them in contention for home-field advantage in the opening round, while Nashville come in on the high of a US Open Cup semi-final win.

Sam Surridge’s recent scoring form will be crucial, but consistency in MLS play has been Nashville’s Achilles heel this season.

Austin FC vs Seattle Sounders

Sunday Night Soccer puts the spotlight on Austin, where the home side is desperately trying to solidify a playoff spot in the crowded Western Conference.

Seattle, as ever, are dangerous when in form, and their recent run has them eyeing a top-four seed in the playoffs.

This clash feels very much like a playoff preview, with Austin’s home advantage and against Seattle’s veteran savvy providing us with the ingredients for a close affair.

LAFC vs Real Salt Lake

Just days after LAFC thumped Real Salt Lake 4-1, propelled by a Son Heung-Min hat-trick, the two sides meet again in Los Angeles.

For LAFC, a win or even a draw could officially secure their playoff spot, while the visitors desperately need points to stay above the postseason cut-off line.

All eyes will be on Son, whose arrival has lifted LAFC back into contender status, but RSL’s response to the midweek thumping will be just as telling.

Sporting Kansas City vs Vancouver Whitecaps

The Whitecaps remain firmly in the hunt for the Supporters’ Shield, but every dropped point could be costly.

Sporting KC, though still fighting for their playoff lives, have a chance to play spoiler in front of their home crowd.

With both teams battling for very different rewards, it is exactly the type of MLS matchup that could throw a wrench into the predictions.

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