3️⃣ matches you must watch in MLS this weekend | OneFootball

The 2025 MLS season is hurtling toward its climax, and with playoff races heating up across both conferences, this weekend’s Matchday 30 brings several can't-miss matchups with big stakes.

Nashville vs Orlando City

Two Eastern Conference stalwarts meet level on points in a showdown that could significantly influence the Supporters’ Shield race. Nashville’s fortress-like home form (11-1-3) and stingy defense make them a formidable opponent.

Orlando, meanwhile, are surging, rolling through four straight MLS wins and riding the brilliance of Martín Ojeda, who has bagged a goal contribution in 12 consecutive matches. Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge continue to power Nashville’s season, making this thriller one of the weekend’s prime contests.

FC Cincinnati vs NYCFC

FC Cincinnati hosts NYCFC in what may be one of the season’s most pivotal fixtures—Cincy are joint leaders atop the Supporters’ Shield race and could make history by becoming the first MLS team to win 55 games across a three-season span (they currently sit at 54).

NYCFC, meanwhile, are chasing a guaranteed playoff spot, riding a recent two-game win streak. Featuring the return of DP Kévin Denkey, this fixture blends legacy history with present-day ambition—perfect for a Saturday night spotlight.

San Diego FC vs Portland Timbers

San Diego are rewriting history in their inaugural season, sitting atop the Western Conference and chasing the Supporters’ Shield, a feat no debut side has achieved. Key to their rise has been Danish attacker Anders Dreyer, who already boasts 13 goals and 14 assists, making him one of the league’s most influential players.

Portland, meanwhile, are fighting to solidify a playoff spot, but made some major moves this summer, adding Matías Rojas, Felipe Carballo, and Norway international Kristoffer Vlede to strengthen.

Portland want to be a serious team in the Western Conference in the final few months of the season. San Diego are as serious as it gets in the west.

📸 Benjamin B. Braun - 2025 Getty Images