1. FINISHING TOUCH FOR FIRE, CREW SC
Columbus Crew SC host the Chicago Fire on Friday (8 pm ET, UDN in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada) with dangerous attackers on both teams looking to make an impact at MAPFRE Stadium. While the Fire’s David Accam is still looking to add a final touch to his repertoire, the arrival of new blood in Columbus has freed Federico Higuain to focus on more than simply finding the back of the net.
2. ENDING A STREAK IN LA?
Winless in their last five games, the LA Galaxy will look to get back on track when they host the Houston Dynamo tonight (10:30 pm ET, UDN in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada). The Galaxy haven’t lost at home in 21 regular-season games, although the Dynamo - who hold the record for longest home unbeaten streak in MLS history - seem confident they can bring that run to an end.
3. CHECKING THE BALANCE AT BMO
Jozy Altidore may be injured, but Toronto FC can still count on Michael Bradley, who has impressed since moving into the same role he occupies for the US national team. TFC’s opponents on Saturday are the Portland Timbers (5 pm ET, MLS LIVE in the US, TSN in Canada), who are still trying to find the right balance during the toughest stretch of their season.
4. SETTLE IN FOR 1-V-2 IN THE EAST
First-placed D.C. United travel to the New England Revolution on Saturday (7:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE). Both teams had long unbeaten runs snapped in their last outing. The Revs are getting more from the maturing Juan "Swagudelo" Agudelo of late, while United have recently got a boost from winter signing Markus Halsti, who is working on his midfield relationship with Perry Kitchen.
5. FCD HIT THE ROAD
FC Dallas’s trip to the Montreal Impact on Saturday (8 pm ET, MLS LIVE) marks the start of a five-game, 42-day road trip for Oscar Pareja’s side. FCD won't need to worry about Impact dangerman Dominic Oduro, though, after the speedster was ruled out "a few weeks" due to a groin injury.
6. RAPIDS FINALLY HAVE OPTIONS
The Vancouver Whitecaps fielded a strong team in their Amway Canadian Championship win in midweek, and it remains to be seen how that will affect their lineup in Saturday's visit to the Colorado Rapids (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE in the US, TSN2 in Canada). It'll likely be a new look XI for the Rapids, who could see new strikers Kevin Doyle and Luis Solignac make their MLS debuts this weekend.
7. SOUNDERS OPEN IT UP
The Seattle Sounders host suddenly hot Sporting Kansas City on Saturday at CenturyLink Field (10 pm ET, MLS LIVE). Seattle will have their normal crowd of 40,000-plus on the night, but plan on opening up the full stadium for these upcoming matches. On the field, the Sounders hope to make SKC feel like they are "playing Real Madrid or Barcelona," while injury-riddled Sporting will hope for more strong play from their rookies.
8. KREIS RETURNS TO RIO TINTO
A number of injured Real Salt Lake players are getting closer to fitness again, but all eyes in Utah will be on a different kind of return this weekend: Former head coach Jason Kreis returns to Rio Tinto Stadium for the first time since leaving the club in 2013. Now at the helm at New York City FC, Kreis & Co. will take on RSL on Saturday (10 pm ET, MLS LIVE), with a number of NYCFC's ex-RSL players eager to make their Utah homecoming a success.
9. UNION COUNT ON EXPERIENCE
Having ended a four-game losing streak last weekend, the Philadelphia Union will look to make it two wins in a row when they visit the New York Red Bulls on Sunday (5 pm ET, FOX Sports 1 in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada). The Union to lean on several veterans to get a result, while the Red Bulls will take energy from midfielder Felipe, who simply "understands what it takes to win."
10. 0 TO 100 FOR WONDO
All eyes will be on San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski, as the US international tries to become part of the very exclusive 100-goal club when the Quakes host Orlando City on Sunday at Levi's Stadium (7 pm ET, FOX Sports 1). He'll get some help from in-form winger Shea Salinas. It may have taken a while for Orlando City to get going this season, but they found a way to get the best from their newly constructed squad last weekend.
11. CASCADIA CLASH IN THE CUP
Mark your calendars, we're going to have a showstopper in the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup. U.S. Soccer announced on Thursday that the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers will meet in the Fourth Round - the first round to feature MLS teams - and unveiled the potential pairings and hosting scenarios for the other 15 US-based MLS teams.
12. UPDATES ON ST. LOUIS & MIAMI STADIUM PLANS
St Louis’s stadium plans were well received this week, and there are reported updates to Miami Beckham United's efforts to find the right stadium plan in Miami.
13. EYEING A MOVE?
Barcelona’s Xavi Hernandez won't play in MLS next season. The midfielder announced he will head to Qatar at the end of his contract. There are other players, however, interested in a move to MLS though, including this former French international.
14. WARNING TO GERRARD
This weekend marks the end of the Premier League season, meaning that, after a short break, both Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard will soon be on their way to MLS. Two fellow Brits are confident that the Gerrard will make a big impact for the Galaxy, but future teammate Robbie Keane had a warning for him.
15. PRESIDENTIAL RACE DROPS TO TWO
With less than a week to go until the FIFA Presidential election, the field of candidates is starting to shrink. Both Michael Van Praag and Luis Figo decided to drop out of the competition, with the latter not mincing any words on his way out.
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