Major League Soccer closes out the month of March with a number of intriguing matchups, including a Cascadia Cup battle, a chance for FC Cincinnati to set a new MLS expansion record, and D.C. United hosting former teammate Nani and Orlando City.
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In addition, six teams remain unbeaten: Los Angeles FC, the Seattle Sounders, and the Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference and D.C. United, Toronto FC and New York City FC in the Eastern Conference.
Here’s a look at some of the top storylines for MLS Week 5:
Orlando City v. D.C. United — Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET
Wayne Rooney and D.C. United have quietly had a strong start to the 2019 MLS season. D.C. already has wins over both Atlanta United and Real Salt Lake, two playoff teams from a year ago, and comes into this weekend’s matchup with a week to rest. In addition to the seven goals scored in three games is the fact that D.C. United hasn’t allowed a single goal yet. Meanwhile, Orlando is coming off a confidence-building win on the road at the New York Red Bulls, with Sacha Kljestan scoring and Nani making his debut. Now returning home, Orlando City is looking to record another victory and end D.C. United’s unbeaten start.
Columbus Crew v. Atlanta United — Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Coming off a bye week, Atlanta United looks to secure it’s first win of the season with a trip to the Columbus Crew. It’s been a rough start to the season for Atlanta United, with struggles in both MLS and earlier in CONCACAF Champions League play. Atlanta United has missed Miguel Almiron but perhaps even bigger, it’s missed manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino. New manager Frank De Boer hasn’t yet figured out his best team, but he may get a good chance to see that against Columbus.
Caleb Porter’s side suffered a surprising 3-0 defeat to the Philadelphia Union last week and starting goalkeeper Zack Steffan is recovering from an injury that kept him out of U.S. Men’s National Team camp. Perhaps it could be the first sign of cracks in a Crew side struggling for goals.
Vancouver Whitecaps v. Seattle Sounders — Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET
The Seattle Sounders are off to a strong start, but the Cascadia Cup can bring out the best in the underdog. Vancouver is winless, 0-3 to start the season while the Sounders are the opposite. Jordan Morris has made a successful recovery from injury while Raul Ruidiaz and Nicolas Lodeiro look as good as ever. In Vancouver, with all its offseason changes, it is taking time for their new signings to all gel together. However, Saturday’s game could set a fun new record. Whitecaps designated player In-Beom Hwang could face Sounders midfielder Kim Kee-Hee in what would be a high-profile dual between the two South Korean stars.
Full MLS Schedule (All Times Eastern)
Friday
Toronto FC v. New York City FC – 8 p.m.
Saturday
Chicago Fire v. New York Red Bulls – 1 p.m.
New England Revolution v. Minnesota United – 2 p.m.
Sporting KC v. Montreal Impact – 3 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes v. LAFC – 3:30 p.m.
FC Cincinnati v. Philadelphia Union – 7:30 p.m.
Columbus Crew v. Atlanta United – 7:30 p.m.
Colorado Rapids v. Houston Dynamo – 9 p.m.
Real Salt Lake v. FC Dallas – 9 p.m.
Vancouver Whitecaps v. Seattle Sounders – 10 p.m.
Sunday
Orlando City v. D.C. United – 6 p.m.
LA Galaxy v. Portland Timbers – 9 p.m.
