GOAL takes a look at some of the major MLS storylines emerging ahead of Matchday 26
Teams across MLS are set to play their final matches before players head off to the midweek MLS All-Star Game, where they’ll represent the league against the Liga MX All-Stars. Matchday 26 brings a slate filled with renewed rivalries, key conference clashes, and more as the regular season continues to heat up.
In the Western Conference, El Trafico returns as LAFC host the LA Galaxy in the league's most high-profile rivalry in Los Angeles. A win for LAFC would keep their conference title hopes fueled, while the Galaxy are still searching for a trademark victory that can push them up the table.
Then, the top two teams in the conference in San Diego FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps meet as the sides clash in what is set to be a thrilling contest at Snapdragon Stadium.
In the East, meanwhile, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami travel to take on 2024 MLS Cup finalists New York Red Bulls in a meeting between two teams with high hopes in the postseason.
GOAL dives into all that and more in The Kickoff, a weekly preview of each MLS Matchday.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportMiami's bounce back
Inter Miami were stunned Wednesday evening, getting blanked 3-0 on the road by FC Cincinnati. It was their first loss in regular-season action since May and just their fourth total defeat this season.
With Lionel Messi and Co. having Supporters' Shield and Eastern Conference title aspirations, they cannot afford a hiccup on Saturday when they hit the road to take on RBNY at Sports Illustrated Stadium. It's a big chance, however, not just for Miami to find a win, but also for RBNY.
The home side is coming off a thrilling comeback victory over the New England Revolution that saw them score five second-half goals after going down 2-0 early in the match. Their resiliency in the contest will now have them confident as ever heading into the contest, and three points would be a huge achievement for a club sitting mid-table in the East.
The two sides met earlier this season, and the pulled off a 4-1 victory in South Florida with both Messi and Luis Suarez landing on the scoresheet. Saturday's affair is surely one to watch as a result.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe battle for Los Angeles
It's a storied rivalry at this point, but heading into the game, the Galaxy and LAFC couldn't be sitting farther apart at the table.
LAFC is coming off a stunning road victory over MNUFC midweek, and with three games in hand, they're right in the fight for a Western Conference title at the moment. Star forward Denis Bouanga, meanwhile, is up to 18 goal contributions in 19 appearances this season, and is spearheading their run to the top.
The Galaxy, meanwhile, is still sitting at the bottom. They're 15th in the West, have just three total victories on the season, and are winless on the road – a place where they'll look to be finding a result against their intracity rivals this weekend. The two sides played out to a 2-2 draw in May, but this time around, the Galaxy will be massive underdogs as they head into BMO Stadium looking for a result.
The match may prove to be manager Steve Cherundolo's final meeting due to him resigning at the end of the campaign, so the former U.S. international and LAFC will look to pull off one more result under his guidance.
Getty ImagesFight for the West
SDFC sit first in the West heading into the match, but following a stunning midweek defeat to Toronto FC, Vancouver – who handily defeated Houston 3-0 on Wednesday – will look to capitalize on the moment.
U.S. internationals Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter are both back for Vancouver, and the duo combined for a goal on Wednesday. The Whitecaps showed signs they could be back to their best now that they're at full-strength with the international window over.
San Diego, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from their midweek loss. They were blanked at home by a struggling TFC side in front of their own fans, and they'll look to turn things around on Saturday when they play host to Vancouver. With the star duo of Anders Dreyer and Chucky Lozano spearheading their attack, anything is possible – but a win here would be a massive result for either team.
If the match ends with a victory, meaning no draw, the winner will sit at the top of the West heading into Matchday 27 – regardless of other results from around the league.
Getty Images SportWhat's trending?
+ With three goals against Toronto FC on Saturday, Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge can become the first player to score 20 goals this season.
+ If LAFC forward Bouanga can register three shot attempts against the Galaxy on Saturday, the Gabonese winger will become the first player this season to register 100 scoring chances in regular-season play.