GOAL takes a look at some of the major MLS storylines emerging ahead of Matchday 22
Into the sixth month of the MLS campaign, the July slate of matches begins Thursday and through the weekend. Three matches take center stage on the July 4, highlighted by a Western Conference clash between two teams on opposite sides of the table – but with the same goal in mind.
The last-place LA Galaxy host the Western Conference powers Vancouver Whitecaps, and a result for either team could be big for different reasons. On Saturday, a battle for the top of the Eastern Conference takes place. Nashville SC hosts the Philadelphia Union in a battle between No. 1 and No. 3,.
Sunday will offer a blistering cross-conference affair, as Brian Schmetzer's Seattle Sounders – back from playing in the Club World Cup – host Wilfried Nancy's Columbus Crew as two of the league's brightest coaches go head-to-head on the touchline, and two struggling strikers look to start firing.
GOAL dives into all that and more in The Kickoff, a weekly preview of each MLS Matchday.
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It's top against bottom in the Western Conference, fourth versus 30th in the Supporters' Shield Standings, but it's also the reigning champions against 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup finalists.
The LA Galaxy hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday in an affair. The Whitecaps, down multiple players due to Gold Cup duty, and recently handed injury blows to Sam Adekugbe, Ali Ahmed, and Andres Cubas, will look to earn a result on the road against the 2024 Champions. And the Galaxy? They'll take anything they can get.
Greg Vanney and the reigning champions are sitting on just one win this season, and have secured just nine points through 20 matches so far this campaign. A result against the Whitecaps could be the spark they need to try and, somehow, push into the playoff spot in the West.
For Vancouver, meanwhile, three points would be crucial, as they are shorthanded.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportFight for the East
Just two points separate Nashville and Philadelphia heading into their match on Saturday, as anticipation builds for the most exciting match of the weekend. The two Eastern Conference heavyweights and MLS's two highest goalscorers will meet.
Englishman Sam Surridge, who leads MLS with 16 goals, will look to lead the line for B.J. Callaghan's squad alongside former MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar. For Philly, meanwhile, Israeli forward Tai Baribo is reportedly set to return to the pitch after sustaining a quad injury upon return from the Gold Cup break. The 27-year-old sits on 13 goals, trailing Surridge by three.
Three points would push Nashville past Philly in the standings. For the Union, getting a win on the road would be a big boost for them as they look to continue holding their lead.
Getty Images SportCross-conference clash
Coming off a valiant Club World Cup performance, the Sounders defeated LAFC 1-0 while having a shorthanded defense, and now they turn their attention to the Crew in this cross-conference matchup.
Columbus defeated both Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union, picking up six points. It's a meeting between two of the best clubs in the league, and teams looking to prove themselves as contenders for the Supporters' Shield.
For the Sounders, they're looking to pick up a crucial three points as they shoot their way up the West, knowing they have a few games in-hand due to their CWC participation. In particular, they'll look to get striker Jesus Ferreira going, as the U.S. international has just two goals in 17 appearances since arriving ahead of the campaign.
Columbus, meanwhile, is just three points out from Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia, and is looking to close the gap. Similar to Seattle, the Crew need more from new $4M forward Daniel Gazdag, who goalless in 12 appearances this season.
What's trending?
+ With a win or a draw against the Union on Saturday, Nashville will extend its unbeaten streak to 11 matches, setting a club record.
+ If Portland Timbers midfielder David Da Costa registers two assists against the New England Revolution, he will set a club record, becoming the quickest player to ever achieve 10 assists. Saturday will mark his 20th game for the club – legend Diego Valeri reached 10 in 21 games in 2013.