Matchday Four in MLS has plenty to offer on Saturday, from the first match of the day to the last. After a big week of Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League action, Saturday presents more of the action that’s come to characterize the league, from surprise package St. Louis City SC hosting San José to defending champions LAFC heading north to take on Seattle Sounders.
Seattle Sounders vs. LAFC
After a fast start winning their first two matches, Seattle were pegged back last weekend in Cincinnati, losing by a single goal to their ten-man hosts. Back at home to kick off the day’s action, they’ll host an LAFC side who have brilliant attacking form thanks to Dénis Bouanga, who led the way in a big home win over New England last weekend with two goals and an assist. The two teams are level on six points, three behind St. Louis City SC and will be eager to put pressure on the Western Conference leaders.
New England vs. Nashville
Following wins in each of their first two matches, the Revolution were brought back to earth by LAFC last weekend, losing 4-0 to the defending champions. Playing at home, they’ll face a Nashville side who are yet to concede this season, with a pair of 2-0 wins over CF Montréal and New York City FC to their credit along with a scoreless draw against NY Red Bulls. With both sides within a point of the top of the Eastern Conference ahead of kickoff, this looks to be one of the main picks of the multiplex.
St. Louis City SC vs. San José Earthquakes
Newcomers St. Louis City SC are the only team in the league to have won their first three matches, setting a record for an expansion side in the process. Playing their second match at home of the season, they’ll take on an Earthquakes side who are joint-second in the Western Conference on the back of holding off Colorado Rapids with ten men last weekend. Last year’s leading scorer, Jeremy Ebobisse, has his shooting boots again, having found the net twice to date; he and Cristian Espinoza will be the danger men for the visitors.