By JUSTIN FERGUSON
Although the slate of MLS matches is short during this World Cup qualifying weekend, there are still some intriguing matchups on Saturday night.
The night kicks off with the red-hot New England Revolution taking on a struggling D.C. United squad in Foxboro. The Revs offense is on the rise during their current three-game winning streak, and their defense is always a threat to post a shutout. New England will enter Saturday night’s meeting with their Eastern Conference foes as clear favorites as DCU are currently in the middle of a club record 11-game winless skid.
After a bye week, a refreshed Portland Timbers squad heads into Chicago with its unbeaten road record on the line. The Fire ended a bad stretch last week with a win over D.C., and the newly acquired Mike Magee will look to stay hot with a third straight goal in as many appearances for his hometown club.
In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake will square off at Rio Tinto Stadium. The Galaxy, who will be without Omar Gonzalez and Robbie Keane once again, are coming off a 5-0 loss last Sunday to the Revolution. RSL will be looking for revenge from their earlier home loss to Los Angeles—will the Galaxy be able to bounce back in another tough road game?
Tonight’s MLS action will close in Seattle, the site of the upcoming USMNT World Cup Qualifier. Before the U.S. can take the field at CenturyLink Field, a short-handed Seattle Sounders squad will take the field against Cascadia Cup rivals Vancouver. The Sounders will be missing several key starters due to international duties or injuries, but the overruling of an Obafemi Martins red card will give the hosts a much-needed shot in the arm.
Here is a rundown of tonight’s schedule:
7:30 pm- New England Revolution vs. D.C. United
8:30 pm- Chicago Fire vs. Portland Timbers
9:30pm- Real Salt Lake vs. Los Angeles Galaxy
10:30pm- Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
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If you will be watching today’s MLS action, please feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.
Enjoy the action.