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MLS Week 8 Preview: FC Cincy visits St. Louis CITY SC, Crew face Revs, and more

With seven games in the books, many MLS clubs will be eager to prove they are the top teams as the first quarter of the 2023 season comes closer to an end.

Supporters Shield leaders, FC Cincinnati, will pay a visit to a St. Louis CITY SC side that has lost back-to-back matches after a flying start. Bradley Carnell’s squad will be looking forward to a return to CITYPARK after losing to Minnesota United and the Seattle Sounders in recent weeks.

The Columbus Crew have outscored opponents 12-1 in their last three matches and are on some flying form under Wilfred Nancy. They’ll host the No.2 ranked teams in the Eastern Conference on Saturday with the New England Revolution heading to Lower.com Field.

Minnesota United will look to return to winning ways after their first loss of the season as they host a well-rested Orlando City squad. Elsewhere, New York City FC will welcome Nashville SC to Yankee Stadium for an Eastern Conference showdown.


St. Louis CITY SC vs. FC Cincinnati

Saturday 8:30 pm ET, AppleTV+


FC Cincinnati has continued to find its groove this spring with three-consecutive victories since its thrilling 3-3 comeback draw vs. the Chicago Fire all the way back in Week 4. Pat Noonan’s defense has been stellar this season so far, conceding only four goals and recently shutting out the Philadelphia Union 1-0.

Brandon Vazquez, Matt Miazga, and Roman Celentano will be seeking strong performances ahead of next week’s USMNT duty.

After winning their first five games, St. Louis CITY SC have hit a skid. Back-to-back losses against Minnesota United and the Seattle Sounders have dropped the expansion side to second place in the Western Conference. Joao Klauss leads the team with five goals and will be among the go-to targets for a first showdown with FC Cincy.


Columbus Crew vs. New England Revolution

Saturday 7:30 pm ET, AppleTV+


The Columbus Crew have won all three of their home matches in 2023 with a goal difference of +11 in those matches. No team in MLS has scored more goals at home than Wilfred Nancy’s Crew and they will hope for continued success against second place New England Revolution.

Lucas Zelarayan and Aidan Morris have been two of the Crew’s standout performers so far this spring.

New England, however, will not be rolling over for the Crew as they come into the match with an Eastern Conference-leading six points from away matches this season. Carles Gil has been on a roll for Bruce Arena’s side while several young players have also excelled in the starting lineup.


Minnesota United vs. Orlando City

Saturday 8:30 pm ET, AppleTV+


Minnesota United was one of the last remaining unbeaten teams in MLS until their shock loss to the Chicago Fire last weekend. The Loons have their eyes on their first three home points this weekend with Orlando City making the trip to Allianz Field.

Mender Garcia and Luis Amarilla have four combined goals in 2023, but others will need to start chipping in as well.

Orlando City has scored three goals in its two away matches in 2023 and will be seeking to add to that total in St. Paul. Martin Ojeda leads the club with two goals while star playmaker Facundo Torres only has one to his name so far. Both players will be eager to lead their team to an important road win on Saturday.


NYCFC vs. Nashville SC

Saturday 7:30 pm ET, AppleTV+


Nashville SC will make the trip up north to NYCFC on Saturday, having conceded only one road goal this season.

Joe Willis has conceded two goals the entire season, leading MLS with five clean sheets on the season. Unfortunately, the Music City side has only scored six goals this season and will be hoping to increase that total in the Bronx. Hany Mukhtar remains the star attacking weapon for Gary Smith’s squad.

NYCFC has also struggled to score this season, with only six goals scored. Talles Magno leads Nick Cushing’s squad with two goals this season and has been the stand-out player to start 2023.

James Sands and Keaton Parks have formed a strong 1-2 punch in the heart of NYCFC’s midfield.


MLS Week 7 Schedule:

All matches on Saturday:

7:30 pm – Toronto FC vs. Atlanta United, AppleTV+

7:30 pm – CF Montreal vs. DC United, AppleTV+

7:30 pm – NYCFC vs. Nashville SC, AppleTV+

7:30 pm – Columbus Crew vs. New England Revolution, AppleTV+

7:30 pm – New York Red Bulls vs. Houston Dynamo, AppleTV+

7:30 pm – Charlotte FC vs. Colorado Rapids, AppleTV+

8:30 pm – Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia Union, AppleTV+

8:30 pm – Minnesota United vs. Orlando City, AppleTV+

8:30 pm – FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake, AppleTV+

8:30 pm – St. Louis CITY SC vs. FC Cincinnati, AppleTV+

8:30 pm – Austin FC vs. Vancouver, AppleTV+

10:30 pm – Portland Timbers vs. Seattle Sounders, AppleTV+

10:30 pm – San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sporting Kansas City, AppleTV+

Comments

    • I noticed that too a week ago. I’m a longtime fan and I’m not critical but I’m sure Ives’ focus is now on the CBS soccer network.

      Reply
      • I’ve been coming to this site a longtime as well. I didn’t realize he was at the CBS soccer network now.

  1. Ledezma with an assist in his first start and couple good chances at goals. Parks with a goal. Giaocchini with a goal. It was a good night for guys that could be considered snubs.

    Reply
  2. Ebobissie showing why he should be getting looks for the USMNT at striker as well. 4 goals on the season and looks to be on pace for 17 to 20 goals this season just like last season.

    Reply
  3. Cade Cowell having a good game. Has an assist and his ball over the top for Ebobissie resulted in a ok for Ebobissie. Cowell has been instrumental to San Jose’s attack tonight.

    Ferreira with another goal. His 18 goal season last season does not look like a fluke. On pace for another 18 to 20 goal season. Keep it up. I foresee a move to Europe soon for him. He could be great in a two striker system.

    Reply

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