FC Cincinnati has remained atop the Eastern Conference standings following Week 12 MLS and although Pat Noonan’s squad did not feature over the weekend, they will be well rested heading into the first midweek slate of 2023.
CF Montreal makes the trip to TQL Stadium this week, riding a six-match winning streak in all competitions, including four victories in league play. After earning only one win in their first six matches of the season, CF Montreal now holds the longest active winning streak in the league.
Another team that has a winning streak going is Inter Miami, who will visit Nashville SC midweek. Phil Neville’s squad have won their last four matches in all competitions, including a recent 2-1 triumph over the New England Revolution.
LAFC and Sporting Kansas City both earned convincing 3-0 scorelines over the weekend and will now face off at BMO Stadium on Wednesday. Elsewhere, Orlando City hosts NYCFC as both clubs look to find consistency.
Here is a closer look at this week’s MLS action:
FC Cincinnati vs. CF Montreal
Wednesday, 7:30 pm ET, AppleTV+
CF Montreal defeated Toronto FC twice in two different competitions last week and will be eager to carry that momentum into this midweek matchup against Supporters’ Shield chasing FC Cincinnati. Hernan Losada’s squad have been in flying form with eight goals scored in their last four MLS matches, moving them up to seventh place in the conference.
Although FC Cincinnati is coming off a bye week, Pat Noonan’s squad should be well rested heading into a midweek clash. FC Cincy are riding a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions, including further advancement into the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16.
Sergio Santos and Romell Quioto headline the top scorers in this contest.
Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami
Wednesday, 8:30 pm ET, AppleTV+
Nashville SC has only conceded three goals at home this season and will be tough to break down for Inter Miami this week.
Gary Smith’s squad are averaging two points per match at home and overall are riding a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Walker Zimmerman was missing for Nashville’s 1-1 draw at DC United on Saturday, and Smith will be hoping for his captain to return to help quiet a confident Inter Miami attacking unit.
Inter Miami has looked to turn things around, going unbeaten in its last five matches including advancement in the U.S. Open Cup. Josef Martinez leads the team with three league goals while Leonardo Campana has two of his own. The Herons will remain without attacking playmaker Jean Mota for the near future, forcing others to fill in.
LAFC vs. Sporting Kansas City
Wednesday, 10:30 pm ET, AppleTV+
Sporting Kansas City has won two straight matches in two different competitions, but a trip to defending MLS Cup winners Los Angeles FC remains a daunting test.
Peter Vermes’ squad blanked Minnesota United 3-0 on Saturday, earning their first league victory of 2023. Daniel Salloi registered a goal and assist in the match and will be among the in-form players for SKC on the road this week.
Tim Melia’s injury absence however could be a big loss for SKC, who might need to rely on Kendall McIntosh once again.
LAFC rebounded after their first league loss of the season with a dominant 3-0 win over Real Salt Lake. Denis Bouanga continued his MVP pace scoring his ninth goal of the season to take the lead in the Golden Boot race. The Gabon international will once again be joined by Carlos Vela in the LAFC attacking front.
Orlando City vs. NYCFC
Wednesday, 7:30 pm ET, AppleTV+
Orlando City and NYCFC sit in the bottom six of the Eastern Conference and will be fighting to turn things around.
NYCFC will be looking to snap a four-game losing streak in all competitions, while the host Lions have yet to string any type of winning run together so far. Duncan McGuire has been a pleasant surprise for the Lions, contributing four goals so far and helping ease some pressure off of Ercan Kara and Facundo Torres.
NYCFC have only earned two points in seven away matches so far in 2023, which is the worst record away from home so far. Nick Cushing’s attack has struggled over recent weeks, scoring just two goals over the past 360 minutes of action. Santiago Rodriguez, Talles Magno, and Gabriel Pereira have 10 goals combined this season and will need to start string some consistency together to move NYCFC up the standings.
MLS Matchweek 13 Schedule
ALL MATCHES ON WEDNESDAY
7:30 pm – Atlanta United vs. Colorado Rapids, AppleTV+
7:30 pm – Philadelphia Union vs. DC United, AppleTV+
7:30 pm – Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls, AppleTV+
7:30 pm – Orlando City vs. NYCFC, AppleTV+
7:30 pm – Columbus Crew vs. LA Galaxy, AppleTV+
7:30 pm – FC Cincinnati vs. CF Montreal, AppleTV+
7:30 pm – Charlotte FC vs. Chicago Fire, AppleTV+
8:30 pm – Minnesota United vs. Houston Dynamo, AppleTV+
8:30 pm – FC Dallas vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, AppleTV+
8:30 pm – Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami, AppleTV+
9:30 pm – Real Salt Lake vs. Portland Timbers, AppleTV+
10:30 pm – LAFC vs. Sporting Kansas City, AppleTV+
10;30 pm – Seattle Sounders vs. Austin FC, AppleTV+
Looks like Che will be returning to Dallas after the u20 WC. He needs playing time and I think Dallas will give him that.