The top two teams in the Supporters’ Shield race headlines Week 10 of MLS action.
The New England Revolution have the advantage over FC Cincinnati on goal difference, with Bruce Arena’s side having a slight edge in that category. FC Cincy’s heavy 5-1 loss to St. Louis CITY SC looms large, with half of their conceded goals for the season coming in that contest. The Orange and Blue have since rebounded, but this road trip will likely be their toughest test yet.
Atlanta United needed the maximum time possible in Week 9 to secure three points as they scored in the 99th-minute to defeat the Chicago Fire. Gonzalo Pineda’s men will now visit a Nashville SC squad that secured a hard-fought draw against LAFC. The Five Stripes fell in their midweek U.S. Open Cup match with Memphis 901 FC and will be searching for a bounce back result in league play.
On Sunday, Minnesota United will be hoping to put a stop to their three-match losing streak as they welcome FC Dallas to Allianz Field. Elsewhere, the Colorado Rapids are riding a four-match unbeaten run heading into a trip to face the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Here is a closer look at this week’s MLS action:
New England Revolution vs. FC Cincinnati
Saturday 7:30 pm ET, AppleTV+
Giacomo Vrioni powered New England to victory in Week 9 with a first-half brace and Bruce Arena will be hoping for more of the same from the Albanian forward in this weekend’s massive match at the top of the Eastern Conference.
The Revs have yet to lose at home this season, making this task even more daunting for visiting FC Cincinnati.
FC Cincy bounced back last week with a 2-1 win over the Portland Timbers and followed that up with a 1-0 U.S. Open Cup result over Louisville City FC. With reported news of Brenner’s impending move to Udinese this summer, other key members of the attack, like Brandon Vazquez, will need to step up from here on out this season.
Nashville SC vs. Atlanta United
Saturday 1:30 pm ET, AppleTV+
Nashville SC will be hoping to continue as the best defensive team in MLS in Week 10, but could be without their captain, Walker Zimmerman.
Zimmerman’s lingering groin injury could sideline him for Saturday’s showdown with Atlanta United. If Zimmerman is unable to go, it could mean a first look at Lukas MacNaughton, who was acquired at transfer deadline day from Toronto FC.
Atlanta United are currently on a four-match unbeaten run in the league and will be eager to extend that to five in a southern showdown in Nashville. Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis leads the Five Stripes with five goals this season and has fit in nicely since arriving from Celtic.
Minnesota United vs. FC Dallas
Sunday 9:00 pm ET, AppleTV+
After an unbeaten start to 2023, Minnesota United has hit a skid in the West, losing three- straight matches.
They’ll look to break that streak as they host fourth-place FC Dallas at Allianz Field on Sunday night. The Loons needed a comeback attempt midweek to avoid U.S. Open Cup elimination and maybe that will shake things up in Adrian Heath’s squad.
Jesus Ferreira leads FC Dallas with five goals on the season and will hope to continue that pace against a Minnesota side that has yet to earn three points at home. Alan Velasco also remains key on the wing and midfielder Paxton Pomykal is a veteran leader that covers plenty of ground in Nico Estevez’s lineup.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Colorado Rapids
Saturday 10:30 pm ET, AppleTV+
In Saturday’s late window, the Colorado Rapids will look to keep their five-game unbeaten run going on the road at BC Place.
Colorado has faced some of the Western Conference juggernauts during that run, earning hard-earned draws against LAFC and St. Louis CITY SC. However, Robin Fraser’s squad rank No. 24 in goals scored so far in 2023, a trend that will need to change immediately.
Jonathan Lewis scored twice midweek in Open Cup play.
The Whitecaps have been shutout in three of their last five matches across all competitions, which included CONCACAF Champions League elimination against Los Angeles FC. Vanni Sartini’s men tied Austin FC 0-0 in Week 9 and will be hoping to kickstart their offense once again.
MLS Week 10 Schedule:
Saturday:
1:30 pm – Nashville SC vs. Atlanta United, AppleTV+
7:30 pm – Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami, AppleTV+
7:30 pm – Orlando City SC vs. LA Galaxy, AppleTV+
7:30 pm – New England Revolution vs. FC Cincinnati, AppleTV+
7:30 pm – DC United vs. Charlotte FC, AppleTV+
7:30 pm – Toronto FC vs. NYCFC, AppleTV+
8:30 pm – Chicago Fire vs. New York Red Bulls, AppleTV+
8:30 pm – St. Louis City SC vs. Portland Timbers, AppleTV+
8:30 pm – Austin FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes, AppleTV+
8:30 pm – Sporting Kansas City vs. CF Montreal, AppleTV+
9:30 pm – Real Salt Lake vs. Seattle Sounders, AppleTV+
10:30 pm – Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Colorado Rapids, AppleTV+
Sunday:
9:00 pm – Minnesota United vs. FC Dallas, AppleTV+