Ranking this week’s MLS games from best to worst.
Week 10
NYCFC (6-1-2) at New York Red Bulls (4-3-0), 1:55 p.m. Saturday: Huge game in the East. Huge. David Villa vs. Bradley Wright-Phillips is the individual matchup. From a 10,000-foot level, Atlanta United is doing its best to chase down first-place NYCFC, while the Red Bulls are in sixth but have at least one game in hand on the teams above them. Wins by the Red Bulls and Atlanta United would scramble the standings.
Atlanta United (6-1-1) at Chicago (2-3-2), 8:30 p.m. Saturday: See above. Bridgeview, Ill., saw one of Atlanta United's worst-played games last year. But the team seems to have figured out how to win on the road this season seven points from three games.
Philadelphia (2-3-2) at Toronto (1-4-1), 8 p.m. Friday: This is actually an intriguing game because of the long-term impact. Toronto is eight points away from the final playoff spot in the East, and 10 from hosting a first-round playoff game. That's a lot of ground. Toronto is more than talented enough to do it, but it can't drop too many more points because Atlanta United, NYCFC, the Red Bulls and Orlando City aren't going to come back to them.
Dallas (3-1-3) at LAFC (5-2-0), 4 p.m. Saturday: LAFC seems to have sorted out the problems it had with playing defense and is second in a weak West. It can continue to apply pressure to Sporting KC with a win in its second game in Banc of California Stadium.
L.A. Galaxy (3-4-1) at Houston (2-3-2), 8:30 p.m. Saturday: A big game for two teams that had expectations before the season. The Galaxy have lost three of four and may have hit upon a formation and style that fits its talented personnel. Houston is doing what it did last year with a stumbling start.
New England (4-2-2) at Montreal (2-6-0), 1 p.m. Saturday: A trap game for the Revs, who are playing well for Brad Friedel. The Impact had chances to threaten Atlanta United last week, but couldn't take advantage. They can be dangerous.
Columbus (4-3-2) at Seattle (1-4-1), 4 p.m. Saturday: I typically don't view the personnel of MLS teams the same as others do. So, while some are scratching their heads at Seattle's poor run because they believe the starting group is among the most talented in the league, I think, and have thought, they are vastly overrated. Of course, I said that last year and they made the MLS Cup, albeit in a weak West.
Vancouver (4-4-1) at Minnesota United (3-5-0), 2 p.m. Saturday: Two teams that stopped poor streaks with wins last week. Stopping the Whitecaps is a matter of pressing to disrupt long passes. Will the Loons do that?
Colorado (2-3-2) at Sporting KC (5-2-2), 8:30 p.m. Saturday: Sporting KC came back to Earth with last week's loss at New England.
Real Salt Lake (3-4-1) at Orlando City (5-2-1), 5 p.m. Sunday: The Lions should win this one easily. If they do and Atlanta United loses, they will be tied in the East with 19 points.
Portland (2-3-2) at San Jose (1-4-2), 10:30 p.m. Saturday: Yawn.
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