Ranking this week’s MLS games, from best to worst:
LAFC at Dallas, 8 p.m. Saturday. Both are chasing Sporting KC in the race for the top spot in the West. The midfield battle will be fun to watch.
New York Red Bulls at New England, 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Revs are facing the East's top two teams in one week, but get both at home. Six points is likely too much to ask. Two points would be great.
Atlanta United at New England, 7:30 p.m., Wednesday. Last year's game at Gillette between these two teams was less than exciting. It was cold. The football lines were very visible. Atlanta United was worn out. This one should be much better. Atlanta United needs three points to stay atop the East and the race for the Supporter's Shield.
Orlando City at NYCFC, 7:30 p.m. Saturday. If the Lions drop even one point in this one, after three consecutive losses that six-game win streak it posted earlier this season will become an afterthought as another summer swoon begins.
Dallas at L.A. Galaxy, 10:30 p.m. Wednesday. Zlatan should be back in the lineup. How will the Galaxy respond?
L.A. Galaxy at Portland, 5 p.m. Saturday. A tough week for the Galaxy includes facing the hottest team in the league at Providence Park.
Chicago at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Two teams on the outside of the playoff chase and looking in. It will likely stay that for a while, which is why they can't drop points. The Union have started to figure out a way to get results.
Toronto at Columbus, 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Toronto is in big trouble in terms of making the playoffs. If they are the second-best team in North America, as some contend, then we're all in big trouble.
Houston at Real Salt Lake, 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. As has been the case the past two seasons, Houston is great at home (4-2-0) and so-so on the road (1-1-3). This is a great chance to get three points.
Philadelphia at Atlanta United, 7:30 p.m. Saturday. This would seem to be an easy three points for the Five Stripes, but nothing is proving easy anymore because of opponents are taking their best shots and the officials are … inconsistent.
Houston at Montreal, 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Three points for the Dynamo with the possibility of six from two road games this week.
Minnesota United at Sporting KC, 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Sporting KC is struggling to regain its offensive form with just one goal scored in its past two games.
Vancouver at Colorado, 9 p.m. Friday. I just can't waste a thought on this game.
San Jose at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Three points for Chicago.
Seattle at Real Salt Lake, 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Three points for Real Salt Lake.
