Ranking this week’s MLS games from best to worst.
Week 9
Dallas (3-0-3) at NYCFC (5-1-2), 6:30 p.m., Sunday. Dallas is league's only unbeaten, but it still a bit of an enigma. NYCFC sustained its first loss at Portland last week. It should get back in the win column this week, but it should be a fascinating tactical matchup.
Sporting KC (5-1-2) at New England (3-2-2), 7:30 p.m., Saturday. Already five points clear of the next best team, Sporting KC is clearly the class of the West. Other than its opening game, New England hasn't rolled over against anyone this season, which is a credit to first-year manager Brad Friedel.
Montreal (2-5-0) at Atlanta United (5-1-1), 1 p.m. Saturday. This has blowout written all over it, which makes it a trap game for the Five Stripes. Only Vancouver has allowed as many goals (17) this season as the Impact.
Orlando (4-2-1) at Colorado (2-2-2), 4 p.m., Sunday. The Lions have won four consecutive games, which is a credit to them, but they haven't beaten a team of consequence during that stretch. Defeating a Red Bulls' B squad doesn't count and the Timbers were really struggling at the time. This will be a test.
Seattle (1-3-1) at LAFC (4-2-0), 9 p.m., Sunday. Kudos to LAFC with four wins on the road this season in its first six games. That's how many Atlanta United posted all of last year. Now, LAFC will open Banc of California Stadium this weekend.
CHOPPING BLOCK GAMES
New York Red Bulls (3-3-0) at L.A. Galaxy (3-3-1), 10:30 p.m., Saturday. Zlatan Ibrahimovic didn't look happy during Saturday's loss to Atlanta United and definitely didn't sound happy in his post-game interview. That can't be good news for Sigi Schmid, who has struggled to formulate an identity with this group of players.
D.C. United (1-3-2) at Philadelphia (1-3-2), 3:30 p.m., Saturday. The losing coach may not have a job come Monday.
Houston (2-2-2) at Minnesota United (2-5-0), 8 p.m., Saturday. Adrian Heath's team looked good earlier this season, but has regressed to last season's abysmal first-half form with 15 goals allowed in just six games. A loss here against a team that struggles on the road may be it for him.
THE REST
Real Salt Lake (3-3-1) at Vancouver (3-4-1), 10:30 p.m., Friday. The Whitecaps have got to find a Plan B way to play.
Chicago (2-3-1) at Toronto (1-4-0), 3 p.m., Saturday. Yes, Toronto is a good team, despite its league results this season. However, it is six points behind the final playoff spot in the East and 10 points from getting to host a first-round playoff game at BMO Field. NYCFC, Atlanta United and Red Bulls aren't going to come back to the field.
San Jose (1-3-2) at Columbus (3-3-2), 7:30 p.m., Saturday.
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