Ranking this week’s games in MLS:
Games of the week
Atlanta United at Toronto, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, TSN4: Both teams should be at close to full strength after having more than a week since the international break. Atlanta United's offense didn't look as potent in last week's tie with Seattle because of the absence of the injured Josef Martinez. Toronto's duo of Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco have combined for two goals. Combined is a bad word. Giovinco has yet to score.
Games to DVR to watch again
Minnesota United at Dallas, 8 p.m., Saturday, MLS Live: There can't be a mix of feelings like earning your first win as an expansion team, only to next have to face one of the favorites to win the league. If Minnesota United can at least be competitive, that will be a great second step. Atlanta's Sam Cronin should get his first start since being traded to Minnesota United from Colorado. Lawrenceville's Walker Zimmerman should feature for Dallas.
New York Red Bulls at Orlando, 4 p.m. Sunday, ESPN: The Red Bulls haven't built on rallying to defeat Atlanta United 2-1 in the season-opening game, posting a 1-2-1 record since. Orlando's hot start was derailed by the black-and-gold train that is Columbus.
Games to go to the watering hole to watch
Columbus at Chicago, 2 p.m., Saturday, MLS Live: I was high on Columbus before the season, really liked what I saw from them in Charleston during the Carolina Challenge Cup, and now really like what they can do after acquiring Kekuta Manneh to play with Justin Meram, Ethan Finlay and Federico Higuain.
Houston at New England, 2 p.m., Saturday, MLS Live: Speaking of offense, Houston has 11 goals in four games and features the league's top scorer in Erick Torres. But most of those goals have come at home. Let's see how they do in New England.
NYCFC at D.C. United, 4 p.m. Saturday, UniMas: Frankly, it's weird that these two are already playing again after NYCFC defeated the Gridlocks 4-0 less than a month ago.
Portland at Philadelphia, 7 p.m., Saturday, MLS Live: The Timbers, featuring the league's best offense (13 goals), face the worst team in the Eastern Conference with just two points from four games. The good news for Philly is that Portland has a draw and loss in its past two games.
Colorado at Sporting KC, 7 p.m., Sunday, FS1: If this game isn't a 0-0 draw, I'll be stunned. Sporting KC has already posted three draws and Colorado one. Neither scores much and both have decent defenses.
Seattle at San Jose, 10:30 p.m., Saturday, MLS Live: Seattle fought to a draw with Atlanta United last week, but it wasn't a bad result considering it was missing several starters. San Jose is one of the nicer surprises this season with two wins in two games at home.
Games to set up score alerts on your phone so you don’t have to pay close attention
Montreal at L.A. Galaxy, 10:30 p.m., Friday, TVAS: This is the Galaxy's chance to right the many things that are going wrong this season, including a defense that has allowed eight goals in four games.
Games that only those who play fantasy will care about
Vancouver at Real Salt Lake, 9:30 p.m., Saturday, TSN4: Just one win between them and Real Salt Lake's loss to Minnesota United featured some of the worst play you may see this season.
About the Author
