Ranking this week’s games in MLS:
Game of the week
Atlanta at Seattle, 10 p.m. Friday, FS1. This game could be awesome, if all of the talent that can play will play. Or, if Josef Martinez, Miguel Almiron, Clint Dempsey and Jordan Morris, don't play, it may not reach lofty game-of-the-week standards. The teams met during the preseason with Atlanta United's "A" team hammering Seattle's "B" team, 4-2. Seattle did put in a few of its starters for the last 20 minutes or so, which accounted for the two of the goals. Afterward, Seattle manager Brian Schmetzer had a few odd things to say about Almiron's salary being more than his entire starting 11's salaries. (Seattle's Clint Dempsey had a guaranteed salary of $4.6 million last year).
Games to DVR to watch again
Sporting KC at Toronto, Friday, 7:30 p.m., FS1. Though they haven't looked great, Toronto and Sporting KC are unbeaten through three games with identical 1-0-2 records.
San Jose at NYCFC, Saturday, 2 p.m., MLS Live. The Earthquakes are one of the better surprises in MLS with six points through three games. NYCFC has been hit or miss with four goals in one game, and just one in its other two. Too many weapons for that to continue to happen.
New England at Portland, Sunday, 9 p.m., ESPN 2. Portland has scored the most goals (12) in MLS this season while New England has one of the leakiest defenses with five goals allowed in just three games.
Games to go to the watering hole to watch
N.Y. Red Bulls at Houston, Saturday, 8:30 p.m., MLS Live. This could be a high-scoring affair, except the Red Bulls aren't scoring much this season with four goals in four games. Houston has seven in three games. The Dynamo's speed on the edges should really test New York's 4-2-2-2 formation.
L.A. Galaxy at Vancouver, Saturday, 10 p.m., TSN1. I assumed Vancouver would struggle this season, but didn't see the Galaxy earning just three points through its first three games. The schedule has been tough and the injuries haven't helped.
Games to set up score alerts on your phone so you don’t have to pay close attention
Montreal at Chicago, Saturday, 3 p.m., CTV. After a great start, Chicago crashed back to earth in a 4-0 loss to Atlanta United. David Accam is a weapon that must be used better. Montreal just can't get out of its own way.
Orlando at Columbus, Saturday, 4 p.m., UniMas. Orlando is the last perfect team in the Eastern Conference with two wins in two games. After a dreary start, Columbus bounced back with a 3-2 win over Portland last week. I'm still a fan of how the Crew play.
Games that only those who play fantasy will care about
Philadelphia at D.C. United, Saturday, 7 p.m., MLS Live. Three points between them this season. D.C. United has still yet to score.
Real Salt Lake at Minnesota United, 8 p.m., MLS Live. If Real Salt Lake can't get its woeful offense (1 goal) going against what is the worst defense in professional soccer …
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