Ranking this week’s MLS games:
Game of the week
Portland at L.A. Galaxy, Sunday, 7 p.m. I know I should probably go with the competition between the two expansion teams, but Portland vs. L.A. should be a fantastic matchup. The Timbers hammered Minnesota United 5-1 in Week 1, while the Galaxy were topped by Dallas 1-0. Can the Galaxy's makeshift midfield control Portland's?
Games to watch, DVR and then watch again
Atlanta United at Minnesota United, Sunday, 5 p.m. The two expansion franchises meet, obviously for the first time. Atlanta United was 15 minutes away from earning three points against New York Red Bulls, while Minnesota United wasn't close.
Dallas at Sporting KC, Saturday 9 p.m. The men from Texas were atop every single MLS Power Poll last week and now it appears that Lawrenceville's Walker Zimmerman is attracting interest from at least two teams in Germany.
Games to go to the watering hole to watch
Colorado at New York Red Bulls, Saturday, 4 p.m. Despite having played three days before taking on Atlanta United in a raucous atmosphere, Red Bulls gritted out a 2-1 win. They aren't the back-to-back Eastern Conference points leaders for nothing. Colorado did what Colorado does, grind out a 1-0 win.
Columbus at Houston, Saturday, 8:30 p.m. I know this isn't a sexy game, but I think it will be pretty high-scoring because both teams can get up and down the field. Houston stunned Seattle last week with its speed up the middle and on the wings. Columbus is going to be better than people think.
Games to pay attention to while you also clean the house
Seattle at Montreal, Saturday, 7 p.m. The Sounders were dumped by Houston while Montreal, a fast, fast team, looked void of energy in its loss. Expect both to come out pumped up and to see quite a few goals.
Toronto at Philadelphia, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Both teams played to 0-0 draws in their opening games. The physical matchup between Oguchi Onyewu and Jozy Altidore should probably be broadcast as a pay-per-view fight.
Orlando at New England, Saturday, 2 p.m. Though Orlando won its opener, it isn't getting much respect nationally, including in this games-to-watch column.
D.C. United at NYCFC, Sunday, 2 p.m. This should actually be a pretty good game, but neither team was too exciting in its first game.
Games to check the recaps if you have time
Real Salt Lake at Chicago, Saturday, 2 p.m. Both added young attacking talent in the offseason. Hopefully it will show up this week.
Vancouver at San Jose, Saturday, 10 p.m. Both of these teams won their openers, but it's just not a game that registers on the East coast.
