Rivalry Video games Take Highlight as Inter Miami Open New Stadium

Toronto FC vs. Colorado Rapids

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT

Toronto FC has some wind again in its sails for the primary time in years, using a three-game unbeaten streak, with two wins in video games in opposition to FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew. 

Led by supervisor Robin Fraser, the Reds enter this week’s conflict with the Colorado Rapids in sturdy type, whereas taking up the third sport in nine-straight matches at house main into the 2026 World Cup.

All eyes might be on U.S. midfielder Djordje Mihailovic on this one, because the Toronto Designated Player performs his first sport in opposition to his former membership, after becoming a member of the Canadian aspect on an $8 million switch final summer time. At the identical time, marquee signing Josh Sargent seeks his first aim for the Reds. 

Colorado heads north in sturdy type as nicely, with three wins from their final 4 matches, as they embrace a brand new season and supervisor, former Tottenham Hotspur assistant coach, Matt Wells.

Prediction: Toronto FC 3–1 Colorado Rapids

New England Revolution vs. CF Montréal

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

The New England Revolution noticed a large morale increase with a 6–1 win over FC Cincinnati two video games in the past, however have in any other case gotten off to a tough begin to the season with three wins in 4 losses beneath Marko Mitrović. This weekend, they welcome a pesky CF Montréal aspect to Gillette Stadium, hoping to return to the win column. 

Luca Langoni has been a standout contributor down the suitable aspect for the Revs, amassing 4 assists in as many video games, whereas Dor Turgeman has a aim and an help up prime. At the again, goalkeeper Matt Turner returns from worldwide obligation with the USMNT, the place he allowed 5 objectives and made 5 saves in a 5–2 loss to Belgium.

The extra intriguing aspect of the battle is likely to be Montréal’s. Expected to complete on the backside of the league, they beat Red Bull New York 3–0 three video games in the past and fell 4–3 to FC Cincinnati final trip. They have 4 losses in 5, however with Prince Owusu and the just lately signed Frankie Amaya, they might trigger hassle. 

Prediction: New England Revolution 1–1 CF Montréal

Real Salt Lake vs. Sporting Kansas City

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

Longtime MLS followers will know simply how deep this rivalry conflict goes. 

From the frigid 2013 MLS Cup and Sporting Kansas City’s triumph with MLS legends Benny Feilhaber and Graham Zusi getting the higher of Nick Rimando and Kyle Beckerman, to the 2011 preseason conflict when a full-on brawl broke out between the 2 sides after Roger Espinoza’s robust problem on Javier Morales, it’s been probably the greatest rivalries in MLS. 

While the 2026 season is a far cry from the times of each golf equipment being distinguished MLS contenders, it is nonetheless a feisty rivalry, with loads of expertise to supply. This weekend, it’s the youth of Real Salt Lake, headlined by youngsters Zavier Gozo and Aiden Hezarkhani, up in opposition to a rebuilding SKC aspect, nonetheless discovering its footing, however counting on pragmatic goalscorer Dejan Joveljić up prime. 

Although RSL’s three-game win streak ended with a draw in opposition to San Diego FC forward of the break, they need to have the ability to get again to successful methods this weekend. If they do, does 4 wins in six video games make them an outdoor contender for MLS Cup?

Prediction: Real Salt Lake 2–0 Sporting Kansas City

Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Atlanta United has all the time had excessive requirements, so the thought of being two video games undefeated isn’t an achievement within the eyes of the membership. Yet, for all of the struggles they’ve confronted during the last three seasons, an prolonged break from dropping ought to be seen as a small step ahead. 

And whereas the entrance trio hasn’t hit the shape they’d have hoped for, every of Emmanuel Latte Lath, Alexey Miranchuk and Miguel Almirón has loved brilliant spots over the previous few video games. Now, they host the Columbus Crew at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the Crew seeking to bounce again from a 2–1 loss to Toronto FC final trip. 

While neither aspect has loved a lot consistency, it’ll mark the third straight sport at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Columbus midfielder Max Arfsten, who returns to MLS play after worldwide obligation with the USMNT and losses to Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta. 

Prediction: Atlanta United 2–2 D.C. United

Charlotte FC vs. Philadelphia Union

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Charlotte FC has only one loss in its first 5 video games and has received two of its final three, with its most up-to-date consequence, a dominant 6–1 win over a younger Red Bull New York aspect. This week, they welcome the Philadelphia Union to North Carolina, with the reigning Supporters’ Shield champions on the lookout for any progress after dropping every of the primary 5 video games of 2026. 

Given the type of Pep Biel and Wilfried Zaha via the final a number of video games, Charlotte ought to deal with this consequence. At the identical time, the return of heart again Tim Ream from USMNT camp ought to have him in peak situation popping out of the break. 

Prediction: Charlotte FC 2–1 Philadelphia Union

D.C. United vs. FC Dallas

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

FC Dallas heads to the nation’s capital with hopes of turning a few of the attracts into wins. Through 5 video games, they’ve misplaced simply as soon as — however have additionally received simply twice, with attracts forcing them decrease within the desk than different undefeated groups. Coming off an exhilarating 4–3 win within the Texas Derby over the Houston Dynamo, star striker Petar Musa will look to take care of his type from a hat-trick in his final sport and worldwide obligation with Croatia. 

For D.C. United, the important thing might be to neutralize Musa and his strike associate, Logan Farrington, with the purpose of enjoying for a low-scoring win. In every of D.C.’s 5 video games this season, they’ve but to attain greater than two objectives, however they’ve additionally by no means conceded greater than two, both. 

Prediction: D.C. United 1–2 FC Dallas

Inter Miami vs. Austin FC

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Inter Miami’s brand-new stadium, Nu Stadium, has but to complete development, however will welcome Lionel Messi and his Herons teammates for the primary time this weekend as Inter Miami tackle Austin FC. 

Several gamers on each side come into the weekend recent off worldwide obligation, with Miami’s Messi and Rodrigo De Paul having performed in friendlies with Argentina, and Ian Fray having taken half within the FIFA inter-confederation playoffs, lacking last-chance World Cup qualification with Jamaica. Austin, in the meantime, noticed Facundo Torres sit on the bench for 2 video games with Uruguay. 

With the main target again on MLS, Miami seeks a fifth-straight undefeated consequence and fourth win in 5 video games, whereas Austin eyes a second win in 2026 after a run of two losses and a draw. 

Prediction: Inter Miami 3–1 Austin FC

New York City FC vs. St. Louis CITY SC

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

New York City FC begins the ultimate season of ballpark bouncing in New York, as they head to Citi Field, house of the New York Mets, for this weekend’s conflict in opposition to St. Louis CITY SC, given the New York Yankees’ house collection in opposition to the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium. 

While Inter Miami opens its new stadium, the Mets’ environment could have NYCFC dreaming additional of what subsequent season will provide on the new Etihad Park. Yet, earlier than they will focus an excessive amount of on stadiums, they’ll wish to discover their method again into the win column, following a 3–2 loss to the Herons final trip. 

St. Louis CITY come into the sport off their first win of the season and in addition maintain the benefit of refreshed gamers, with solely depth ahead Mykhi Joyner departing the group during the last week for worldwide obligation. NYCFC, in distinction, had seven worldwide absences. 

Prediction: New York City FC 3–1 St. Louis CITY SC

Red Bull New York vs. FC Cincinnati

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Red Bull New York had been left reeling after a 6–1 loss to Charlotte FC final trip, and Michael Bradley’s group might be pushed to bounce again in opposition to an FC Cincinnati aspect that’s coming off a win, albeit a worrying 4–3 one over CF Montréal.

Given Bradley’s reliance on youth skills for RBNY this season, there might be inconsistencies, and that’s already changing into extraordinarily evident via the primary few video games of his tenure. Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti are gifted, but additionally simply mere youngsters taking up this a lot skilled duty for the primary time.

Cincinnati, in the meantime, remains to be on the lookout for Evander to hit his finest type after some early-season damage issues, even with Kévin Denkey discovering some consistency with 4 objectives in his final 4 matches throughout all competitions.

Prediction: Red Bull New York 1–4 FC Cincinnati

Chicago Fire FC vs. Nashville SC

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Nashville SC had been the most effective group via the primary 5 weeks of the MLS season, with the likes of Sam Surridge, Cristian Espinoza and Hany Mukhtar standing out as a potent attacking trio beneath supervisor B.J. Callaghan.

Now again in motion and on the highway in opposition to the Chicago Fire, Surridge appears to be like to construct on his seven objectives and lengthen his lead atop the MLS Golden Boot standings, whereas the remainder of the group focuses on extending the clean-sheet streak to three-straight MLS matches.

Led by supervisor Gregg Berhalter, Chicago welcomes loads of expertise again from worldwide obligation. The centerback pairing of Joel Waterman and Mbekezeli Mbokazi performed vital minutes for Canada and South Africa, respectively, with Mbokazi scoring a surprising aim in opposition to Panama. As such, count on some rotation, given the shortage of relaxation for these two.

Prediction: Chicago Fire FC 0–3 Nashville SC

Houston Dynamo vs. Seattle Sounders

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

It was a heartbreaking end to the Texas Derby for the Houston Dynamo final trip, as they fell 4–3 to rivals FC Dallas. This week, they’re again at house on the lookout for a bounce-back in opposition to an in-form Seattle Sounders aspect. And whereas they misplaced the derby, discovering attacking type from gamers outdoors of Guilherme was a vital step in the suitable route.

The Sounders, in the meantime, are brimming with confidence. They just lately knocked off Cascadia rivals Vancouver Whitecaps within the Concacaf Champions Cup, earlier than enjoying to a scoreless draw in opposition to Minnesota United. They could have a barely completely different look, although, having dealt left midfielder Georgi Minoungou to the Colorado Rapids over the break.

Prediction: Houston Dynamo 2–2 Seattle Sounders

LAFC vs. Orlando City

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

The mission begins for Orlando City. After signing French celebrity Antoine Griezmann, they’ll look to place themselves in as sturdy a spot as attainable for when he joins the group in July, with hopes of an MLS Cup run, regardless of poor type to start out the season. This week, it begins with a large problem in opposition to LAFC.

The Black and Gold are again at house on this one and have began the season with 4 wins in 5 video games, having but to concede a aim in MLS play, setting a file for the longest shutout streak to start out an everyday season. At the identical time, the assault is hungrier than ever, with Denis Bouanga sitting on one aim in 5 video games and South Korean celebrity Son Heung-min but to search out the again of the web.

Expect a vigorous effort from LAFC, and it might get ugly.

Prediction: LAFC 5–1 Orlando City

LA Galaxy vs. Minnesota United

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

There was potential for this sport to characteristic two legends of the 2010s, with the LA Galaxy’s Marco Reus and Minnesota United’s James Rodríguez, however that matchup received’t occur. The Colombian was hospitalized with dehydration whereas on worldwide obligation and received’t be out there for the Loons this weekend.

Both sides need to snap runs of two losses and a draw of their final three video games, whereas navigating the rising pains of early-season challenges. The Galaxy, nevertheless, received a little bit of a confidence increase amid their rut, with two wins over Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant FC to advance within the Concacaf Champions Cup and can search for João Klauss to construct on his 5 MLS objectives thus far this marketing campaign.

Prediction: LA Galaxy 0–0 Minnesota United

San Jose Earthquakes vs. San Diego FC

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The San Jose Earthquakes come again from the break in distinctive type, having handed Vancouver Whitecaps a primary lack of the season to maneuver to 4 wins and a loss via the primary 5 video games. This week, they host a California rival, taking up Western Conference powerhouse San Diego FC, a aspect seeking to get again to successful methods after two straight attracts.

While San Jose will proceed to lean on the connection between Timo Werner and Ousseni Bouda, San Diego might should be measured within the minutes it provides to its stars. Anders Dreyer, the talismanic winger, is coming off a grueling two video games with Denmark, which led to heartbreak as his nation missed the World Cup within the UEFA playoff remaining. As such, his influence within the California battle could also be restricted.

Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 2–2 San Diego FC

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Portland Timbers

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The Vancouver Whitecaps thrashed the Portland Timbers 4–1 only a few weeks in the past, however face a brand new problem on Saturday as they cope with the newest damage blow to an already depleted heart again group.

Ralph Priso, the 23-year-old who has stepped into the defensive function after enjoying his whole profession as a midfielder, suffered a hamstring pressure whereas enjoying for Canada and might be unavailable for the foreseeable future. It might imply proper again Mathías Laborda finds his method to the center of the protection alongside Tristan Blackmon.

The assault will look to get themselves again among the many objectives after a 1–0 loss to San Jose, with Brian White aiming to construct on 5 objectives thus far, and every of Thomas Müller and Emmanuel Sabbi seeking to discover the again of the web amid a chilly spell.

For Portland, who enter the match on a four-match winless streak, getting three factors is important. They’ve not picked up a victory for the reason that first week of the season, and supervisor Phil Neville’s seat could also be getting heat, particularly with one other loss.

Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 4–1 Portland Timbers

MLS Predictions: Matchday 6

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