The Seattle Sounders return to action from the international break with a huge matchup against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday (7:30 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Univision-Seattle, KIRO 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360AM), but there are plenty of other big games on the MLS docket this week. Here's a look at the other matches around the league this weekend.
Sporting Kansas City vs. Houston Dynamo (Friday, 5 p.m. PT; UniMas)
Sporting KC and the Dynamo meet for the second time this season after Houston won 2-0 on May 7 at BBVA Compass Stadium. Each team is coming off a loss, with SKC falling 2-0 to the Philadelphia Union and the Dynamo losing at home to FC Dallas. Sporting is in fifth place in the Western Conference, while the Dynamo sit in last in the West.
Columbus Crew SC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (Saturday, 3 p.m. PT; TSN2, MLS LIVE)
This is the first and only meeting between the Crew and Whitecaps this season. Columbus lost last weekend at the LA Galaxy, while Vancouver fell on the road to the New York Red Bulls. The Crew are tied for last place in the Eastern Conference while the Whitecaps are ninth in the West and are winless in their last eight games (0-4-4).
Philadelphia Union vs. Montreal Impact (Saturday, 4 p.m. PT; MLS LIVE)
This is the third and final meeting in the regular season for the two clubs this season, with the first two coming at Stade Saputo in Montreal. The Union and Impact drew in May before Montreal won in a 5-1 rout in July. Philadelphia lost 3-0 last week to the Chicago Fire, while Montreal is coming off a 4-1 defeat on Wednesday to Orlando City SC. The Union are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The Impact are in fifth.
New England Revolution vs. New York City FC (Saturday, 5 p.m. PT; MLS LIVE)
The Revolution are looking for their first win of the season in three tries against NYCFC. The two clubs drew at Yankee Stadium in March before NYCFC won 1-0 at Gillette Stadium in July. The Revs picked up a key win vs. the Colorado Rapids their last time out, while New York City FC won 3-2 over D.C. United in dramatic fashion on two late Frank Lampard goals. New England is in eighth in the Eastern Conference. NYCFC leads the East with 44 points.
Chicago Fire vs. Toronto FC (Saturday, 5 p.m. PT; MLS LIVE)
This is the second of three meetings this season, with Toronto winning 1-0 at BMO Field in July. The teams will meet for the last time during the final week of the season. The Fire defeated the Union 3-0 last weekend, while TFC lost to the Montreal Impact their last time out on Aug. 27. The Fire are tied for last place in the Eastern Conference. Toronto is tied for second in the East with the New York Red Bulls.
FC Dallas vs. Colorado Rapids (Saturday, 6 p.m. PT; MLS LIVE)
This is the third and final meeting this regular season between the top two teams in the Western Conference. FC Dallas won at home in June before the two clubs played to a draw in Colorado in July. FC Dallas have pushed their conference lead to eight points - they lead the Supporters’ Shield race by seven - after taking down the Portland Timbers last weekend. The Rapids, meanwhile, dropped points on the road in a loss to the New England Revolution and are winless in their last four (0-2-2).
Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. PT; MLS LIVE)
The Timbers and RSL have met twice already this season, with both games ending in 2-2 draws. Portland is trying to get back on track after a 3-1 loss to FC Dallas last week, while Real Salt Lake is coming off a thrilling 3-3 draw on Wednesday night against the LA Galaxy, a match in which RSL tied it in the 94th minute. The Timbers still occupy the sixth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, while RSL is tied for second in the West.
New York Red Bulls vs. D.C. United (Sunday, 10 a.m. PT; ESPN)
This is the third and final regular-season meeting this season for the rivals and the first at Red Bull Arena. D.C. United won 2-0 in May before the teams played to a draw in August. The Red Bulls are one of the hottest teams in the league and enter on a 10-match unbeaten run after defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps their last time out. United lost to New York City FC last week after squandering a chance at points. The Red Bulls are tied for second place in the East, while D.C. United have slipped out of playoff position after Orlando City’s midweek win.
LA Galaxy vs. Orlando City SC (Sunday, 4 p.m. PT; FS1)
LA is coming off a disappointing draw against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, a match which they led 3-1 in the second half and conceded the equalizer in the 94th minute. Orlando City meanwhile made easy work of the Montreal Impact on Wednesday in a 4-1 win. The Galaxy are tied for second place in the West, while Orlando City is sitting in the sixth and final playoff spot in the East. This is the first and only meeting this season between the two clubs, and could mark the return of MLS and USMNT icon Landon Donovan, who announced Thursday that he has returned to the Galaxy for the remainder of the season.
