Matchday 21: What to know, how to watch on MLS Season Pass | MLSSoccer.com

Matchday 21 rolls around this Saturday with lots of Audi MLS Cup Playoff positioning on the line. The upper echelon of the Western Conference remains as tight as ever, with only three points separating second place from seventh, while the Eastern Conference, with more teams clear of the pack on the top end, has only there points separating ninth place (and the final playoff spot) from thirteenth.

With all this soccer going on (most teams will play their second match in four days on Saturday), we’re cutting straight to the chase and giving you one reason to watch each fixture.

Only FC Dallas are on a bye for Matchday 21.

Charlotte FC vs. CF Montréal

One reason to watch: The Columbus Crew are the critics’ choice for the “most watchable” team in the league. Nashville SC have arguably the best player in the league in Hany Mukhtar. That’s two reasons to watch – because this top-of-the-Eastern Conference clash is easily one of the best matchups of Matchday 21, and it’s free on Apple TV.

Lionel Messi’s arrival will bring a lot of new, neutral eyes to #MLS weekends.

Which teams should this new audience watch? @TomBogert ranks all 29, from least entertaining to most. https://t.co/35Hs7ZPfHS

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) June 22, 2023

D.C. United vs. FC Cincinnati

One reason to watch: On paper, it’s Toronto superstars Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi. But since both they and Toronto FC are absolutely stuck in the mud, it’s the resurgent Revolution, who are coming off back-to-back 3-1 wins powered by 2021 Landon Donovan MLS MVP-winner Carles Gil.

New York Red Bulls vs. Atlanta United

One reason to watch: No one in their right mind would question the power of Lionel Messi, but if he were to come this summer, the Herons could really use a point or two before his arrival to boost their hopes of a second-half push toward the playoff line.

No time like the present to start on that.

Austin FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC

One reason to watch: Given St. Louis CITY SC‘s current wobble in form, the Houston Dynamo are making a strong push for the most pleasantly-surprising team of 2023. They just rattled off back-to-back wins against Western Conference leaders LAFC and washed that down with a big victory over the San Jose Earthquakes.

Come to watch established star Héctor Herrera absolutely dominate the midfield; stay for the scintillating play of breakout star Amine Bassi (4g/3a in last five matches across all competitions).

Sporting KC vs. Chicago Fire FC

One reason to watch: Ultimate MLS journeyman Kei Kamara, who’s played for 10 MLS teams in his 17-year career, is one goal away from tying Landon Donovan (the player who the whole league’s MVP award is named for) on the all-time goals list. He’s doing it all at the age of 38 for a team scrapping for a playoff spot. Forget “of the matchday” – this is one of the coolest stories of the year.

Colorado Rapids vs. LA Galaxy

One reason to watch: Nine playoff spots in each conference means that hope remains even for the bottom two teams in the West. If that’s not enough for you, remember the high likelihood that Riqui Puig will make more absurd passes like this:

Real Salt Lake vs. Minnesota United FC

One reason to watch: No one wants to see Cinderella’s carriage turn back into a pumpkin, but there is something fascinating about watching the biggest surprise success in the league try to keep up the good form without their two star Designated Players: João Klauss and Eduard Löwen.

Seattle Sounders FC vs. Orlando City SC