Welcome to Starting XI, our Friday rundown of what to watch for this weekend in MLS and beyond. And don't forget to get your Spanish-language fix with FutbolMLS.com's complete coverage of the ongoing Copa Centroamericana.
Our recommended musical pairing, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle, is "Everything Is Fair" by A Tribe Called Quest, because everything is fair, at least that's how it seems to me.
1. GOT HOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE?: Friday's Seattle Sounders-Real Salt Lake clash (10:30 pm ET; NBCSN in the US, TSN2 in Canada) is about one thing: jockeying for playoff position. Basically, with the Galaxy making a late charge, the Sounders are fighting to keep home-field advantage through the playoffs (and Cup?) Meanwhile, the suddenly re-loaded RSL – ¡Hola, Alvaro Saborio y Sebastian Jaime! – can insert themselves into the Supporters' Shield race. No way this one is as lopsided as their May 31 meeting. – GREG LALAS
