The Pitch: MLS Stadium Boom Continues with Cincy’s  TQL Stadium Opener on FOX

As FC Cincinnati prepares to host David Beckham’s Inter Miami CF this Sunday (4 p.m. ET, FOX / FOX Deportes), a testament to Major League Soccer’s explosive growth will once again be on display with the grand opening of Cincinnati’s sparking new home at the 26,000-seat, state-of-the-art TQL Stadium.

The first of a record three new infrastructure gems set to open during the 2021 season, including Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium (June 19) and Columbus SC’s New Crew Stadium (July 3), the freshly unveiled TQL Stadium showcases a stunning exterior that features 2.7 miles of LED lights illuminating a façade capable of producing more than 65,000 shades of color, while giving a rhythmic heartbeat to The Queen City through a stunning light show that moves every time the beat drops.

As the capacity of TQL Stadium is gradually increased, the raucous supporters section dubbed The Bailey will continue its tradition of an intensifying atmosphere with a 3,170-capacity safe-standing area, which will be the second-largest in the league.

With up to four more stadiums on the horizon for 2022 and beyond, TQL Stadium marks the league’s 23rd venue built for an MLS club during a rapid growth period that will see upwards of $4 billion combined spent on these spectacular cathedrals of soccer from 2017-2023.

Media Assets

Download TQL Stadium Light Show B-Roll

Download TQL Stadium Seating Bowl B-Roll

Download TQL Stadium Aerial B-Roll

Download MLS Commissioner Soundbytes on TQL Stadium

View TQL Stadium by The Numbers

View TQL Stadium Facts & Figures

Chicharito Keeps on Rolling … but so does Raúl Ruidíaz

Next up: LA Galaxy vs. expansion side Austin FC (Saturday, 3pm ET on Univision, TUDN)

Another week, another goal for LA Galaxy forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernández. The Galaxy star vowed better, and with six goals in four games, he has already delivered. The production mirrors that of players like Atlanta United’s Josef Martínez (five goals in the first five games to start the 2018 season, and is on track to reach the laudable levels of Ante Razov (six goals in the first three games of the 1999 season) and Edson Buddle (seven goals in the first four games of the 2010 season).

This weekend will bring a different kind of test for Hernandez and the Galaxy as they host expansion side Austin FC in the inaugural meeting of the two teams. Fresh off a crushing last-minute loss to Sporting Kansas City, head coach Josh Wolff and the Austin FC lineup will be particularly motivated against one of Major League Soccer’s winningest clubs.

But while many eyes are tracking Chicharito… don’t sleep on Sounders FC striker Raúl Ruidíaz who currently has five goals in four games played.

The Audi Golden Boot race is on.

Powerhouses Meet: Seattle Sounding Off vs. The Luster of LAFC

When Seattle Sounders FC host the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) this Sunday (9:30 p.m. ET, FS1 / FOX Deportes), it will be the meeting of two of the league’s most competitive teams, who can’t help but attribute their rise to success to their biggest stars.

Following four league championship appearances in the last five seasons (the last two of which went through LAFC), Seattle has triumphantly raised two trophies from MLS Cup wins over that span. This year, Sounders FC jumped out to an electric 3-0-1 start, and are sitting atop the Western Conference standings with an 8-2 goal differential. That tally is inclusive of forward Raúl Ruidíaz netting five goals in four games, as the Peruvian striker, with three goals in his last two outings, has emerged as the second leading goalscorer in all of MLS up to this point in the 2021 season.

For LAFC, the twinkling stardust from back-to-back leading scorer titles may not have worn off just yet for the 2019 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League finalists. Reigning winner of the Golden Boot presented by Audi, LAFC’s 23-year-old Uruguayan forward Diego Rossi scored his first of this season on the monumental El Tráfico stage. After scoring his first goal in Week 2 of the 2020 season, Rossi’s streak was just getting started. He went on to six goals over a three-game span, including five in the first two games of the MLS is Back Tournament where he won the tournament’s Golden Boot honors before earning the same at season’s end after 14 goals in 19 games.

With the game changing exploits of Seattle’s Fredy Montero off the bench, will Rossi’s production be enough for LAFC to finally overcome Sounders FC for the first time in their last five meetings?

Platform is Prime to Shine for Bruce Arena, New England Revolution

Managerial legend Bruce Arena took the helm of the New England Revolution in 2019 with a view to bring the club back to the heights that saw consecutive MLS Cup appearances from 2005-07. The Revs are tied for first place in the Eastern Conference standings heading into matches with two Concacaf Champions League sides in the Philadelphia Union and Columbus SC, who are also reigning MLS Cup Champions.

Both the Union and Columbus snagged their first victories in MLS regular season competition this past weekend, while Arena and the New England Revolution dropped all three points for the first time in 2021.

The Revs need a pair of big performances from Carlos Gil this week, who was quiet in their loss to Nashville over the weekend, but leads the league in key passes this season with 15.

Meanwhile, MLS Cup MVP Lucas Zelarayán notched his first goal of the MLS regular season on Saturday in the Crew’s 3-1 victory over D.C. United, scoring directly from a free kick. The goal continues to enhance Zelarayán’s reputation as a set piece specialist.

Tune in to the nationally televised match between the Revs and the reigning MLS Cup champions on Sunday, May 16 at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

29 MLS Standouts Named to Concacaf Provisional Rosters for Concacaf Nations League Finals

With representation on all four teams, 29 Major League Soccer players have been named to the four Concacaf Nations League final provisional rosters in advance of the semifinals on June 3 and final on June 6, in Denver, Colo.

With 18 MLS clubs represented on the provisional rosters, the LA Galaxy has the most players (four) tagged on the provisional 40-man rosters.

Number of MLS players by country:

Costa Rica – 8 players

Honduras – 4 players

Mexico – 4 players

U.S. – 13 players

To download the provisional rosters, click here.

The final 23-player rosters will be confirmed a week prior to the start of the competition.

The semifinals on June 3 will see Honduras vs United States (7:30 p.m. ET), followed by Mexico vs Costa Rica (10 p.m. ET).

On June 6, the third-place match will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET, followed by the final at 9 p.m. ET.

MLS will break during the June FIFA international window from May 21-June 12.

Major League Soccer Celebrates Soccer For All Week

Major League Soccer announced on Monday the launch of Soccer For All week (May 10-16) to highlight the collective efforts and strategic partnerships taking place throughout the League to foster more inclusive and equitable communities. First introduced by MLS in 2018 through MLS WORKS, the League’s social responsibility platform, Soccer For All signifies that everyone is welcome to MLS, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status, and emphasizes the League’s commitment to drive positive social change and end discrimination.

Soccer For All week activations taking place include:

• Kicking off Monday, the EduCup Challenge is a multi-league virtual competition created by EVERFI to provide students with tools on how to create a positive environment in-school, on social media and throughout their community. Included in the competition is MLS Actions Matter, a bullying prevention program. Students will compete for one of five $1,000 academic scholarships or a tablet or laptop computer. In addition, school faculty members will have the chance to win their school $5,000 towards technology to help with the digital divide.
• In partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the league and its clubs have been building Safe Places to Play mini-pitches in MLS communities since 2015. As part of Soccer For All week, we’ll be celebrating the collaborations in our local markets to support It’s Everyone’s Game and showcase the collective efforts of players, clubs and partners to highlight the importance of play equity and provide greater access for youth from underserved communities to play the game and learn critical life skills.
• The “Soccer For All Speaker Series,” a season-long program by MLS WORKS in partnership with the League’s employee resource groups (ERGs), will continue to amplify underrepresented voices. As part of Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, MLS WORKS will collaborate with the Asians in MLS ERG and Extratime driven by Continental Tire, where Andrew Wiebe will host New York Red Bulls’ captain Sean Davis in a conversation to shine light on important issues touching the AAPI community. The full podcast will be available at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 13 at https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/topics/extratime/.
• To commemorate LGBTQ+ Pride month in June, MLS clubs will kick off local activations and in-stadium nights during Soccer For All week to celebrate the League’s diverse and inclusive communities. Fans will also have an opportunity to purchase adidas Pride training tops beginning May 15 at MLSstore.com or at select stadium retail locations, as part of Love Unites, adidas’ global campaign promoting equity in sport and reinforcing how the love of sport unites us all.
• As part of the league’s long-term commitment to address the racial inequalities that exist throughout soccer and in recognition of the upcoming Juneteenth celebration, which commemorates the abolition of slavery on June 19, 1865, MLS and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated (NCBW) will partner with Chicago Fire FC to launch a workforce development program during Soccer For All week, consisting of virtual career days and a national webinar. NCBW’s mission is to advocate on behalf of black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equality in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment.

Learn more HERE.

Inspiring the Next Generation: Brandon Bye

Thanks to fourth-year Revolution defender Brandon Bye, every assist the Revolution record in 2021 will help dreams come true for children across the Dominican Republic. Bye co-founded the Aspiras Foundation in 2016 as a college student at Western Michigan University, as he and a close friend sought to give back to underserved communities throughout the Dominican Republic by enriching opportunities for education and advancement, as well as their access to soccer.

What started as a used clothing and soccer gear drive has turned into partnerships with 18 community-based clubs in the D.R., a multi-campus network of volunteers and organizers, thousands of donated items, and numerous camps/clinics/programs across the Dominican Republic. Ahead of the 2021 season, Brandon launched the “Assists for Aspiras” campaign, inviting teammates and fans to pledge donations for each assist the Revolution record during the MLS season.

Last week, Bye was highlighted as one of 13 Heroes Who are Inspiring America with their Selfless Work. Read more about the Aspiras Foundation here and below.

About the Aspiras Foundation:

In March of 2016, Brandon Bye and Federico Tavarez, two students at Western Michigan University, started a used-clothing drive for specifically soccer gear in the city of Kalamazoo, Mich. They hoped to ship the donations overseas to soccer clubs in low-income communities of the Dominican Republic to help children who could not afford proper soccer clothes. The goal was to collect 150-200 donations over a two-month period for just one club in the Dominican Republic. Thanks to the generous donations of several local soccer club and private sponsors, they were able to quadruple their original goal and earned over 800 donations. Fueled and inspired by the surpassing of their original dream, a team of twenty volunteers distributed these donations to eight different clubs around the island later that August. The journey that a bunch of soccer gear and enthusiastic university students embarked upon from the United States to the Dominican Republic carried more than just material objects. We are overwhelmed by the eagerness of our community in Kalamazoo to improve the conditions for the future generations of developing communities. As the Aspiras Foundation expands and develops, our personal desire to give back and the opportunity to bring joy and positivity to communities suffering hardships fuels the essence of our direction. Material donations are precious and valuable at the moment, but we realize that they have an expiration date. By investing our time and efforts into educating and providing unprecedented opportunity in any way we can to the children of soccer clubs within developing communities, we hope to empower them to aspire for great goals and achievement. The future of developing areas in the Dominican Republic rests in the hands of the children, so we want to give them the tools to bring positive change to their communities.

Thorns FC Claim 2021 National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup Championship

Tied 1-1 at the end of regulation, Portland Thorns FC claimed their fourth trophy in nine seasons with a dramatic 6-5 win on penalty kicks against NJ/NY Gotham FC to win the NWSL Challenge Cup championship at Providence Park on May 8. Adrianna Franch saved Naho Kawasumi’s penalty kick in the seventh round to help Portland secure the title, earning NWSL Challenge Cup Championship MVP honors, while Morgan Weaver scored the decisive penalty kick in the shootout for Thorns FC.

The victory marks back-to-back seasons of NWSL clubs with ties to Major League Soccer hoisting the Challenge Cup trophy after the Houston Dash lifted the cup in 2020.

The support from MLS counterparts also continued as Portland Timbers midfielder Eryk Williamson repped Thorns FC wearing a Kelli Hubly jersey to the stadium on Sunday ahead of the Portland Timbers rivalry matchup with Seattle Sounders FC.

GAME NOTES: WEEK 5

Wednesday, May 12

Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew SC, 7 p.m. (TSN)

• Toronto FC were left still looking for a first victory on their league campaign, dropping a 2-0 decision to the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on Saturday afternoon.
• Crew SC remained undefeated for the league season, winning their first MLS game of the season in a 3-1 defeat of D.C. United at Historic Crew Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Lucas Zelarayán netted a goal directly from a free kick for the first Crew SC league goal of the season; they also benefited from two own goals.
• The teams met once a season ago. Jozy Altidore, Richie Laryea and Alejandro Pozuelo all scored as TFC overcame a first-half deficit for a 3-1 win at Rentschler Field in Hartford, Conn.
• TFC has won the last two meetings between the teams, including a 1-0 win on Decision Day in 2019 (Oct. 6) at BMO Field.
• TFC has come away with points on its past three trips to Columbus, including a 2-2 draw in the last meeting at Mapfre Stadium last Aug. 17. A 2-1 victory on May 10, 2017 was TFC’s first win in Columbus since 2014, snapping a four-game Crew SC home undefeated streak there in the series in league play (2-0-2).

Inter Miami CF vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. (TVA Sports)

• Inter Miami extended their undefeated streak to three games with a second successive draw, reaching a 1-1 result with Atlanta United at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Lewis Morgan scored his first goal of the season for the Inter Miami tally.
• CF Montréal saw their three-game undefeated run to open the season come to an end, falling 2-0 to Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday evening.
• The teams met once in Inter Miami’s inaugural season a year ago. Montréal got goals from Bojan Krkic and Maximiliano Urruti for a 2-1 win, Oct. 17 at Red Bull Arena.

Philadelphia Union vs. New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m.

• The Union claimed their first victory in league play this season, getting goals from Cory Burke and Jakob Glesnes for a 2-0 win against Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field on Saturday afternoon.
• The Revolution had their undefeated opening to the season come to an end, dropping a 2-0 decision to Nashville SC at Nissan Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
• The teams met four times in league play a season ago, and the Union were undefeated in the stretch, winning the final three meetings. Sergio Santos and Cory Burke netted goals as the Union clinched the Supporters’ Shield with a 2-0 win on Decision Day (Nov. 8) at Subaru Park. Earlier, Anthony Fontana scored a pair of goals over the final 17 minutes plus, giving the Union a 2-1 win Sept. 12 at Subaru Park, then Fontana netted the late game-winner for a Union 2-1 win Oct. 19 at Gillette Stadium. They also reached a goalless draw Aug. 20 in Foxborough.
• The teams also met in the MLS is Back Tournament Knockout Stage, the Union claiming a 1-0 win in the round-of-16 match July 25. Sergio Santos scored the game’s lone goal; Andre Blake recorded five saves for the shutout.
• The teams then met in Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs, as Adam Buksa and Tajon Buchanan scored goals four minutes apart midway through the first half as the Revolution took a 2-0 victory at Subaru Park.
• The Union have won 10 of the past 13 league meetings between the clubs, outscoring New England 28-5 in those victories, including wins in the last seven meetings in Chester. The only Revolution win in the series since 2015 came on July 29, 2017, at Gillette Stadium, a 3-0 victory, before draws there in the last two meetings.

Houston Dynamo FC vs. Sporting Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.

• Dynamo FC gained a second result in a row, reaching a 1-1 draw with FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Fafa Picault converted a penalty kick for the Houston goal, becoming the first player to score on both sides of the “El Capitán” derby.
• Sporting came back to put an end to a brief two-game winless run, getting two late goals for a 2-1 win against Austin FC at Children’s Mercy Park on Sunday evening. Ilie Sánchez scored his first goal of the year for the 82nd-minute equalizer, then Gadi Kinda scored at the stroke of full time for his second of the year and the game-winner.
• The teams met four times a season ago, and each won twice, once at each ground. Sporting won the final meeting, a 2-1 win Oct. 3 at BBVA Stadium, behind a pair of goals from Alan Pulido; in the first meeting, Pulido, Gadi Kinda and Khiry Shelton each scored a goal and added an assist as Sporting rolled to a 4-0 win March 7 at Children’s Mercy Park, the largest margin of victory in the all-time series. The Dynamo won the middle two meetings, first when Darwin Quintero scored a pair of goals and set up two others as the Dynamo rolled to a 5-2 win Aug. 24 at Children’s Mercy Park, then as Alberth Elis and Mauro Manotas scored in a Dynamo come-from-behind 2-1 win Sept. 5 at BBVA Stadium.
• The Dynamo wins ended Sporting’s undefeated streak in the series at six games, with four wins and two draws. The Dynamo’s last win had come in 2017 in Houston.

Minnesota United FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 9 p.m. (TSN)

• MNUFC suffered a fourth consecutive defeat to open the 2021 season, falling 3-2 to the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday evening. Emanuel Reynoso scored his first goal of the season, directly from a free kick, then assisted on the first of the year from Hassani Dotson.
• Whitecaps FC won their second game of the season and snapped a quick two-game winless run, defeating CF Montréal 2-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday evening. Cristian Dajome netted both ‘Caps goals, now with three for the season, his first career two-goal game in MLS.
• The teams did not meet during the 2020 season. In 2019, Darwin Quintero scored one goal then set up two others as Minnesota United FC claimed a 3-2 win the season opener for both teams, March 2 at BC Place; the teams then reached a goalless draw July 27 at Allianz Field.
• The teams split their season series the year previous, each winning on their home ground. MNUFC won 1-0 on May 5 at TCF Bank Stadium, their first win ever against Vancouver. Whitecaps FC then won 4-2 on July 28 at BC Place, their second win in two home meetings vs. Minnesota United.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders FC, 10:30 p.m.

• The Quakes came back for a dramatic victory, getting two late goals from Chris Wondolowski for a 2-1 win against Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium on Friday evening, their third win on the trot. Wondolowski increasing his all-time MLS-leading goals total to 168 for his league career, coming in the 26th multiple-goal game in his 16 seasons.
• Sounders FC remained undefeated for 2021 with their third win in four games, defeating the Portland Timbers 2-1 at Providence Park in the latest installment of the rivalry at Providence Park on Sunday afternoon. Raúl Ruidíaz scored his fifth goal of the season, then Fredy Montero headed home his second for the game-winner.
• The teams met four times a season ago, and Sounders FC were undefeated, winning two. The Sounders eased to a 4-1 win on Decision Day (Nov. 8) at Lumen Field; earlier, on Sept. 10 at home, Sounders FC became the ninth team in MLS history to score at least seven goals in a game, rolling to a 7-1 win. The Sounders scored five goals in the opening 33 minutes of the game, then the fastest five goals from the start of a match in MLS history, tying the record for most goals in the first half in league annals. The teams also reached a pair of goalless draws, Oct. 18 in San Jose, and in the opening match for both teams at the MLS is Back Tournament on July 10.
• Sounders FC have a 13-game undefeated streak alive in the overall series. A 2-2 draw in the first meeting in 2019 ended a three-game Sounders FC winning streak at in Seattle. Sounders FC have come away with points on each of their six visits to San Jose (four draws and two victories).

Thursday, May 13

D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire FC, 8 p.m. (TSN)

• D.C. United felt to a third reversal on the trot, dropping a 3-1 decision to Columbus Crew SC at Historic Crew Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Ola Kamara netted his first goal of the season for the United tally.
• Fire FC suffered a third consecutive defeat, falling 2-0 to the Philadelphia Union at Soldier Field on Saturday afternoon.
• The teams met once a season ago. CJ Sapong and Boris Sekulic each scored first-half goals as Fire FC took a 2-1 win Oct. 11 at Soldier Field.
• The Fire won the final meeting at RFK Stadium, a 1-0 win May 20, 2017; United won the first meeting at Audi Field in 2018 before a 3-3 draw in 2019 in the last meeting in Washington.
• Each of the final two games in Bridgeview ended in scoreless draws; the Fire have a six-game home undefeated streak alive in the series, with four draws in that span, the last D.C. United win at the Fire coming in 2015.

Saturday, May 15

New York City FC vs. Toronto FC, 1 p.m. (TSN / CTV)

• NYCFC extended their undefeated streak to three games following a pair of wins, reaching a 1-1 draw with Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium. Valentin Castellanos scored the NYCFC goal, converting a penalty kick for his fourth of the season and fourth consecutive game with a goal.
• Toronto FC play host to Columbus Crew SC at midweek.
• The teams met three times in league play a season ago, all three decided by the game’s only goal. Jesús Medina scored in the 50th minute to give NYCFC the win Oct. 28 at Rentschler Field. Toronto FC won the first two: Ifunanyachi Achara scored the only goal nine minutes from full time for the victory March 7 at BMO Field, then Alejandro Pozuelo converted a penalty kick in the 90th minute for the win Sept. 23 at Red Bull Arena. The teams also met in the round-of-16 in the MLS is Back Tournament, as Maximiliano Moralez assisted on goal and scored one, leading NYCFC to a 3-1 win on July 26.
• TFC saw a four-game undefeated streak in the league series put to an end in the final meeting, NYCFC’s previous win in the series coming Aug. 12, 2018 at BMO Field. NYCFC’s last win at Yankee Stadium in the series came June 24, 2018,
• TFC have taken points from the last four league meetings, last year winning 4-0 on March 29 at BMO Field, and reaching a 1-1 draw Sept. 11 at Yankee Stadium. TFC has won four times in 13 regular-season meetings in the series – the first two by 4-0 scorelines at BMO Field, before the wins this year.
• The teams also met in the Eastern Conference Semifinals a year ago, Alejandro Pozuelo converted a penalty kick in the 90th minute for his second goal of the game to give TFC a 2-1 win at CitiField. The teams also met in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2016, Toronto FC winning 7-0 on aggregate, a 2-0 victory at BMO Field, then 5-0 at Yankee Stadium.

LA Galaxy vs. Austin FC, 3:30 p.m. (Univision / TUDN)

• The Galaxy won for a third time in four games this season, defeating Los Angeles Football Club 2-1 in the latest installment of El Tráfico at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday afternoon.
• Javier Hernández scored his league-leading sixth goal of the season, then assisted on the 79th-minute game-winner from Jonathan dos Santos for his first career assist in MLS; Chicharito has been involved in seven of the eight goals scored by the Galaxy this season.
• Austin FC saw their two-game winning streak come to an end, falling to a pair of late goals in a 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park on Sunday evening. Jon Gallagher netted the goal for ATXFC, his first with the expansion club.
• The teams are meeting for the first time in their histories. They are also scheduled to play Sept. 28 at Q2 Stadium in Austin.

Atlanta United vs. CF Montreal, 7 p.m. (TVA Sports / TSN)

• Atlanta United gained a third result in four league matches this season, reaching a 1-1 draw with Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Josef Martínez netted the ATLUTD goal, his first in an MLS league game since Oct. 6, 2019, the 78th of his MLS career (in 88 league appearances).
• CF Montréal play Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium at midweek.
• The teams did not meet during the 2020 season. In 2019, Justin Meram scored a pair of goals, one in each half, as Atlanta United took a 2-1 win on June 29 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium; the teams then reached a 1-1 draw Sept. 29 at Stade Saputo.
• The draw in the last meeting ended a four-game Atlanta United winning streak in the series. The Impact’s lone win vs. ATLUTD came in the first meeting ever, a 2-1 win on April 15, 2017, at Stade Saputo.

Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.

• The Red Bulls won a second game on the trot, defeating Toronto FC 2-0 at Red Bull Arena on Saturday afternoon. Frankie Amaya netted his first goal for the Red Bulls in the first start for the club, and Caden Clark scored his third goal of the season, the fifth of his MLS career, while also adding his first career assist.
• The Union play the New England Revolution at Subaru Park at midweek.
• The teams met twice a season ago, and the Union won both without conceding a goal. Kacper Przybylko scored the game’s only goal in the first half to give the Union the win Aug. 25 at Subaru Park, then on Sept. 6, Brenden Aaronson, Matt Real and Przybylko all scored as Philadelphia took the 3-0 win at Red Bull Arena.
• The Union win in the last meeting ended a three-game undefeated streak for the Red Bulls in the series at Red Bull Arena. The opening goal ended a 340-minute shutout streak there for the Union. The Union have won the last two meetings in Chester, now with three in the nine meetings there, dating back to 2014 (2-4-2 in that span).
• The teams also met in the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2019. The Union overcame a two-game deficit in the second half before Marco Fabian netted the game-winner in extra time for a 4-3 win in their Round One matchup.

Minnesota United FC vs. FC Dallas, 8 p.m.

• FC Dallas gained a third result in four games this season, reaching a 1-1 draw with Houston Dynamo FC at Toyota Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Jader Obrian scored his second goal in four games in MLS for the FCD tally.
• MNUFC play Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Allianz Field at midweek.
• The teams met three times a season ago, with the home team winning all three. Kevin Molino scored goals in each half, as MNUFC took a 3-0 win on Decision Day (Nov. 8) at Allianz Field; earlier Molino scored a pair of second-half goals, leading MNUFC to a 3-2 win Sept. 9 in ST. Paul. On Aug. 29 at Toyota Stadium, Fafa Picault and Jesús Ferreira netted goals a minute apart early on, pacing FC Dallas to a 3-1 win.
• The teams met twice in 2019. Mason Toye netted the game’s only goal in second-half stoppage time as MNUFC claimed the victory on July 13 at Allianz Field; Brandon Servania capped a wild match with a late brace as FC Dallas took a 5-3 win Aug. 10 at Toyota Stadium.
• FC Dallas won both meetings between the clubs in 2018, without conceding a goal. FCD took a victory by the game’s only goal June 29 at TCF Bank Stadium, then won 2-0 at Toyota Stadium on Aug. 18. The teams split their two meetings in MNUFC’s inaugural season in MLS, each winning at home.

Colorado Rapids vs. Houston Dynamo FC, 9 p.m.

• The Rapids won a second consecutive match, coming back from an early two-goal deficit for a 3-2 win against Minnesota United FC at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday evening. Kellyn Acosta, Cole Bassett and Danny Wilson all scored their first goals of the season for the Rapids.
• Dynamo FC face Sporting Kansas City at BBVA Stadium at midweek.
• The teams met twice a season ago. Diego Rubio hit for the match-winner in second-half stoppage time, giving the Rapids the victory on Decision Day (Nov. 8) at BBVA Stadium. Earlier, Lalas Abubakar hit for the equalizer for the Rapids six minutes into second-half stoppage time, leaving the teams in a 1-1 draw Sept. 9 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
• In 2019, the Dynamo won at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, a 4-1 win on March 30, , their first in Commerce City since 2008, ending an eight-game home undefeated streak for the Rapids in the series (5-0-3). The teams reached a 2-2 draw that year in Houston.

Real Salt Lake vs. Nashville SC, 9:30 p.m.

• Real Salt Lake saw their undefeated and untied start to the season come to an end, falling 2-1 to the San Jose Earthquakes at Rio Tinto Stadium on Friday evening. Rubio Rubin scored his third goal of the season in dramatic fashion, an incredible bicycle kick late in the first half.
• Nashville SC remained undefeated on the season with their first win in four matches, defeating the New England Revolution 2-0 at Nissan Stadium. CJ Sapong and Alex Muyl each netted their first goals of the season as Joe Willis recorded a second consecutive shutout.
• The teams are meeting for the first time in their histories. It is their only scheduled meeting this season.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers, 10 p.m.

• The Timbers suffered a second consecutive defeat in league play, falling 2-1 to Seattle Sounders FC at Providence Park on Sunday afternoon. Bill Tuiloma scored the Timbers goal late, from a majestic direct free kick.
• The Quakes face Seattle Sounders FC at PayPal Park at midweek.
• The teams met three times a season ago, and the Timbers were undefeated in the stretch. On Oct. 11, Jaroslaw Niezgoda scored a pair of goals as Portland took a 3-0 win at Providence Park. Earlier, the teams met twice over four days’ time, both in San Jose. On Sept. 19, Diego Valeri scored two goals and added an assist as the Timbers set a club record in a 6-1 win; the teams played to a 1-1 draw at Earthquakes Stadium on Sept. 16.
• The Timbers have never lost to the Quakes at home in their MLS history. The Timbers have won 10 of 13 meetings between the teams in Portland (with three draws), including the past seven meetings there. The away team has won just three times in the all-time league series; the Timbers have taken points from three of last four games in San Jose.

Sunday, May 16

Sporting Kansas City vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 2 p.m. (TSN)

• The teams met once a season ago. Alan Pulido, Gadi Kinda and Erik Hurtado all scored goals as Sporting took a 3-1 win in the season opener Feb. 29 at BC Place.
• Sporting Kansas City have a five-game undefeated streak alive in the series, with four victories in that time, over the last three seasons. The last meeting in Kansas City was the lone draw in that time, a 1-1 result May 18, 2019 at Children’s Mercy Park. Sporting have won the last three meetings in Vancouver, coming away with points on seven of their nine trips all-time to BC Place, with five wins and two draws.

FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami CF, 4 p.m. (FOX / FOX Deportes; TSN)

• FC Cincinnati return to action following a weekend away, in their last match falling 3-0 to Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium on May 1.
• Inter Miami CF are at home to CF Montréal at DRV PNK Stadium at midweek.
• The teams met once in Inter Miami’s inaugural season a year ago. Mikey Ambrose and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez netted goals as Inter Miami took a win at home on Decision Day (Nov. 8).

New England Revolution vs. Columbus Crew SC, 6 p.m. (ESPN2 / ESPN Deportes; TSN)

• The teams did not meet in league play during the 2020 season. When they last met in 2019, Crew SC won both meetings that season over less than a month’s time. Gyasi Zardes scored both goals in a 2-0 win March 9 at Gillette Stadium, then Josh Williams scored the game’s only goal in the victory in Columbus on April 6.
• Crew SC have won six of the last eight meetings between the teams (with one draw), dating back to 2016. The Revolution’s only win in that span came on May 21, 2017, a 2-1 victory in Foxborough.
• The Crew have a six-game undefeated streak alive at home in the series (5-0-1); the last Revolution league win in Columbus was on Oct. 27, 2013, though the Revolution won the first leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinal Series there in 2014.
• The teams did meet last year in the Eastern Conference Final, Artur scoring the game’s only goal in the 59th minute to book the Crew’s place in the 2020 MLS Cup. It was the first win for Columbus in eight meetings all-time in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

D.C. United vs. Orlando City SC, 8 p.m.

• Orlando City SC remained undefeated on the new season with a third draw in four matches, reaching a 1-1 result with New York City FC at Exploria Stadium on Saturday evening. Nani scored his third goal of the season – all coming in the last three games – for the OCSC goal.
• D.C. United face Chicago Fire FC at Audi Field at midweek.
• The teams did not meet during the 2020 season. In 2019, D.C. United won both matchups, Wayne Rooney setting up one goal then scoring directly from a free kick, leading D.C. United to a 2-1 win on March 31 in Orlando, then Rooney netted the game’s only goal for the win June 26 at Audi Field.
• D.C. United have won the last three meetings in the series, a 3-2 victory Aug. 12, 2018 in the first matchup at Audi Field ending a four-game undefeated streak for Orlando City SC in the series. Orlando City have won once in D.C., ending their RFK Stadium history with a 2-1 win on Sept. 9, 2017.
• D.C. United’s win in the first meeting in 2019 ended a four-game home undefeated streak for Orlando City in the series, United winning for the first time in Orlando in the first meeting ever between the clubs in 2015.

Seattle Sounders FC vs. Los Angeles Football Club, 9:30 p.m. (FS1 / FOX Deportes; TSN)

• LAFC had their undefeated start to the season put to an end, falling 2-1 to the LA Galaxy in the latest version of El Tráfico at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday afternoon. Diego Rossi netted the LAFC goal, the first of the season for the defending MLS Golden Boot winner.
• Sounders FC travel to take on the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park at midweek.
• The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Eduard Atuesta drove a low free kick under the Sounders wall for the second-minute opener, but Brad Smith potted a rebound in the second half to leave the teams in a 1-1 draw April 24 at Banc of California Stadium.
• The teams met three times during the regular season a year ago. In the last meeting, Danny Musovski scored a pair of goals and set up the third as LAFC took a 3-1 win Oct. 11 at Banc of California Stadium. Sounders FC won the first two meetings; first, Jordan Morris scored a pair of goals in a 3-1 win on Aug. 30 at CenturyLink Field, then Nicolás Lodeiro converted a pair of penalty kicks to give the Sounders the 3-0 win Sept. 18 in Seattle.
• The wins last year were the first for Sounders FC all-time in league play. LAFC won the first three, before the teams played to a 1-1 draw April 28, 2019.
• The teams also met for a second consecutive year in the MLS Cup Playoffs, Nicolás Lodeiro, Raúl Ruidíaz and Jordan Morris all scoring as Sounders FC took a 3-1 win in the Western Conference Round One. Sounders FC also took a 3-1 win at Banc of California Stadium in the Western Conference Final in 2019, behind a pair of goals from Ruidíaz.
• The teams also met in the round-of-16 in the MLS is Back Tournament, and Los Angeles Football Club gained a measure of redemption with a 4-1 win, as Diego Rossi netted a pair of goals and Brian Rodríguez added a goal and an assist.