After the whirlwind Tuesday that saw the Primary Transfer Window come and go – and FC Cincinnati parted ways with Alan Koch to make it that much more hectic – it's time to get back to the games immediately. Four are on tap Wednesday.
Here's something to keep an eye during for each game:
Pity vs. Pozo
Atlanta United vs. Toronto FC | 7 pm ET | TSN in Canada, MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US
Atlanta United head coach Frank de Boer had a clever play on words when answering what the club would do without Ezequiel Barco, who is off to the U-20 World Cup with Argentina. All eyes are on Pity Martinez now.
Martinez's frustrating start to life in Atlanta has been well documented, as the 2018 South American Player of the Year has yet to contribute a goal or assist. But he and the team took a step in the right direction last weekend with a 3-0 win at Sporting Kansas City.
The other huge-money transfer on the field will be Alejandro Pozuelo, who has lived up to expectations and more in his nascent MLS career, with four goals and six assists in six matches (!) for Toronto FC.
Homecoming
Columbus Crew SC vs. LA Galaxy | 7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada
Guillermo Barros Schelotto returns to the city he called home for four glorious seasons, where he won Landon Donovan 2008 MLS MVP, 2008 MLS Cup and 2008 MLS Cup MVP.
Now a manager, Schelotto makes his first visit to MAPFRE Stadium with the LA Galaxy. It should be a special moment. As for the game itself, the Crew are stumbling. With five straight losses, Caleb Porter and Co. could really use a spark to emerge from their rut.
What will Pauno do?
Chicago head coach Veljko Paunovic | USA Today Sports Images
Chicago Fire vs. New England Revolution | 8 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada
"Give me good players, and I'll figure it out," Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic said after the club acquired Nico Gaitan. Now, Francisco Calvo has been added to his roster, and the Costa Rican indicated he'll primarily be playing center back.
How will Paunovic set up his starting XI? Between Calvo, Marcelo and Johan Kappelhof, he has three natural central defenders. Bastian Schweinsteiger has been playing there lately,. Will he switch to a back three or stick with four in defense? Will Schweinsteiger move to the midfield?
With Paunovic already piecing together his best attacking combination on the fly, expect the Serbian to continue to tinker with the starting XI before settling on what he feels is best.
Are the Red Bulls back?
New York Red Bulls vs. Montreal Impact | 8 pm ET | TVAS in Canada, MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US
The Red Bulls' 3-2 win over the LA Galaxy last weekend sure looked like the RBNY of old, with a frenetically vintage press at the beginning of the match and perseverance late. It's been a while since the club turned in that type of performance, with 2019 off to a slow start.
Letting the good times roll against the Montreal Impact, who are third in the Eastern Conference, would give them the opportunity to pick up nine points in seven days, which would be more than they had accrued all season. Things can change fast.
