Matchday 8: LAFC’s Struggles, Messi’s Return to Form & Crew’s New Star Highlight Weekend

Matchday 8 in Major League Soccer promises high drama, according to MLSsoccer.com. With 10 consecutive hours of action on Saturday and a Sunday tripleheader featuring MLS’ two remaining unbeaten sides on the road, this weekend could redefine early-season narratives.

Saturday’s late kickoff features a California clash: LAFC vs. San Jose Earthquakes. Bruce Arena’s Quakes just dismantled D.C. United 6-1, with Josef Martínez netting his record seventh MLS hat trick and Chicho Arango also scoring. They now lead MLS with 15 goals. LAFC, meanwhile, have stumbled mightily, losing six of their last eight matches and crashing out of the Concacaf Champions Cup. Star striker Denis Bouanga remains goalless after seven league matches.

On Sunday, Chicago Fire host Inter Miami in what promises to be a high-octane battle. Gregg Berhalter’s Fire have scored 14 and conceded 12, with winger Jonathan Bamba (1g/4a) finally opening his account. Hugo Cuypers (5g/2a) is also thriving. Miami remain unbeaten in league play and come off a stunning 3-1 win over LAFC in continental competition. Lionel Messi is in red-hot form with four goals and one assist in his last three appearances.

Capping off Sunday night is a clash between the red-hot Columbus Crew and a struggling St. Louis CITY SC. Crew remain unbeaten atop the East (4W-0L-3D), with Diego Rossi and Jacen Russell-Rowe combining for seven goals. Reportedly adding Dániel Gazdag to the mix only boosts their firepower. St. Louis, winless in three and goalless in as many games, will need a spark to halt the slide.

From Messi’s magic to Gazdag’s debut, Matchday 8 is shaping up to be a weekend full of must-watch action in MLS.