Playoff Implications Loom in Pivotal MLS Matchday 21 Showdowns

With the FIFA Club World Cup on a brief pause, Major League Soccer regains the spotlight with a packed slate of critical fixtures in Matchday 21. As reported by MLSsoccer.com, three marquee matchups this weekend could significantly shift the balance in both conferences.

Orlando City welcomes FC Cincinnati in a top-tier Eastern Conference clash. Orlando are riding a two-game road win streak and have found new attacking rhythm with Marco Pašalić (8g/4a) and Martín Ojeda (9g/6a). Eduard Atuesta’s hat trick of assists midweek helped power a 4-2 victory at St. Louis CITY SC. Cincinnati, second in the East, counters with star striker Kévin Denkey (11 goals) and midfielder Evander, who boasts 16 goal contributions and was named an MLS All-Star for the second straight year.

On the West Coast, San Jose Earthquakes look to sweep the Cali Clásico against the struggling LA Galaxy in front of a sellout crowd at Stanford Stadium. Bruce Arena’s Quakes lead the league in goals (39), thanks to the red-hot tandem of Chicho Arango and Josef Martínez. The Galaxy, bottom of the table with just eight points, will hope Marco Reus and 2024 Newcomer of the Year Gabriel Pec can ignite a turnaround.

Sunday’s headline match sees Philadelphia Union visit Columbus Crew in a battle of Supporters’ Shield hopefuls. The Union lead the league with 40 points, with Tai Baribo second in the Golden Boot race (13 goals). Columbus, unbeaten in their last two, aim to close the gap with standout performances from Diego Rossi and Jacen Russell-Rowe.