With the international break over, MLS teams are back at full strength going into Matchweek 8. Adam Gostomelsky goes over which MLS games to watch this weekend:
National TV Game of the Week
LA Galaxy vs LAFC (Sunday, April 16 at 4:30pm on FOX and Apple TV)
“El Tráfico.” “The Battle of LA.” This week’s game of the week is matchup that has produced timeless classics again and again with over half the games producing four or more goals. From Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s debut brace to give the Galaxy a come-from-behind 4-3 win in their first ever matchup to LAFC’s Cristian Arango’s 93rd minute game winner in the MLS Cup Playoffs in their last matchup, this rivalry never disappoints (Want to relive El Tráfico’s best moments? They are conveniently located on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass).
Thus far in 2023, LAFC are humming along just fine, unbeaten in six games. Their neighbors, on the other hand, are still searching for their first win of the season, currently sitting second to last in the standings. This match comes at a pivotal time for the Galaxy, who’s fans have turned to protesting over the last few weeks, demanding club president Chris Klein’s resignation. In a letter to season ticket holders, Klein promised to resign should the club fail to make and advance in this year’s playoffs. With tensions high, this match could help revive the Galaxy’s season — or sink it completely.
Best free match
Columbus vs New England (Saturday, April 15 at 7:30pm on Apple TV)
Two of the highest scoring teams in MLS who are both coming into the game on unbeaten streaks. If you’re looking for a match that will produce fireworks, look no further. After both teams failed to make the playoffs in 2022, Columbus and New England are not only back at the top of the standings, but playing entertaining soccer while doing so. It should make for a great game with a raucous atmosphere at Lower.com Field.
Best MLS Season Pass match
Portland vs Seattle (Saturday, April 15 at 10:30pm on Apple TV via MLS Season Pass)
The Cascadia Cup returns! Portland hosts first-place Seattle in the first US edition of this year’s three-team rivalry cup (Vancouver defeated Portland 1-0 last weekend). Traditionally two of the top teams in the western conference, 2022 was the first year ever where both of them missed the playoffs. Seattle is back with a vengeance, going 5-1-1 to start the year. However Portland, who has won three straight against their Pacific Northwest rivals, will be looking to get back on track after going winless in their last six matches.
How to watch
All 2023 MLS games will be streamed on the Apple TV+ MLS Season Pass,
which can be purchased here ($14.99/month or $99/season for non-Apple TV+ subscribers and $12.99/month or $79/season for subscribers). A complete TV schedule for 2023 can be found here. MLS 360, the NFL Redzone-esque whip-around show, is available to those without a subscription to MLS Season Pass, as are some full matches. This week these matches include:
Free matches this week
Charlotte vs Colorado – 4/15 @ 7:30pm
Columbus vs New England – 4/15 @ 7:30pm
Toronto vs Atlanta – 4/15 @ 7:30pm
Minnesota vs Orlando – 4/15 @ 8:30pm
San Jose vs Kansas City – 4/15 @ 10:30pm
LA Galaxy vs LAFC – 4/16 @ 4:30pm
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