Three Eastern Conference matchups to watch this weekend

We’re already 2 weeks into the 2024 Major League Soccer season, and there’s already a logjam in the Eastern Conference standings. So far, every single team in MLS has dropped points, with 7 teams in the Eastern Conference on 4 points through 2 weeks. Inter Miami, who has played 3 matches so far on the short season, is at the top of the East currently with 7 points.

6 of the teams with 4 teams or more face off against each other this weekend, which creates the opportunity for some separation to begin. The teams that so far are playing the best will have a litmus test moment to see who could be for real in the early portion of the season. Let’s examine these matchups and why they could be fun for fans to watch.

Toronto FC vs. Charlotte FC - Saturday March 9th, 2:00pm ET (Apple TV, MLS Season Pass)

Could Toronto FC finally be in the process of putting the Disappointment Era behind them? The team with one of the largest payrolls in the entire league have not lived up to expectations, but new coach John Herdman appears to have a plan for the Reds. They take on a Charlotte FC team that’s still trying to find its identity, but 4 points will help any struggling franchise at least feel good about their progress so far. Toronto is relying a lot on its older stars, like Lorenzo Insigne, to get results so far, while Charlotte FC has incorporated a lot more youth. Charlotte is hoping to get DP forward Enzo Copetti involved in the attack more to hopefully yield more goals. With this match being free on Apple TV, it’s one that more fans should be able to watch to kick off the weekend.

FC Cincinnati vs. DC United - Sunday March 10th, 2:00pm ET (MLS Season Pass)

FC Cincinnati wants to continue to keep pace in their quest to keep the Supporters’ Shield and go after a MLS Cup title, and they even acquired more help on defense. Earlier this week, Cincinnati traded for right back DeAndre Yedlin, who joins USMNT teammates Matt Miazga and Miles Robinson at TQL Stadium. DC United, on the other hand, has figured out a way to score goals and keep themselves in matches, beating the New England Revolution behind a Christian Benteke hat trick and coming back from a 0-2 deficit to draw the Portland Timbers on the road. Troy Lesesne has to be feeling good about the promise his team is showing so far, but this is the test they need to determine if they have the players to hang with the elite teams in the conference.

Inter Miami vs. CF Montréal - Sunday March 10th, 5:00pm ET (MLS Season Pass)

Inter Miami truly clicked last weekend in their rivalry match with Orlando City, with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi both contributing a brace in the 5-0 victory. They have 7 points on the short season and they’re hoping to really separate themselves from the pack just a few days after opening their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign. CF Montréal is an unknown as to how they will respond against Miami, but Josef Martinez will absolutely want to score a goal or two against his former team and help Montréal re-establish themselves as a major player in the conference.

MLS Season Pass will be your friend this weekend, and these matches will likely be the best of the bunch in the Eastern Conference. We’ll see who will be the cream that starts to rise to the top.