These Eastern Conference matchups should bring us back from the “break”

We’ve reached the last weekend in March, and while March Madness continues, this Easter weekend can be sweet for Major League Soccer as its stars return from the international break.

There are a few matches that could be intriguing not just because of the standings, but through some of the momentum that could be generated from it. There isn’t a lot of separation in the Eastern Conference standings, so teams will continue to jockey for position through their play this weekend. FC Cincinnati currently tops the East with 11 points, but 4 teams are right behind them with 10 points. And there are teams just behind them waiting for the perfect time to make up some ground. With no more international windows on the men’s side until June, teams can really focus on each matchday to put their all into getting maximum points.

DC United vs. CF Móntreal - Saturday March 30th, 7:30pm (Apple TV (free), MLS Season Pass)

DC United and CF Móntreal are both aiming to move into the top third of the standings. DC United probably wishes they got the win last weekend in St. Louis, as they have 6 points and are currently in 10th place. Montreal, with 7 points, are in 6th place, and a win can place them alongside teams like Columbus and Miami. These two teams feel evenly matched, and it will be interesting to see how they approach this match.

Prediction: A Benteke brace is the difference in a 3-2 DC victory.

Charlotte FC vs. FC Cincinnati - Saturday March 30th, 7:30pm (MLS Season Pass)

Charlotte has done well so far this season, with 7 points and hovering in the middle of the pack. They want to make a move, and to do so, they’re going to try and beat Cincinnati at home. Cincinnati is atop the standings with 11 points and will be looking for more as they try to show they are the team to beat once again this season.

Prediction: It’s an upset. Charlotte wins it 2-1.

Atlanta United vs. Chicago Fire - Sunday, March 31st, 3:30pm (Fox, Apple TV (free), MLS Season Pass)

Atlanta United has all their players back from international duty, and it’s just in time too. They get to host the Chicago Fire in a match that will be broadcast on Big Fox for the entire nation to see. Chicago sits at 5 points in the standings, just one point behind Atlanta. Their hope is that they can steal some points on the road, and to do that, they may have to rely on some of the quirkiness that has helped them in the early part of the season.

Prediction: Chicago makes it interesting, but Atlanta is too much for them in a 4-2 victory.