Summertime soccer’s on the horizon

Major League Soccer action continues this Memorial Day weekend as 28 teams take the field in league play. Most of the European leagues either have completed their seasons or will this weekend, so with the unofficial start of summer, MLS has a chance to put their best foot forward.

In the Eastern Conference, there’s still a lot of teams within striking distance of being viewed as contenders, with a few of them facing each other over the weekend. We take a look at those matchups to have on your TV.

Charlotte FC vs. Philadelphia Union

Saturday, May 25, 7:30pm (MLS Season Pass)

Most people didn’t predict Charlotte FC to be ahead of the Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference standings at any point this season, so to look at the table and see Charlotte in 6th place and Philly in 8th is weird to see. Charlotte has had a few results slip away from them, but they’ve been pretty good at home and could approach the top 3 with a win. Philadelphia seemed to have some inner turmoil with their early play and comments from goalkeeper Andre Blake about his supposed unhappiness in Chester. However, the goalkeeper recently signed a contract extension with the club and it comes just as the Union are beginning to put it together. They will make a tough out moving forward as a result.

Prediction: The teams play to a 2-2 draw.

Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew

Saturday, May 25, 7:30pm (MLS Season Pass)

Orlando City has a pivotal match this weekend as they welcome the defending champions to Inter&Co Stadium. Orlando wants to vault above the playoff line, but they will have to do so against a team who has one eye focused on next weekend’s Concacaf Champions Cup Final. Columbus will want to look sharp to keep pace with the leaders at the top before they turn their full focus to Pachuca.

Prediction: Orlando City catches Columbus napping, and they win 2-1.

Toronto FC vs. FC Cincinnati

Saturday, May 25, 7:30pm (MLS Season Pass)

Toronto FC took care of their rivals in big fashion last weekend when they beat Montreal 5-1, and then they won 8-1 in Canadian Championship play. They now aim for the top of the league when FC Cincinnati comes to the 6. FC Cincinnati, on 30 points, is just 1 behind Inter Miami for tops in the Supporters’ Shield race, and they won’t be searching for just 1 point on the road. Toronto, on 22 points, has a chance to vault into the contender conversation, but they’ll need their stars to continue to play like stars. Cincinnati has been a team that has done super well on the road, going 5W-1L-1D this season. Toronto is 5W-2L-0D at home this season, so something has to move. This could be the match of the weekend.

Prediction: Cincinnati gets it done on the road again, winning 3-2.