Matchday 11 of the 2025 MLS season is just around the corner as normal service resumes in the wake of midweek action in the CONCACAF Champions League.
As ever, there are plenty of talking points across Saturday and Sunday to dip our feet into, so let’s dive right in.
The fixture of the weekend đď¸
So much of the conversation surrounding the Eastern Conference in 2025 has fallen at the feet of table-topping FC Cincinnati, and rightfully so.
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But while the pack leaders are looking to be good value for a serious push toward MLS Cup honors down the line, two other sides – the Columbus Crew and Charlotte FC – have made waves of their own, and their Saturday meeting should prove to be a pivotal point in the season to date.
The Crew sit second and just one point adrift of Cincy while having been met with defeat on a single occasion, while The Crown continues to make strides under Dean Smith and appear primed to have a serious say in matters from their base at Bank of America Stadium.
Charlotte owns a superior head-to-head record against Columbus as well (3-1-2), but their form away from home in 2025 could also prove their undoing.
Player to watch đ
There has been much talk surrounding BJ Callaghan’s Nashville SC side, and key striker Sam Surridge is a critical piece of the puzzle at Geodis Park.
Coming into the weekend on the back of a four-goal performance against the Chicago Fire last weekend, the former Bournemouth academy graduate has immediately stepped into the Golden Boot conversation this season, and a date with a struggling Atlanta United could provide a chance to add to his goalscoring tally (6) to apply pressure on pack-leading Hugo Cuypers and Tai Baribo.
Two questions ahead of the action
đ¸Â Š Sam Navarro | 2025 Apr 30 – Imagn Images
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Will Inter Miami bounce back after recent struggles?
Lionel Messi and company have been left reeling of late after three consecutive defeats in MLS and CONCACAF Champions Cup play.
The Herons were stunned at home last time out in the league when they suffered a 4-3 defeat against FC Dallas, but recent worries were compounded when they were ousted by the high-flying Vancouver Whitecaps in the CCC semi-final, ending their hopeful run for one piece of major silverware in 2025.
Having suffered a rash of reversals of late that has seen them surrender nine goals while only managing four of their own, the chance for Javier Mascherano’s men to bounce back with a bang against visiting NY Red Bulls and their inconsistent attack may come at the right time.
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Can LA Galaxy finally get off the mark in 2025?
There is not a single fan or pundit that could have predicted reigning MLS Cup holders LA Galaxy would be propping up the Western Conference and Supporters’ Shield tables two months into the 2025 season.
While it cannot be denied that the absence of key creator-in-chief Riqui Puig would prove a critical loss for Greg Vanney’s side, issues abound beyond the Spanish midfielder’s long-term injury at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Having found the back of the net on just eight occasions thus saw through ten matchdays while boasting the second-worst defensive record in MLS, something has to give for the Galaxy, and a clash with Sporting KC this weekend may give them their best chance of bagging a first win of the campaign.
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Unfortunately for the Galaxy, SKC are no slouches in the attacking third, and despite sitting just above them in the table, they have one of the better goal returns in all of MLS.
This one could be a very interesting watch.
đ¸ Editorial Photo Credit: Š Samantha Madar/Colum | 2025 Apr 27 – Imagn Images
