Major League Soccer returns for what we expect to be another thrilling weekend of action. Here are the biggest storylines you won’t want to miss.
Fixture of the weekend
It’s third versus first this weekend in the East as Philadelphia Union make the trip to face Inter Miami.
The Union sit at the top of the table and is currently the best in the league statistically, with the most goals scored to date and the best goal differential (+6).
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Following a nervy 1-0 win over 10-man St. Louis City last time out, they will want to establish themselves as genuine contenders to go all the way this season with a statement performance.
Tai Baribo is lethal in front of the net (MLS-leading six goals), Quinn Sullivan is carving a name for himself and Andre Blake commands things from the back.
But they all must perform against one Lionel Messi-ran Inter Miami.
The Herons are only two points back and could go top of the table if they win in front of home fans. Miami remains undefeated in MLS, with young talent shining, including Telasco Segovia, alongside their former Barcelona quartet.
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Both teams have only dropped points once this season, and that’s set to change on Saturday.
Player of the weekend
Turn your heads to Austin, where one Owen Wolff continues to put the club on his shoulders. The 20-year-old was the team’s first-ever homegrown signing and has proved worthy four years later.
📸 Credit: MLS Communications
In the 2025 MLS season, Wolff has provided the game-winning assist in each of the club’s three victories. And to make things even better, it’s helped Austin FC get off to the best start in club history with nine points in the opening five matches.
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According to MLS Communications, another game-winning assist this time against St. Louis City would see him become “only the second player in league history to record four game-winning assists in his team’s first six games of the season” (Sporting Kansas City’s Graham Zusi in 2012).
Two questions ahead of the matchday
Will Vancouver essentially end Toronto’s season?
Sure, it might be early to call it, but a serious turnaround is required in Toronto.
The former MLS Cup champions sit second last in the East with only one point heading into Matchday 6 and a -6 goal differential. The one bonus is Jonathan Osorio, Tyrese Spicer and Deiby Flores are all back from international duty.
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Now, along comes Vancouver Whitecaps.
Contrastingly, the visitors sit top of the West after starting the season the best way possible. They just lost for the first time and had four straight wins before that, with a +5 goal differential.
It has been over 1.5 years since the Whitecaps won an away game in MLS against an Eastern opponent, defeating Toronto at BMO Field 2-1 in September 2023.”
Ironically, they could finally do it again while virtually ending TFC’s season simultaneously before it even really began.
Will Chucky Lozano’s return guide his team against LAFC?
Chucky Lozano was removed from MLS’s Player Status report on Friday, revealing he’s clear to play against giants LAFC.
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San Diego’s star player was signed to deliver in these big-game moments, and the expansion club hopes he can do so on Saturday.
Lozano was initially sidelined due to a hamstring injury four weeks ago and is expected to feature off the bench, according to reports.
However, LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo, who grew up in San Diego, admitted the Mexican’s return hasn’t added any nerves. “I’m not sure it changes the way they play,” Cherundolo said of Lozano’s return to the lineup. “It’s just another quality player you have to watch out for.”
Despite being MLS newbies, San Diego are rocking and rolling in their debut season. With one assist from his two appearances, it’s a party Lozano will want to join on the pitch quickly.
