Heung-Min Son and Denis Bouanga make everything happen for LAFC’s attack, but the club’s role players haven’t chipped in as much as in years’ past and the backline has had its struggles, leading to something of a down season for the perennial Western Conference contenders.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez are still carrying the attack, while Casemiro is settling in as a center-back, and new coach Kily González is tasked with guiding the Herons
The early performances of Robert Lewandowski have been promising, the defense is getting healthier, and after recently snapping a six-match winless streak, it's now a question of how high the Fire can finish in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta is in 14th place in the Eastern Conference, but Swiss World Cup veteran Breel Embolo is now in the mix at striker, and coach Tata Martino has unearthed some promising young contributors even during a down season.
Red Bull New York struggled since the World Cup break ended but snapped a six-match winless streak last time out, though they're still waiting for striker Julian Hall to end his goal drought, and still looking for more defensive stability and consistency.
All the ways Alonso Martínez's return can help New York City FC over the final nine games of the MLS season, from the psychological boost of getting the team's leading scorer back, to the roster ramifications of having Martínez to call on once again.
RSL hasn't won any of its last 10 regular season matches, Diego Luna hasn't been at his best, but even in a down year, the club remains tough to beat at elevation at America First Field.
The Revs picked up Dániel Gazdag and Joshua Wynder since last facing NYCFC, but starting striker Dor Turgeman and speedy youngster Peyton Miller could hold the key to their success at Citi Field.
Ben Wright of SixOneFive Soccer on Nashville's chase for the single season MLS points record, Brian Schwake's emergence at keeper, new signing Elias Saad's fit in the attack.
Toronto is in good form and in touching distance of a playoff spot, and it's in part because of Josh Sargent, who John Molinaro of TFC Republic says will be the X-factor when New York City FC plays TFC at BMO Field.
NYCFC has a record of 4W-3D-9L this season while playing on two or three days' rest, 26th out of the 30 MLS teams in terms of the points-per-game the club has picked up while enduring quick turnarounds between matches.
New York City FC is reportedly willing to let its star Designated Player leave midseason for the right transfer price, even if it's to join a fellow MLS team. What does that say about the club's ambition, and its relationship with Nico?
What first-year coach Marko Mitrović did to turn around New England, how NYCFC alum Jack Harrison is adapting since joining this summer, and why the Revs need more from their strikers.
Late goal concessions, quiet Designated Players, and lengthy injury lists have exposed New York City FC's cracks during the team's current losing streak.
Evander and Kévin Denkey still lead a potent Cincinnati attack, but Laurel Pfahler of Queen City Press explains why midfielder Pavel Bucha will be the X-factor for FCC when they host New York City FC.
Jonathan Tannenwald of The Philadelphia Inquirer on what interim coach Ryan Richter has done to improve the Union, Cavan Sullivan's arrival, and more of what to expect from Philadelphia at Yankee Stadium.
