MLS Week 6: Open thread

Check out our Three Big Storylines, National TV and Streaming Listings and From a Sounders Point of View

Author’s Note: MLS Live will be replaced by a new service called ESPN+ next week. This is the last week until ESPN+ rolls out and MLS Live is free for everyone on MLSSoccer.com or via your preferred streaming platform (I use a Roku box and it works great). Details on registering here.

Three Big Storylines:

1. Atlanta United expect another huge crowd as they host Los Angeles FC to open the MLS weekend on ESPN on Saturday. LAFC were up 3-0 in last week’s El Trafico game against the Los Angeles Galaxy before they got Zlatan’d and lost 4-3 after a Zlatan Ibrahimovic stoppage time winner. United (Atlanta version) won last week at United (Minnesota version) 1-0 on a frozen pitch where they made a 3rd minute own goal stand up even after going down a man in the 38th minute due to Leandro González Pirez’s second yellow card.
2. The Portland Timbers take their two game draw streak across the country as they travel to Orlando City SC on Sunday. Reigning MLS MVP Diego Valeri is off to a slow start for the Timbers but a leaky Orlando defense that has conceded the first goal in all four of their matches this year might be just the thing to get the Argentine started in 2018.
3. The MLS weekend action closes out with the LA Galaxy hosting Sporting Kansas City on Sunday evening. After last week’s MLS player of the week performance as a substitute, Zlatan will be looking to make an impact from the kickoff for Sigi Schmid’s squad. Sporting KC will feature newly crowned MLS Player of the Month, Felipe Gutierrez, who leads the league with five goals to start the season.

From a Sounders Point of View:

The Sounders have another bye this week but are back in action next week at Sporting Kansas City. Sporting are playing the LA Galaxy on Sunday if you want to scout out next week’s opponent.

National TV Listings:

Atlanta United v Los Angeles FC

Date/Time: Saturday, 2:00 PM

TV: ESPN

Streaming: Watch ESPN

Orlando City SC v Portland Timbers

Date/Time: Sunday, 1:00 PM

TV: ESPN

Streaming: Watch ESPN

LA Galaxy v Sporting Kansas City

Date/Time: Sunday, 6:00 PM

TV: Fox Sports 1

Streaming: Fox Sports Go

This is your Sounder at Heart MLS Weekend Week 6 open gamethread. Watch with us.