MLS Matchday 35 — NSN Weekend Preview

Jonathan Turner
Sep 19
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

MLS Matchday 35 — NSN Weekend Preview

With the playoff race in full sprint, Matchday 35 delivers six-pointer showdowns, club milestones, and multiple clinching or elimination scenarios. Here’s what matters most this weekend.

Headliners

Austin FC vs. Seattle Sounders (Sun, Sept. 21 — 7:00 p.m. ET, Q2 Stadium)A straight Western Conference six-pointer: Seattle arrives four points ahead of Austin; a Sounders win would keep the Verde at arm’s length, while a home win pulls Austin within one point with four to play. Seattle is looking to rebound after a midweek setback, ending a strong 17-match run with just two losses in that span.

LAFC vs. Real Salt Lake (Sun, Sept. 21 — 10:00 p.m. ET, BMO Stadium)LAFC return home for “Noche de Carlos Vela” while Denis Bouanga continues to rewrite the club record book—he just moved past Vela as LAFC’s all-time leading scorer and is chasing a third straight 20-goal MLS season. RSL were humbled by LAFC in midweek and need a response to steady their playoff footing.

Orlando City vs. Nashville SC (Sat, Sept. 20 — 7:30 p.m. ET, INTER&Co Stadium)Orlando are pushing for top-four security in the East; Nashville’s Open Cup momentum clashes with uneven league form as they try to tighten their playoff grip. Clinching and seeding scenarios loom across the league this weekend.

Other Notables to Track

Columbus Crew vs. Toronto FC (Sat, Sept. 20 — 4:30 p.m. ET, Lower.com Field): Crew chase points toward a top-two seed; rivalry energy plus postseason positioning.
Inter Miami vs. D.C. United (Sat, Sept. 20 — 7:30 p.m. ET, Chase Stadium): Points at a premium for both as the East tightens; every result swings the line.
Sporting KC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (Sat, Sept. 20 — 8:30 p.m. ET, Children’s Mercy Park): Penultimate home date for SKC with playoff implications in a crowded West mid-table.

Players & Storylines

Denis Bouanga’s milestone watch (LAFC): Now LAFC’s all-time top scorer after hitting No. 94; he’s one shy of becoming the first player with 20-plus MLS goals in three straight seasons. Add the Vela celebration backdrop and the spotlight is bright.
Sounders’ balancing act: Post-Club World Cup form stabilized Seattle; rotation and game-state management at Austin could decide whether they protect or shrink that four-point cushion.
Clinch/Eliminate math: Several teams can clinch spots or be knocked out depending on results—stakes everywhere you look.

Why This Weekend Matters

Every fixture now folds directly into home-field positioning and play-in vs. top-seven separation. Expect tighter lines, fewer risks early, and heavy reliance on set pieces and transition moments as coaches prioritize points over panache. The margins are thin; one late goal could swing an entire conference bracket.

Quick Watch Grid (ET)

Sat, Sept. 20
- 4:30 — Columbus vs. Toronto (Lower.com Field)
- 7:30 — Inter Miami vs. D.C. United (Chase Stadium)
- 7:30 — Orlando City vs. Nashville SC (INTER&Co Stadium)
- 8:30 — Sporting KC vs. Vancouver (Children’s Mercy Park)
Sun, Sept. 21
- 7:00 — Austin FC vs. Seattle Sounders (Q2 Stadium)
- 10:00 — LAFC vs. Real Salt Lake (BMO Stadium)