Matchday 4 Showdown: Don’t Miss These Thrilling Encounters This Weekend! | MLSSoccer.com

The opening trio of matchdays in the 2025 MLS season has unfolded with no shortage of excitement, surprises, and star performances. As we step into Matchday 4, expect the same verve, with teams scrapping for vital positions and the conference tables beginning to take shape. This weekend promises an action-packed MLS bill, featuring all 30 clubs battling it out across Saturday and Sunday. Let’s dive into three of the weekend's most intriguing encounters. LAFC looked to be strutting their stuff as potential MLS Cup contenders in the early matches. However, last weekend’s 5-2 defeat at the hands of Seattle Sounders FC—a bitter rival in the Western Conference—has shaken things up a bit, particularly with a squad that was heavily rotated due to their Concacaf Champions Cup exertions. Although they managed to advance past the tricky Columbus in the CCC quarterfinals, winning 4-2 on aggregate, they fell in midweek to a 2-1 loss—marking consecutive defeats in all competitions. Denis Bouanga remains a beacon of hope, and fans are banking on him to sprinkle some magic as LAFC seeks to reverse their fortunes. Meanwhile, Austin FC made a splash during the winter transfer market, bringing in USMNT’s Brandon Vázquez and Myrto Uzuni from Albania to add to their attacking prowess alongside Osman Bukari. Yet, this potentially potent forward line has struggled to find the net, cracking just once in three MLS fixtures. While it may be too soon to hit the panic button, a spend exceeding $22 million on new Designated Players could heighten expectations among their supporters. A silver lining? Their defence has held firm, conceding just two goals across three matches. Will their backline withstand the pressure, or will LAFC reclaim the limelight with a home win? But what’s the story with LA Galaxy? The reigning champions appear to be in a bit of a pickle, having yet to register a single point this season. Injuries to key players have stunted their progress, and though they showed improvement last Sunday by testing St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Bürki with eight shots on target, they still couldn’t find the back of the net, ultimately succumbing 3-0. In fact, they’re the first team to win the MLS Cup and then start the next season with three straight losses. Sunday’s trip to Providence Park is absolutely critical for Greg Vanney’s side, who are looking to bounce back after their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal qualification midweek. On the flip side, Portland Timbers are also keen to kickstart their campaign. They've managed just one victory in three outings, stealing three points with a late-winner against Austin FC but faltering with a 2-0 defeat to Nashville SC where goalkeeper James Pantemis made nine stellar saves, including two penalty stops. New Designated Player David Da Costa, the hero in their solitary win, shines as a hopeful figure as the Timbers continue to adapt post-Evander. As we round off this busy weekend, a thrilling Southern showdown awaits at the vibrant Mercedes-Benz Stadium—a rematch of one of last season's most stunning MLS Cup Playoff upsets. The question on everyone’s lips is whether the biggest names will step up. Lionel Messi, who missed last week’s heart-stopping 1-0 triumph over Charlotte FC due to load management, is a concern. Additionally, Atlanta United's newest forward Emmanuel Latte Lath has entered concussion protocol following last week’s stalemate with the New York Red Bulls. Despite Messi’s potential absence, the reigning Supporters' Shield champions have hit the ground running under new boss Javier Mascherano, remaining unbeaten after three matches (2W-0L-1D). The new signings, Telasco Segovia (3g/1a) and Tadeo Allende (2g/0a), have impressed, supported by the ever-reliable “Core Four,” notably Luis Suárez with 1g/3a in league play. Though the glitz and glamour of ATL's winter spending hasn’t translated into fireworks just yet, their season kicked off with a thrilling 3-2 win against CF Montréal, where Latte Lath shone with a two-goal performance. Since then, however, their attacking prowess has gone quiet, pressing a heavy burden on Miguel Almirón and the rest of the squad to light up the home crowd and for Brad Guzan's defence to stand resolute against Miami, reminiscent of their playoff clashes from the previous year.