Wednesday 30 September 2015 18:03, UK
A crucial Texas derby and Didier Drogba v Cyle Larin in Orlando. The regular season's end draws near, here are five things to look out for this weekend.
FC Dallas v Houston Dynamo: Can Owen Coyle upset recent derby results and make a last ditch play-off bid?
This Texas derby perhaps carries the most significance in recent history, with both teams in with a chance of reaching the play-offs. It could be the first time since 2011 that both Texas clubs qualify for the play-offs.
FC Dallas look all but certain to be playing beyond the regular season, but that is not the same for Houston Dynamo, whose 3-2 win against Colorado Rapids last weekend gives them an outside chance of qualification with three points off sixth place.
Owen Coyle will be responsible for trying to mastermind a victory over FC Dallas, who have won the last four meetings between the two clubs. The last two losses have both come this season - 2-0 and 4-1 respectively.
Although Dallas have lost their last two matches to LA Galaxy and Sporting KC, their head-to-head record against Houston should provide a lift while the return of influential playmaker Mauro Diaz could offer further confidence as they aim to stay in contention for the Supporter's Shield.
The priority for both teams will be vital points, but the fan trophy "El Capitán" - a big cannon - is also up for grabs.
DC United v New York City FC: With play-offs a long shot, could NYCFC maintain a strong end to their season?
DC United are in freefall, having picked up one point in their last six matches.
After being leaders of the Eastern Conference for a long stretch, their play-off place has become less certain, although the Black and Red are seven points clear of seventh placed Orlando City.
A win would secure them play-offs, but losing and entering the knockout stages later - in bad form - is not what head coach Ben Olsen will be wanting. It contrasts the rich vein in-form New York City are currently experiencing, having won their last three consecutive matches.
Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo both look to be understanding the MLS playing style, with Lampard scoring twice in the last three matches. Pirlo has also contributed with three assists in his last three matches.
It looks unlikely that David Villa, Lampard, Pirlo and Co will make the play-offs as it would mean making up at least five points in their remaining three matches, and hope Montreal lose all of their last five league games.
However, a win against DC United would give the club ownership greater faith in head coach Jason Kreis as the man to mount a stronger play-off charge next season.
Orlando City SC v Montreal Impact: The master vs the apprentice - who will win the Drogba v Larin face-off?
Orlando and Montreal Impact are both competing for the final play-off spot in the Eastern Conference, but it may be too little too late for Orlando City, who have won their last three matches in a row.
Montreal have a chance to extend their impressive run, having won four and drawn two of their last six league matches. Didier Drogba has played a crucial part in that run, he's scored four goals in his last three games.
But Orlando also boast a striker in a hot streak. 20-year-old Cyle Larin set the all-time MLS rookie goalscoring record by striking a hat-trick in a 5-2 win against the New York Red Bulls on Friday evening.
Larin has 14 goals in his first professional season, surpassing the mark set by Damani Ralph of the Chicago Fire in 2003. Larin also became the first rookie in MLS history to score two hat-tricks in the same season.
A win for Montreal would virtually secure play-offs, but Larin, Kaka and Orlando are still knocking at the door.
San Jose Earthquakes v Vancouver Whitecaps: Can San Jose creep into the play-off places?
San Jose's play-off hopes could hinge on how they perform in this crucial tie against Vancouver Whitecaps.
The Earthquakes are just one point off Portland Timbers, who currently sit in sixth. Their hopes were kept alive last weekend after beating fellow play-off chasers Real Salt Lake 1-0.
The bad news for San Jose is their Designated Player Matias Perez-Garcia will be missing as he received a second yellow for taking his shirt off after his 87th minute winner.
It sets up a tough test for San Jose who will play the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are second in the Western Conference and want to secure their own play-off spot, but both sides have concerns entering the game.
Vancouver have lost four of their last six matches while San Jose will be missing three key players in Perez Garcia, Fatai Alashe and Marc Pelosi.
San Jose and Portland both play at home this weekend, and will make for captivating viewing to see if San Jose can finally get over the red line ahead of the Timbers.
Seattle Sounders v LA Galaxy: Will LA Galaxy keep their place at the top of the west?
LA Galaxy defeated FC Dallas on Sunday night in front of a sell-out StubHub Center. Steven Gerrard got on the score-sheet for the first time since his debut, but their three goals - in the 3-2 win - were their first in four games.
The win keeps LA Galaxy at the top of the Western standings and two points clear of second placed Vancouver. Play-offs are virtually guaranteed, but the five-time MLS Cup champions would like to close in on the Supporter's Shield as well, the shield they have not lifted for four years.
But Seattle Sounders will likely prove the stiffest of tests. Obafemi Martins has scored a goal in each of his last five matches, helping the Sounders to a five-game undefeated stretch.
The Sounders may be boosted by LA Galaxy's defensive issues, having conceded five goals in their last two matches. Seattle's best chance of winning may be on the counter-attack.
