🔮 Previewing MLS Matchday 30 | OneFootball

We're well and truly in the business end of the Major League Soccer campaign, as points are at a premium all around the league. Let's dig into some of the biggest stories ahead of Matchday 30.

Fixture of the weekend

It can not be ignored whenever the Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders face off. Many bitter rivalries have sprung up in MLS in the last decade or more, but none truly compare to the history and roots of a showdown between the two Cascadia giants.

And this time around there is more than just Pacific Northwest bragging rights, as the two sides are separated by just three points in the Western Conference standings.

The Sounders stormed into Providence Park and picked up three points earlier in the campaign on a day in which the loser would head to the bottom of the West. However, both teams have experienced formidable runs of form since that showdown and have climbed into the MLS Cup Playoff picture.

Its advantage Seattle however, as the Timbers will be without both Felipe Mora and Jonathan Rodriguez, a strike duo that have chipped in with double digit goals respectively.

Two giants in the Northwest, two sets of fans that simply hate each other, and a huge three points on the line. Bring on Saturday!

Player to watch in Matchweek 30

Aug 24, 2024; Queens, New York, USA; New York City FC forward Alonso Martinez (16) during the second half against Chicago Fire FC at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Alonso Martínez has been on a tear for NYCFC this season, scoring a team-high 10 goals for the Pigeons as they continue to push for the top three in the Eastern Conference.

The Costa Rican bagged a seven-minute brace against Chicago last time out, and will be the focal point once again as NYCFC take on the red-hot Columbus Crew.

The 25-year-old was on the scoresheet earlier this season against the Crew, scoring in just 14 seconds in the Leagues Cuo semi-final before the Bronx outfit eventually fell on penalty kicks.

Two questions ahead of matchday 30

Are New England a one-game wonder?

The Revolution have been an enigma this season, at times showing flashes of brilliance while also experiencing long spells in the doldrums.

But Caleb Porter's side will head into Matchday 30 fresh off the back of a 5-0 victory in Montréal on a night when they introduced club-record signing Luca Langoni to the lineup. That win took the Revs to within two points of a playoff spot and could be the spark to ignite a late-season push.

Their credentials will be put to the test on Saturday however, as they head west to square off with Real Salt Lake, who currently sit third in the Western Conference.

Did Leagues Cup kill Orlando City's momentum?

There are plenty of teams who use in-season tournaments to catch fire and gain a bit of momentum for their league campaigns, but in the case of Orlando City, they may have suffered the opposite.

Heading into the pause of MLS for the Leagues Cup, Orlando was unbeaten in five straight matches and had climbed into what seemed like a comfortable position in the top seven in the Eastern Conference.

But that run was severed by the pause and the Florida club returned to MLS action with a disappointing 3-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City. Orlando still remain in the top seven, but with how tight the conference is they will be desperate for three points against Nashville this weekend.

The numbers paint a bleak picture for the Lions heading into the weekend however, as they are tied with the Philadelphia Union for the fewest points won at home in the Eastern Conference this season.