MLS Previews, Matchweek 26: Last ones before the Leagues Cup!

Well, on Sunday there's an unveiling in Miami, and if you've been at a Publix in Miami recently, you'll have an idea why. 

(Also, if you haven't heard, Lionel Messi was officially signed by Inter Miami earlier today, and there's already "enhanced production" promised on Apple TV's MLS Season Pass for Leagues Cup games. 

In the meantime, there's a full slate of matches on Saturday, followed by actual Leagues Cup action (including Cruz Azul against the Herons) starting next Friday. 

We'll preview those matches between now and then, but in the meantime, here's a look at what's waiting for you on Saturday evening. (And, yes, this would have been an outstanding weekend for a Saturday or Sunday afternoon game. Maybe both.) 

Saturday, July 15

7:30 p.m. ET

Atlanta United vs. Orlando City SC

Actual kickoff time: 7:55 p.m. ET

Odds: ATL +100, Orlando +230, Draw +270 

Watch on: Apple TV (Free), FS1

One-line synopsis

This is probably the most fun and possibly the most underrated of all the SEC MLS rivalries, with some decent stakes this time. 

A telling tweet

He was great the first time he was in MLS. Why not a second time? 

FC Cincinnati vs. Nashville SC

Actual kickoff time: 7:39 p.m. ET

Odds: Cincy -105, Nashville +270, Draw +250 

Watch on: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

One-line synopsis

Best matchup of the week? Best matchup of the week. 

A telling tweet

This looks to be the No. 9 that Hany Mukhtar's needed. (Or, at least, more so than Ake Loba.) 

CF Montreal vs. Charlotte FC  

Actual kickoff time: 7:39 p.m. ET

Odds: Montreal +100, Charlotte +250, Draw +250

Watch on: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

One-line synopsis

Both of these teams are in the definitely maybe jumble of East playoff hopefuls. 

A telling tweet

Is CFM restocking for a playoff run? 

New England Revolution vs. D.C. United

Actual kickoff time: 7:39 p.m. ET

Odds: Revs +150, D.C. +210, Draw +260

Watch on: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

One-line synopsis

The Revs have an opportunity at home to make up ground in the East race, given that Cincy has its hands full. 

A telling tweet

This might be one of those rare trades that improves both teams by putting players in systems that are better for them. 

Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC

Actual kickoff time: 7:39 p.m. ET

Odds: NYC -110, Union +230, Draw +260

Watch on: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

One-line synopsis

You could say these teams don't like each other, or you could say that a trainer got a red card in one of last year's meetings between these teams. 

A telling tweet

Okay, that's two telling tweets ... but when City Football Group comes alive in the summer transfer window, you want to pay attention. 

8:30 p.m. ET

Chicago Fire FC vs. Toronto FC

Actual kickoff time: 8:39 p.m. ET

Odds: Fire +-140, Toronto +340, Draw +280

Watch on: Apple TV (Free) 

One-line synopsis

This probably won't have much bearing on the East playoff picture ... but Chicago's actually now sort of back in it. 

A telling tweet

Pay the man! (Oh, wait ...) 

Minnesota United vs. LAFC

Actual kickoff time: 8:39 p.m. ET 

Odds: Loons +145, LAFC +160, Draw +260

Watch on: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

One-line synopsis

Can the Pukki Party continue against an LAFC team that just blanked St. Louis? 

A telling tweet

Another Mexican legend headed to LAFC?

St. Louis City SC vs. Inter Miami CF

Actual kickoff time: 8:39 p.m. ET 

Odds: St. Louis -175, Miami +400, Draw +310

Watch on: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

One-line synopsis

St. Louis gets to be the last team playing pre-Messi Miami in 2023. 

A telling tweet

And now we've gotten word Messi officially signed. Expect the unexpected. 

9:30 p.m. ET

Austin FC vs. Sporting Kansas City

Actual kickoff time: 9:39 p.m. ET 

Odds: ATX +120, KC +200, Draw +260

Watch on: Apple TV (Free)

One-line synopsis

Last time they met, SKC won by three goals; seems like it'll be different this time. 

A telling tweet

For all you stat lovers out there!

Colorado Rapids vs. Houston Dynamo FC

Actual kickoff time: 9:39 p.m. ET

Odds: Rapids +115, Dynamo +210, Draw +240

Watch on: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

One-line synopsis 

Something tells me a lot of neutrals might steer clear of this one. 

A telling tweet

We don't know if this is true ... but Carrasquilla has arguably been the best player at the Gold Cup. 

Real Salt Lake vs. New York Red Bulls

Actual kickoff time: 9:39 p.m. ET

Odds: Salt Lake +100, NYRB +250, Draw +250

Watch on: Apple TV (Free)

One-line synopsis

Can RSL get closer to cementing a home playoff spot? 

A telling tweet

Good signing. (Like we knew it would be.) 

10:30 p.m. ET

Portland Timbers FC vs. Columbus Crew

Actual kickoff time: 10:39 p.m. ET

Odds: Timbers +115, Crew +200, Draw +260

Watch on: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

One-line synopsis

It's a rematch of an epic MLS Cup and it might actually favor the visitors despite the odds. 

A telling tweet

If there's an MLS club out there that can offer him happiness, they should. 

Seattle Sounders FC vs. FC Dallas

Actual kickoff time: 10:39 p.m. ET

Odds: Sounders -160, DAL +425 Draw +270

Watch on: Apple TV (Free)

One-line synopsis

This is one of the better West matchups of the weekend, even though Dallas has been without its best player due to a Gold Cup we're not sure we want to mention. 

A telling tweet

He's one of many goalkeepers who deserved All-Star consideration. 

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. LA Galaxy

Actual kickoff time: 10:39 p.m. ET

Odds: Whitecaps -130, Galaxy +280, Draw +300

Watch on: Apple TV (Free)

One-line synopsis

This could be the most entertaining match of the week (not the best).

A telling tweet

Are the Galaxy good now? Still trying to figure that out.