It’s an unusual week in the MLS, as it falls during one of FIFA’s international windows. Many teams will be short-handed as their players return to national team duty.

FC Cincinnati vs. Atlanta United

2:30PM ET – TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincy will be facing a depleted Atlanta side whose roster was hit hard due to international call-ups. They are missing eight players, four of which have started a game this year: Stian Gregersen, Bartosz Slisz, Ajani Fortune and Miguel Almíron. Cincy is only missing two, though one of these is their striker Kevin Denkey. Neither team is in particularly strong form, but given the circumstances you have to like Cincy for the win. For Atlanta, this is a great time to give some unknown faces playing time and a chance to shine.

Minnesota United FC vs. LA Galaxy

4:30PM ET – Allianz Field, Saint Paul, Minnesota
We all know that LA Galaxy are in crisis. After dropping their first three games, they eked out a draw against Portland last week. Minnesota were red-hot and three goals up over Sporting Kansas City last week before suffering a complete collapse in a twelve minute span that resulted in a draw. Minnesota is missing while LA Galaxy’s 17-year old Harbor Miller is their only international call-up. United’s search for a redemptive win will be hampered by missing five starters, including keeper Dayne St. Clair. Meanwhile, the LA Galaxy are looking for any scrap of light in the darkness. With only one starter missing on international duty this is a good chance for them to turn their dismal season around.

Philadelphia Union vs. St. Louis CITY SC

7:30PM ET – Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
Philly were off to an explosive start until crumbling at Nashville last week. Their 11 goals lead the MLS. St. Louis are one of four undefeated teams in the West, and they are the only team to have not conceded a goal this season. Powerful offense vs. stubborn defense, what’s not to love? International impact on the rosters is heavily in CITY’s favor (their lone call-up is a 17 year old reserve), as Union will be short five starters (plus one more serving a red card suspension).

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Chicago Fire

10:30PM ET – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
The Berhalter Era has started brightly for Chicago. After their opening day loss the Fire have gone undefeated with a draw and two wins. They’re going through a minor injury crisis, with six players out for various reasons, plus they lost starter Bryan Gutierrez and frequent substitutes Harold Osorio and Omari Glasgow to international duty. Vancouver has the best MLS record so far with four wins; their last two shutouts. Of course, four of their starters are out this week, including key playmakers Ali Ahmed and Brian White. Even with the depleted rosters, this should be a cracker of a match.

Austin FC vs. San Diego FC

March 23rd @ 4:00PM – Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas
The lone Sunday game features two of the youngest MLS franchises. Every single Austin game this season has resulted in a 1 – 0 scoreline; they’ve won half of those. San Diego is living the expansion team’s dream with a pair of wins and draws. SDFC’s Paddy McNair and Anibal Godoy are off playing for their nation; Austin is only missing midfielder Myrto Uzuni. Rumor has it Gary Striker might be in the crowd; look for him shirtless and banging the drum with Matthew McConaughey.

The Other Fixtures

• Charlotte FC vs.San Jose Earthquakes
  • 7:30PM ET – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
• Columbus Crew vs.New York City FC
  • 7:30PM ET – Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio
• New York Red Bulls vs.Toronto FC
  • 7:30PM ET – Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey
• Orlando City SC vs.D.C. United
  • 7:30PM ET – Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida
• Nashville SC vs.CF Montréal
  • 8:30PM ET – GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee
• Sporting Kansas City vs.LAFC
  • 8:30PM ET – Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas
• Colorado Rapids vs.Portland Timbers
  • 9:30PM ET – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colorado
• Real Salt Lake vs.FC Dallas
  • 9:30PM ET – America First Field, Sandy, Utah
• Seattle Sounders FC vs.Houston Dynamo FC
  • 10:30PM ET – Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington

Byes

Inter Miami
New England Revolution