MLS 2019 Schedule: 5 must-watch games

The 2019 MLS Schedule is here. That presents the perfect opportunity to look forward to the season that is to come. Here are five must-watch games.

It makes little sense to assess the MLS schedule in detail. But seeing as this is the offseason and we are all missing the regular season and the schedule offers the best way to look forward to what is to come, we all dive right in. The 2019 MLS schedule is here.

There are shows purely dedicated to the schedule release, huge think-pieces about which are the best games (yes, like this one), and debates about who has the toughest and easiest schedules.

So, to partake is this rather futile event, here are the five games that you need to watch this 2019 MLS regular season.

5. Minnesota United Vs New York City FC

It is the first home match of the season for Minnesota United in their new stadium. And they host a team that is reeling from losing the founding face of the franchise. Two recently introduced teams that have playoff aspirations, especially now that Minnesota has finally filled its three DP slots, this could be a real rip-roarer. Plus, there’s a new stadium. And apparently, it’s awesome.

4. Atlanta United Vs D.C. United

This could be a preview of a key playoff match-up later down the line. The defending MLS Cup champions, at home — and they could open it up to hold all 70,000 fans — against a bright and upcoming team led by one of the best players in the league.

Plus, there is the league MVP, a new sheriff in town in Frank de Boer and a budding rivalry between two top-tier teams. What’s not to like?

3. Seattle Sounders Vs FC Cincinnati

For the second time in succession, the Seattle Sounders will host the first game of an expansion team’s life in MLS. Last year, it was Los Angeles FC, who proceeded to shock the Sounders with an unlikely 1-0 win.

This time around, it’s FC Cincinnati. Without the same investment and squad revolution as LAFC, you would think that FCC would struggle against the might of the Sounders. But this is MLS and this is their first game in MLS. Stranger things have happened. Welcome to MLS, FC Cincinnati.

2. LAFC Vs LA Galaxy

The most intense local derby in the league returns for hopefully another enthralling instalment. They played host to three terrific matches last season, as well as some other-worldly brilliance from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and with Zlatan now around for the whole season, this could also be a match-up between two of the better teams in the Western Conference.

1. New York Red Bulls Vs Atlanta United

The two best teams in the league. The Supporters’ Shield winners versus the MLS Cup winners. Stars everywhere. Two clubs dealing with offseason loss — Jesse Marsch (although Chris Armas led the team in the latter stages of last season) and Tyler Adams for the Red Bulls; Tata Martino and Miguel Almiron, presumably, for Atlanta. This is the best game in MLS. An absolute do-not-miss!