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MLS Week 7: Top 7 Storylines – Undefeated teams meet

By Joshua Bowers

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 29: Alejandro Pozuelo (10) of Toronto FC celebrates after scoring his first Toronto FC goal with teammates Jonathan Osorio (21), Jozy Altidore (17) and Chris Mavinga (23) during the second half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and New York City FC on March 29, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 29: Alejandro Pozuelo (10) of Toronto FC celebrates after scoring his first Toronto FC goal with teammates Jonathan Osorio (21), Jozy Altidore (17) and Chris Mavinga (23) during the second half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and New York City FC on March 29, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Toronto FC, Alejandro Pozuelo
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 29: Alejandro Pozuelo (10) of Toronto FC celebrates after scoring his first Toronto FC goal with teammates Jonathan Osorio (21), Jozy Altidore (17) and Chris Mavinga (23) during the second half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and New York City FC on March 29, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

A look at the top seven storylines to watch during the Week 7 of the 2019 MLS season, including LAFC’s dominance and a matchup between unbeaten teams.

The 2019 Major League Soccer season rumbles on into mid-April. With plenty of teams jockeying for position as the summer looms, there is a series of extremely intriguing contests in Week 7.

The best of the bunch is undoubtedly Toronto FC’s visit to CenturyLink Field and the Seattle Sounders on Saturday afternoon. Both are two of the four remaining undefeated teams in the league and will be hoping to make a real statement.

Related Story. MLS: 4 Designated Players who need to step up. light

Ahead of that game and many more, here are the top seven storylines of Week 7.

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 06: D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney (9) heads for the locker room after receiving a red card in the second half during a MLS match between D.C United and Los Angeles FC on April 6, 2019, at Audi Field, in Washington D.C.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 06: D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney (9) heads for the locker room after receiving a red card in the second half during a MLS match between D.C United and Los Angeles FC on April 6, 2019, at Audi Field, in Washington D.C.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

7. Can D.C. United overcome recent disappointment?

After beginning the 2019 MLS season with three wins and a draw in their first four matches, D.C. United have only secured a single point in their last two matches.

Last Saturday, D.C. United faced off against Los Angeles FC at Audi Field. The matchup pitted the best in the East (at the time) vs the best in the West. Los Angeles FC embarrassed their hosts 4-0. Furthermore, Wayne Rooney received a red card.

D.C. United played again three days later, facing the Montreal Impact, again at home, this past Tuesday (April, 9). Without Rooney due to the red card he picked-up against LAFC, they played to a scoreless draw. Montreal had heavily rotated their squad for that match. Both results this week will haunt D.C.

This Saturday, United play their third match in eight days and will likely have to rotate their squad. They will get Rooney back from suspension, although he was dealing with ‘flu-like’ symptoms throughout the week. D.C. are suffering from a series of injuries, particularly at full-back. Joseph Mora has been out with a broken jaw, while both Chris McCann and Leonardo Jara are doubts to play in Colorado this weekend.

D.C. United will need to look far down the depth chart to scrounge up a pair of full-backs to play this Saturday. The most intriguing option is starting right winger, Paul Arriola. He has played some full-back for the team in the past. Other options include homegrown center-back, Jalen Robinson, and rookie right-back, Akeem Ward.

D.C. have still allowed just five goals in six matches, and four of those were surrendered in the match against LAFC. The attack struggled to find opportunities without Rooney, but they should find their rhythm again if he returns.

Just a week ago, they looked like a top-three bet to win the MLS Cup. However, they may be in some trouble again when they travel to Colorado, especially if Rooney is unavailable or limited to a minor role coming off the bench.

D.C. United are away against the Colorado Rapids this Saturday at 9 PM EST

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