MLS is Back: Top 3 games to watch in Round of 16

The MLS is Back Tournament is set to enter the knockout stages with the Round of 16 commencing on Saturday. Here are the top three games to watch.

Major League Soccer is about to embark on what it does best: drama. While the quality of the play can sometimes be questioned, while the integrity and wisdom of the league is always up for debate, one thing that cannot be doubted is that the league is among the most exciting and unpredictable in the world.

The MLS is Back Tournament enters the knockout stages this weekend, with Orlando City again kicking off proceedings on Saturday evening. But of the eight Round of 16 matches to be played over the next few days, which are the best?

Here are the top three games to watch from the Round of 16 slate.

3. Philadelphia Union Vs New England Revolution

Two Eastern Conference teams that are not often thought of in the same vein as an Atlanta or Toronto, both the Philadelphia Union and New England Revolution pose young, exciting, vibrant, offensive-minded teams who could be extremely dangerous for the more well-known contenders later in the competition.

Jim Curtin’s side have settled into their role as expected winners nicely. They have one of the best midfields in MLS, led by the elegant Brenden Aaronson, and are young and exciting across the backline. They went unbeaten in the group stages and only missed out on the top spot in Group A thanks to goal difference.

The Revolution, meanwhile, are gnarly, industrious in midfield, and explosive in the attacking positions. No Carles Gil would be a major blow, of course, but Gustavo Bou has been prolific since his arrival last year, while Adam Buksa looks extremely sharp following his offseason signing. Both the Union and Revolution are oft-overlooked, but this is the most evenly matched Round of 16 contest that could be a real rip-roarer to watch.