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

MLS, LAFC, Diego Rossi, Brian Rodriguez (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MLS, LAFC, Diego Rossi, Brian Rodriguez (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 16: Gyasi Zerdes #11 of Columbus Crew celebrates with Lucas Zelarrayan #10 after scoring a goal in the 22nd minute against the New York Red Bulls during a Group E match as part of the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 16, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 16: Gyasi Zerdes #11 of Columbus Crew celebrates with Lucas Zelarrayan #10 after scoring a goal in the 22nd minute against the New York Red Bulls during a Group E match as part of the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 16, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Columbus Crew Vs Minnesota United

The best team in the MLS is Back Tournament thus far against the team currently sitting second in the Western Conference. It doesn’t get much better than that.

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No team has been more entertaining to watch than the Columbus Crew. They are still yet to lose this season and have settled into Caleb Porter’s style wonderfully. Darlington Nagbe is the best midfielder in MLS, while Lucas Zelarayan has unlocked a potent offence that features the prolific Gyasi Zardes gobbling up chances created by a fluid attacking midfield trio behind him.

Porter has always desired attractive, offensive football. He wants his team to dominate possession and control matches as a result, and when it clicks, as it is doing right now for Columbus, it is wonderful to watch.

Minnesota United are not quite as free-flowing, but they are gnarly, experienced, terrific in central midfield, and difficult to beat. Even without Ike Opara, with the magic of Kevin Molina in attacking areas of the pitch, they will be hugely dangerous on the counter-attack and could yet upset one of the tournament favourites.