We are almost reaching the ten-game border in this MLS season, but things will be a bit different this time around after the outcome of last week's games.
For starters, Cincinnati and Seattle Sounders are now the best teams in their respective conferences, with New England and St. Louis City following them closely. While their games this week will be compelling to watch, the clash to determine the best team in this MLS season in California will have two title contenders battling each other in a quite popular fixture.
Elsewhere in the league, teams such as Atlanta United, Dallas, or the Columbus Crew will try to show the best possible form to keep themselves in contention to prove they are playoff material in the 2023 MLS season.
Without further ado, here's what you should keep in mind before Matchweek eight kicks off.
How to watch Matchweek 8 in the 2023 MLS season?
Fans in the U.S. and Canada will be able to watch select games on regular TV networks. The first one of those will be CF Montreal vs D.C. United, where both teams will try to leave the lower half of the Eastern Conference with a win in this match. The other fixture available on linear TV channels needs no introduction as El Tráfico, most commonly known as Los Angeles Galaxy vs Los Angeles FC will be the other fixture fans will enjoy in regular outlets. These teams will play their game in hand from Matchweek 1, which got postponed due to harsh weather conditions in California. The rest of this week's games will be available to be streamed in over 100 countries via MLS Season Pass.
Here is the full list of games for this weekend.
Top news of the week in Major League Soccer
MLS reveal investigation after alleged incident in New York vs San José clash
Reports coming in after the game between New York and San José revealed a disgusting situation, where alleged offensive language was used by a Red Bulls' footballer against one of his rivals. The league has already has already taken matters into its own hands to determine a possible sanction.
"Major League Soccer is aware of an incident wherein a New York Red Bulls player is alleged to have used language that violates league policy during the 54th minute of the New York Red Bulls vs. San Jose Earthquakes match. MLS has zero tolerance for abusive and offensive language and takes these allegations seriously. An investigation into this matter will begin promptly," the league stated in a press release.
Joshua Atencio claims Goal of the Matchday honors with first-ever MLS goal
It is not a common thing to see a player earning the top honor in the league with their first goal, but this week's award will show a different story, as Seattle Sounders' own Joshua Atencio will have an award to show for after his stunning kick from outside the box to lead the Rave Green to a 3-0 win over St. Louis City this past weekend.
Have a look at Atencio's stunner here (Image might be geo-restricted).
When your first MLS goal was a straight up banger.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 12, 2023
Joshua Atencio is your @ATT 5G Goal of the Matchday winner. https://t.co/z8Offbrljx pic.twitter.com/giA8vVOPql
Atlanta United's Brad Guzan out for 10-12 weeks due to knee injury
Veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan has handed Atlanta United a major blow, as the shot-stopper will not be guarding the team's net due to an untimely MCL injury.
The player's recovery time will go from ten to twelve weeks, meaning that Guzan may become available to play until mid-July, when the Leagues Cup between Liga MX and MLS clubs is unfolding.
Atlanta United will have to decide who will take Guzan's place until his return between Quentin Westberg and Clement Diop, two players who have played over 50 games in the competition.
For additional details regarding Major League Soccer's schedule, top scorers, and more, visit our bespoke MLS website here.
