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, St. Louis' perfect run has come to an end, and it will be time to see what the expansion team is made of. Their clash against Seattle Sounders will be a major test for the new team in town, as the Rave Green are known for their drive and for their explosive attack.
Elsewhere in the league, Cincinnati FC will welcome the Philadelphia Union with high hopes to win their match. The away side is undergoing a dip in form, since they have only won one of their last five league matches. That could be enough for the Eastern Conference leaders to build up their confidence ahead of this match, but the Union has shown previously they have what it takes to turn things around, especially after their deserved win in the CONCACAF Champions League.
Without further ado, here's what you should keep in mind before Matchweek Seven gets underway.
How to watch Matchweek 7 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 Los Angeles FC vs Austin, where the defending champions will try to extend their good form after beating Vancouver in the CONCACAF CL on Wednesday. Later that evening, Vancouver Whitecaps vs Portland Timbers will be another game being aired on TV, where both clubs will want to start to turn their seasons around after a poor start that has seen them combine for two wins in their six games. The rest of this week's meetings 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
Two players handed fines for embellishment after Matchday 6
One of the most despicable acts on a football pitch has to do with trying to fool the referee, and two footballers were not only caught red-handed, they will also have to pay the price for their actions.
Orlando City's César Araujo and Minnesota United's Franco Fragapane have been fined for simulation/embellishment during Matchday 6. Araujo's actions did not have consequences in the game, but Fragapane saw Jared Stroud being booked after the alleged aggresion, which made it even more adamant for the Disciplinary Committee to take swift action against the Argentine striker.
The fine both players will have to pay has not been disclosed.
Federico Bernardeschi claims Gaol of the Matchday honors
It is not a common kick to see an Olympic Goal being scored, and that was exactly what earned Federico Bernardeschi last week's Goal of the Matchday.
The Italian ace scored his third goal of the season with this massive effort that came from a corner kick, and even if there are more goals scored this way, this one will be remembered fondly by fans in years to come.
Have a look at Bernardeschi's gem here (Image might be geo-restricted).
That Fede Olímpico secured it. @fbernardeschi wins this week's @ATT 5G Goal of the Matchday. https://t.co/1c6aZ3f9ik pic.twitter.com/bxEdt5N4Sz
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 5, 2023
LA Galaxy's Chicharito ready to make debut in 2023 season
The start of the season has been miserable for Los Angeles Galaxy, who are yet seeking for their first win of the season after five games. Now, the team's chances of success have drastically improved with the return of former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker Chicharito. The Mexican footballer was sidelined with an injury for the first games, but his charm in front of goal will be put to good use by the struggling Los Angeles-based side.
The footballer is not expected to start right away for the Galaxy, according to coach Greg Vanney's words on his fitness levels.
"Playing for five minutes is different than playing 90 minutes. So it's just doing some of that. But he looks sharp, he looks good, getting repetitions in front of goal now because when you have a hamstring injury you can't do a lot of things obviously in front of goal at intensity and high speed," Vanney said.
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