Every week we are getting some interesting games in the 2023 MLS season, and this week's clashes should not be any different with most teams involved in the race to reach the playoffs.
It is safe to say that there have been some disappointments in this campaign, such as the LA Galaxy and their winless run after seven games. Nevertheless, teams like St. Louis City (who are back at the top of the Western Conference) and the New England Revolution have delighted their fans with some top-caliber football. Both leaders will try to hold on to their spots, with stiff competition coming from the LAFC and Cincinnati FC, respectively.
Speaking of the defending champions, the team led by Carlos Vela will want to hold on to their unbeaten status in their clash against Nashville, a team that has struggled to win games but who are capable of putting up a fight against better-ranked teams. Another match to keep an eye on will be Chicago Fire's visit to Atlanta, with the team from the Windy City ready to keep their five-game streak without a loss going.
Without further ado, here's what you should keep in mind before Matchweek nine kicks off.
How to watch Matchweek 9 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 Philadelphia Union vs Toronto, two struggling teams in the Eastern Conference. Later on Saturday, fans in Canada will be able to tune in to watch Seattle vs Minnesota United, where the Sounders try to recover the top spot in the West. Last, but not least, the Atlanta United vs Chicago Fire will be aired on Fox Sports 1 and on TSN3, putting an end to this week's games. The rest of the fixtures for Matchday 9 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
Tyler Boyd's goal in El Tráfico helps him earn Goal of the Matchday honors
It is always special to score your first goal with a club, but things are maximized when that goal earns the honor of being the best in a week. That was what happened to Tyler Boyd, who had his special moment for the LA Galaxy in El Tráfico, giving his team a momentary draw against the LAFC. Unfortunately for Boyd, his effort was not enough to give the Galaxy any points, but if he is able to keep up the good form, his team's supporters will certainly enjoy his antics on the pitch.
Have a look at Boyd's goal to earn this week's trophy here (Image might be geo-restricted).
When your first goal for @LAGalaxy was an absolute stunner.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 19, 2023
Tyler Boyd is your @ATT 5G Goal of the Matchday winner. https://t.co/V9f2p5husa pic.twitter.com/j63EJHOeuJ
MLS fine New England Revolution midfielder after red card incident
New England Revolution's most recent game had a bit of controversy following Dylan Borrero's sending off, and the league has taken further action against the midfielder for taunting his rivals after being handed a red card.
Borrero did not leave the pitch immediately after being booked, but the main problem came when he taunted the player he had tackled and got into an argument with some of Columbus' footballers. The league has taken swift action against Borrero, and aside from his suspension, he has been handed an undisclosed fine for his taunts after being sent off.
Colorado Rapids bid farewell to homegrown player
The Colorado Rapids have been struggling to get wins, and in an attempt to add veteran talent to their roster, the team made the decision to part ways with Dantouma Touré, one of their homegrown strikers and who showed some promise in his little time on the pitch.
The 18-year-old Touré will have time to recover from an ACL injury, which has kept him on the sidelines fr the start of this season.
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