The 2023 MLS playoffs are not too far off, which will make the upcoming games over the next weeks that much more crucial for the teams hoping to compete in the post-season tournament.
Here's all you need to know ahead of matchday 30 in MLS.
How to watch Matchday 30 in the 2023 MLS season
Matchday 30 gets underway on Saturday, as New York City welcome Vancouver Whitecaps. Although the hosts come into this game having beaten Montreal 2-0, their dismal form, which has seen them win just two of their last 18 ties, means that they likely will be the underdogs against Vancouver, who have won four of their last five games and have moved into fifth spot in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, Eastern Conference leaders Cincinnati have already clinched a spot in the play-offs following their hard-fought 2-1 win over Atlanta United last round. Pat Noonan's side are still unbeaten at home this season but will welcome an Orlando City team who have been in excellent form lately and have lost just two of their last 16 MLS fixtures.
Naturally, many eyes will be on the Los Angeles vs Inter Miami game, which will take place as the final match of matchday 30 on Sunday. Inter Miami's winning streak ended last time out as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw with Nashville, and it marked the first time Lionel Messi didn't score, either. Gerardo "Tata" Martino's side still have a huge mountain to climb after a poor start to the season and will need to secure three points in that game in order to keep up their hopes of snatching a spot in the playoffs.
Some fans, especially those in the USA will be able to follow some of these games on TV or via live-streaming, with Fox Sports 1, Foxsports.com, Fox Deportes, Sling TV, and FuboTV offering coverage of some matches while Sirius XM also provides coverage via the radio. However, for those who can't access MLS games via TV or prefer a more flexible option, MLS Season Pass offers live streaming of MLS matches in over 100 countries worldwide.
Here is the full list of games for this upcoming round.
Top news of the week in Major League Soccer
MLS teams provide three players for Argentina ahead of World Cup qualifiers
Argentina, who are the reigning world champions after winning the World Cup in 2022, will be preparing to qualify for the 2026 edition of the competition later this month. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has called up a very diverse squad comprised of players playing their club football all over the world. It's no shock that Lionel Messi, who's playing his club football for Inter Miami, has been included, as the 36-year-old prepares to take part in his sixth World Cup qualifying competition. Additional MLS representatives include Thiago Almada, who was part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup winning team and plays for Atlanta United and newcomer Alan Velasco, who plies his trade for FC Dallas.
Cincinnati already into playoffs with several games to spare
Pat Noonan's side have had an outstanding season, and the Orange and Blue's efforts have paid off as they are the first team to secure a spot in the post-season play-offs. With that tournament not to take place for several months, Cincinnati will certainly be looking to put themselves in contention to clinch the Supporters' Shield and could potentially break the single season points record of 73 set by the New England Revolution back in 2021.
Next up for the Eastern Conference leaders will be a tie against Orland City, who also have been in solid form and could potentially challenge Cincinnati's quest to maintain their unbeaten streak at home.
Make sure to check out our special Major League Soccer page here at LiveSoccerTV.com for full broadcast info, match updates, news, and more.
