#MLSisBack 2019: Every game matters – This Week in MLS

• #MLSisBack 2019: Every game matters

• FC Cincinnati to face the giants early

• Pity Martinez among top newcomers primed to light MLS on fire

• Academy products set to shine in MLS after breaking out with U.S. MNT

• WE ARE LAFC documentary airing exclusively on ESPN+

• Week 1 Notes

#MLSisBack 2019: Every game matters

The 24th season of Major League Soccer is off and running this weekend, and more so than any previous year, the message of #MLSisBack is that every game matters.

The top seven teams from the Western Conference and top seven teams from the Eastern Conference will advance to the postseason, and the No. 1 seed in each conference earns a first-round bye. The postseason starts on Oct. 19, and MLS Cup takes place on Nov. 10 to cap off a three-week sprint to the finish line, where 10 different clubs have hoisted the past 12 Philip F. Anschutz Trophies.

The legwork starts this Saturday and Sunday, with all 24 clubs squaring off in 12 matches. Atlanta United, led by the 25-year-old star tandem of 2018 Landon Donovan MLS MVP Josef Martinez and 2018 South American Player of the Year Gonzalo “Pity Martinez, begin their MLS Cup defense when they visit D.C. United on Sunday at Audi Field (6 p.m. ET / ESPN, ESPN Deportes, TSN). MLS newcomers FC Cincinnati make their league debut when they travel to face Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday at CenturyLink Field (10 p.m. ET / FS1, FOX Deportes).

FC Cincinnati set to face the giants early

On Saturday, it will be all business for expansion side FC Cincinnati, as the 24th club to join MLS brings the momentum of an electric fanbase into an introductory uphill climb. First facing off on the road against Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday (10 p.m. ET / FS1, FOX Deportes), this MLS newcomer gets its feet wet early against an experienced Sounders FC side that has appeared in two of the past three MLS Cups, claiming the title in 2016.

The challenge of Seattle’s well-rounded attack, that features Peruvian star Raúl Ruidíaz as a target for Nico Lodeiro and Cristian Roldan, could gain even more firepower with the return of Homegrown forward Jordan Morris. FC Cincinnati, on the other hand, have some weapons and experience of their own with 6-foot-4 striker Fanendo Adi leading the attack, defensive stalwart Kendall Waston commanding the backline, and versatile left back Greg Garza creating chances from the flank.

With all eyes on the newest club in MLS, how will FC Cincinnati make their mark on Opening Weekend?

Pity Martinez among top young newcomers primed to light MLS on fire

Clubs across MLS continue to sign young dynamic players with international flare, as the more than 75 international newcomers signed so far this offseason average 25 years of age, in line with last season’s mark that ranked as the youngest in league history. Among the most high-profile signings in league history, 25-year-old midfielder Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez joins Atlanta United after helping Argentine side River Plate to a 2018 Copa Libertadores title and being named the 2018 South American Player of the Year. Martinez will make his MLS debut on Sunday against D.C. United at Audi Field (6 p.m. ET / ESPN, ESPN Deportes, TSN), mere months after receiving his first cap with the Argentina National Team.

Also debuting in Sunday’s match will be 21-year-old midfielder Lucas Rodríguez, who joins D.C. United from Argentine club Estudiantes where he will team with Luciano Acosta and Wayne Rooney to form a dangerous attacking trio.

Another high-profile offseason signing set to debut is New York City FC’s 24-year-old midfielder Alexandru Mitriță, with the Romania National Team star facing Orlando City SC on the road on Saturday for his first action in MLS (2:30 p.m. ET / Univision, Twitter). With experience playing in Italy’s Serie A, Mitriță hopes to begin a new era for NYCFC with a strong showing in front of the Purple Wall of Orlando City Stadium.

Academy products set to shine in MLS after breaking out with U.S. MNT

MLS clubs continue to push all their chips in on Academy products to perform for their clubs with great results to show, as four of the five leading clubs in minutes played by Academy products in 2018 made the postseason. Young Homegrown stars will look to continue to lift their clubs this season with several clubs showing a commitment to “play their kids” in 2019. FC Dallas begin a new era as former Academy Director and now Head Coach Luchi Gonzalez takes over and will rely on a number of Academy products including 20-year-old U.S. MNT defender Reggie Cannon and 19-year-old midfielder Paxton Pomykal, who is expected to represent the United States in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in May.

The Chicago Fire’s 20-year-old Homegrown midfielder Djordje Mihailović experienced a breakout January with the U.S. MNT after returning from injury late in 2018 and will be the main cog linking iconic Bastian Schweinsteiger and 2017 MLS Golden Boot winner Nemanja Nikolić in the Fire midfielder when taking on the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday (8 p.m. ET / FS1, FOX Sports Go, FOX Deportes).

Saturday could also see a triumphant return from injury from 24-year-old Homegrown forward Jordan Morris who missed all of 2018 with a knee injury. The U.S. MNT regular looks to have regained his speed during the preseason and will make his return on Saturday when Seattle Sounders FC host expansion side FC Cincinnati at CenturyLink Field (10 p.m. ET / FS1, FOX Sports Go, FOX Deportes).

WE ARE LAFC documentary airing exclusively on ESPN+

ESPN+ and Major League Soccer on Monday released a 10-part, all-access documentary, WE ARE LAFC, chronicling the highly-acclaimed first season by the Los Angeles Football Club. With exclusive behind-the-scenes access, LAFC and its star power – both on the field and off – create an authentic look into the club’s 2018 campaign, which featured the top expansion regular-season performance in MLS history and advancement to the 2018 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

WE ARE LAFC serves as a prelude to the ESPN broadcast of the club’s 2019 opener this Sunday against 2018 Western Conference regular-season frontrunners Sporting Kansas City. Kickoff from Banc of California Stadium is at 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPN Deportes).

MLS Regular Season: Week 1 Notes

Saturday, March 2

Philadelphia Union vs. Toronto FC, 1 p.m. ET (TSN 1/4)

• Toronto FC have a three-game winning streak alive in the series – all by shutout. TFC won both meetings a year ago – a 3-0 victory on May 4 at BMO Field, and a 2-0 win on June 8 at Talen Energy Stadium. The Union have not scored in their past 287 minutes played against Toronto FC.

• TFC’s undefeated streak in the series is even longer – now four years long. The last Union victory vs. Toronto FC came on Sept. 6, 2014, a 2-0 win at BMO Field. TFC has won seven of the nine matches since, with two draws.

• Toronto FC fell 4-0 to CA Independiente of La Chorrera in Panamá in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions League round-of-16 match on Feb. 19. The return leg will be played Tuesday at BMO Field (8 p.m. ET).

• The Union completed their preseason preparations on Saturday with a 2-1 win against the USL Championship’s Ottawa Fury FC in Florida. The Union also defeated D.C. United 2-1, and lost to the Montréal Impact 1-0, in preseason contests vs. MLS opponents.

Orlando City SC vs. New York City FC, 2:30 p.m. ET (Univision)

• NYCFC have a four-game winning streak alive in the series – all by shutout. NYCFC won all three meetings a season ago: wins by 2-0 and 3-0 at Yankee Stadium on March 17 and June 2, and a 2-0 win on July 26 at Orlando City Stadium. Orlando City have not scored a goal in their past 399 minutes played vs. New York City FC.

• NYCFC have won the past two meetings in Orlando, outscoring Orlando City 5-0 in the matches.

• Orlando claimed the inaugural preseason Orlando City Invitational, winning the tournament on goal differential following a 2-1 win vs. New York City FC, and a 6-2 triumph against the New England Revolution.

• NYCFC completed their preseason with a 2-0 win against USL Championship side Nashville SC in Nashville, the goals coming from Alexandru Mitriţă and Maxi Moralez. NYCFC suffered a pair of losses to MLS opposition in the preseason Orlando City Invitational, falling 1-0 to Minnesota United FC after opening with a 2-1 defeat by host Orlando City. NYCFC also traveled to Abu Dhabi during preseason, where they lost 2-0 to FC Copenhagen (Denmark) and drew 1-1 with AIK (Sweden).

Columbus Crew SC vs. New York Red Bulls, 4:30 p.m. ET

• Crew SC have a three-game undefeated streak in the series in league play, winning 3-2 at Red Bull Arena on July 28 after the teams reached a 1-1 draw on June 9 at Mapfre Stadium. The Red Bulls have not won in Columbus since March 28, 2015, a span of four games; Crew SC have won two of those, with two draws.

• The teams also met in the Eastern Conference Semifinals a year ago. Crew SC won the first leg 1-0 at home, but the Red Bulls took the second leg 3-0 at Red Bull Arena, winning the series 3-1 on aggregate.

• Crew SC concluded their preseason in impressive fashion, rolling to a 3-0 win against expansion side FC Cincinnati in the finale of the Carolina Challenge Cup. Gyasi Zardes scored twice in the first competitive meeting of the Ohio rivals in MLS. Crew SC recorded two 1-1 draws previously in the event, vs. hosts the Charleston Battery and vs. the Chicago Fire, going undefeated through six preseason matches, including a 4-2 win at the Los Angeles Football Club.

• The Red Bulls opened their Concacaf Champions League campaign on the right foot, defeating Atlético Pantoja of the Dominican Republic 2-0 in the first leg of their round-of-16 series in Santo Domingo. An own goal and Daniel Royer tally gave the Red Bulls the margin; the return match is Wednesday at Red Bull Arena.

FC Dallas vs. New England Revolution, 4:30 p.m. ET

• FC Dallas have won the past seven meetings between the teams, including a 1-0 victory last April 14 at Gillette Stadium in the only encounter between the clubs.

• The Revolution have not won in Frisco since 2008; FCD has taken five consecutive home wins vs. New England. The Revolution goal there in the last meeting in 2017 was their first in Frisco in 394 minutes, their first at Toyota Stadium since 2010.

• FCD has won the past three meetings at Gillette Stadium, its first wins in Foxborough since 2003. The Revolution last won at home vs. FC Dallas in 2011; they have scored one goal in the three home meetings since.

• FC Dallas concluded their preseason preparations with a 2-1 win vs. the New York Red Bulls on Saturday at the Mobile Mini Sun Cup in Tucson, Ariz., behind a pair of goals from tournament MVP Jesús Ferreira. FCD also claimed preseason wins against MLS opposition with 2-1 wins against both Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders FC.

• The Revolution completed their preseason with a 2-1 win vs. KR Reykjavik of Iceland on Saturday in Bradenton, Fla., with goals from Luis Caicedo and Cristian Penilla. The Revs also traveled to Marbella, Spain during their preparations, while also suffering a pair of losses to MLS sides in the Orlando City Invitational, falling 1-0 to Minnesota United FC and 6-2 to host Orlando City.

Colorado Rapids vs. Portland Timbers, 6 p.m. ET

• The Timbers have won the past three meetings between the teams, including both matchups a season ago – a 3-2 win on May 26 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and a 2-0 win on Sept. 8 at Providence Park.

• The visiting team has won just three times in the all-time series, the Timbers winning twice in Commerce City, Colo., over the last four seasons. The Timbers have an eight-game home winning streak alive vs. Colorado; the Rapids’ lone win in Portland came on June 11, 2011.

• The Rapids completed their preseason with a 3-1 win vs. the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park over the weekend, getting a pair of goals from Diego Rubio and one from Kei Kamara. The Rapids also faced MLS opposition in a 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati, and a 2-0 win vs. Toronto FC.

• The Timbers concluded their preseason preparations with a 3-0 win vs. Real Salt Lake in the Mobile Mini Sun Cup in Tucson, Ariz. on Saturday, getting goals from Jeremy Ebobisse, Andy Polo and Sebastian Blanco. The Timbers started preseason with a trip to Costa Rica which featured wins vs. Deportivo Saprissa (4-0) and CS Herediano (3-1), and also saw a 2-1 win vs. Seattle Sounders FC and a 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls in Tucson.

Houston Dynamo vs. Real Salt Lake, 6 p.m. ET

• Real won both meetings a season ago, both by 2-1 scorelines, winning on May 30 at Rio Tinto Stadium, then coming from a goal down with two goals in stoppage time for the victory on Aug. 18 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

• The two RSL wins last year ended a four-game Dynamo undefeated streak in the series. Real have won three of the past five meetings Houston, their first wins ever there; RSL suffered eight defeats and one draw in its first nine in road games against the Dynamo.

• The Dynamo claimed a big win in the Concacaf Champions League, defeating CD Guastatoya 1-0 in Guatemala in the first leg of their round-of-16 set on Tuesday. DaMarcus Beasley scored the game’s only goal; the return match is set for Tuesday at BBVA Compass Stadium.

• Real closed their preseason preparations with a 3-0 loss against the Portland Timbers at the Mobile Mini Sun Cup in Tucson, Ariz. The tournament also included a 2-1 loss to FC Dallas in their only other competition against MLS opposition. RSL’s preseason began with a trip to Hawaii for the Pacific Rim Cup, defeating Iwaki FC of Japan 2-1, but falling 3-1 to V-Varen Nagasaki.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Minnesota United FC, 6 p.m. ET (TSN 1/4)

• The teams split their season series a year ago, each winning on their home ground. MNUFC won 1-0 on May 5 at TCF Bank Stadium, their first win ever against Vancouver. Whitecaps FC then won 4-2 on July 28 at BC Place, their second win in two home meetings vs. Minnesota United.

• Whitecaps FC concluded their preseason preparations with a 1-0 loss vs. the Los Angeles Football Club on Saturday at Banc of California Stadium, a southern California trip that also included draws vs. the LA Galaxy (0-0) and Club Tijuana of Mexico (1-1). Whitecaps FC also played in the Pacific Rim Cup in Honolulu, suffering a pair of defeats by Japanese clubs in a 3-1 loss to V-Varen Nagasaki and a 1-0 defeat by Iwaki FC.

• MNUFC completed their training camp following a closed-door scrimmage vs. Orlando City SC on Saturday at Orlando City Stadium. Minnesota United also posted a pair of 1-0 wins against MLS sides in the preseason Orlando City Invitational, defeating New York City FC and the New England Revolution.

LA Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire, 8 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX Deportes)

• The Galaxy have not lost to the Fire since 2010, a 3-2 Chicago victory in Carson on Aug. 1. In the 10 meetings since, the Galaxy have won six, with four draws. The Galaxy won the lone meeting between the teams last season, winning by the game’s lone goal April 14 in Bridgeview, Ill.

• The Galaxy are undefeated in the past four meetings between the teams at Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly named StubHub Center. The Fire have not defeated the Galaxy in Bridgeview since 2008, with three draws and four losses in seven home meetings since.

• The Galaxy concluded their preseason with a 3-1 loss vs. the Colorado Rapids at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday, the lone goal scored by Zlatan Ibrahimović. The Galaxy also reached draws with Toronto FC (1-1) and Vancouver Whitecaps FC (0-0) in matches vs. MLS opposition.

• The Fire concluded their preseason with a 1-0 win against host Charleston Battery in the Carolina Challenge Cup, the game’s only goal coming from Fabian Herbers. The Fire ended the tournament undefeated, with 1-1 draws vs. FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew SC. The Fire’s preseason also included a stint in Spain, where they defeated second division side CF Fuenlabrada 1-0 and drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid B.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Montreal Impact, 10 p.m. ET

• The Impact won the lone meeting between the teams a year ago, a 2-0 victory on July 14 at Stade Saputo. The Impact have won all four meetings all-time at Stade Saputo.

• The Earthquakes won the last meeting between the teams at Avaya Stadium, a 1-0 victory in the season opener in 2017, their only win ever vs. the Impact in league play (in seven meetings all-time). The Impact were undefeated vs. the Earthquakes in the first five league meetings.

• The Quakes finished their preseason preparations with a 2-2 draw vs. Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday at Avaya Stadium, as Chris Wondolowski scored a pair of goals (both from the penalty spot). The Quakes also defeated the Los Angeles Football Club 3-0 in their only other preseason match vs. MLS opposition.

• The Impact ended their preseason training camp with a 3-0 win vs. D.C. United on Saturday in the Rowdies Suncoast Invitational in Tampa, getting goals from Ignacio Piatti, Maxi Urruti and Mathieu Choinière. The Impact also defeated the Philadelphia Union 1-0 during the event, also drawing 1-1 with FC Cincinnati earlier in other matches vs. MLS opposition.

Seattle Sounders FC vs. FC Cincinnati, 10 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX Deportes)

• For a second consecutive season, Sounders FC will provide the opposition for an expansion club making its MLS debut. Last year, the Los Angeles Football Club defeated Sounders FC 1-0 at CenturyLink Field on March 4 in their inaugural league match.

• Since coming into MLS, Sounders FC have lost just twice in their first meeting with an expansion club, the loss to LAFC last year their first to a first-year club since a 4-1 defeat by the Montréal Impact in 2012. Sounders FC are now 4-2-3 in their first match vs. expansion sides

• Sounders FC completed their preparations with a 2-2 draw vs. the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday at Avaya Stadium, getting both goals from Victor Rodríguez. Sounders FC suffered a 2-0 loss to Club Nacional de Football of Uruguay in a high-profile preparatory match at CenturyLink Field on Feb. 20; the preseason also saw losses to the Houston Dynamo (3-2), Portland Timbers (2-1) and FC Dallas (1-0) at the Mobile Mini Sun Cup in Tucson, Ariz.

• FC Cincinnati ended their inaugural MLS preseason with a 3-0 defeat in their first competitive match against in-state rival Columbus Crew SC in the Carolina Challenge Cup. FCC suffered just one defeat in the first six preseason matches, which included a 1-0 win vs. the Colorado Rapids and 1-1 draws with the Montréal Impact and D.C. United in Bradenton, Fla.

Sunday, March 3

D.C. United vs. Atlanta United FC, 6 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPN Deportes, TSN)

• Home form ruled in the 2018 series between the clubs, each winning by 3-1 scorelines on their own ground. Atlanta United won twice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium – on March 11 and July 21 – and D.C. United won on Sept. 2 at Audi Field.

• Atlanta’s wins were their first against D.C. United, who took all three meetings in ATLUTD’s expansion season, winning 3-1 at Bobby Dodd Stadium on April 30 before taking the next two at RFK Stadium.

• D.C. United ended their preseason camp with a 3-0 defeat vs. the Montréal Impact in the Rowdies Suncoast Invitational in Tampa. United also suffered a 2-1 loss to the Philadelphia Union in the event, while drawing 1-1 with FC Cincinnati earlier in preseason in matches against MLS opposition.

• Atlanta United suffered a 3-1 loss to CS Herediano in Costa Rica in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions League round-of-16 series on Thursday. The return leg is set for Thursday at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Ga. ATLUTD’s preparations also included draws vs. the Los Angeles Football Club and the LA Galaxy in southern California, along with a 7-1 win vs. Seattle Sounders FC in a 120-minute scrimmage.

Los Angeles Football Club vs. Sporting Kansas City, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPN Deportes, TSN)

• Sporting won the first two meetings ever between the clubs in 2018, a 2-0 victory on Aug. 11 at Banc of California Stadium, and a 2-1 win on Decision Day (Oct. 28) at Children’s Mercy Park.

• LAFC completed its preseason with a 1-0 win against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday at Banc of California Stadium, the game’s only goal coming from Carlos Vela. LAFC also faced MLS opposition in a 3-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes, a 2-2 draw with Atlanta United and a 4-2 defeat by Columbus Crew SC during a preseason camp that also included a 4-1 win against Vissel Kobe of Japan in a nearly sold-out Banc of California Stadium on Jan. 31.

• Sporting rolled to a 3-0 win vs. CD Toluca FC of Mexico on Thursday in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions League round-of-16 series at Children’s Mercy Park, behind goals from Krisztian Nemeth, Gerso Fernandes and Ilie Sánchez. Sporting concluded their preparations going undefeated in six games in Arizona, including a 4-1 win and 1-1 draw vs. the Houston Dynamo.