GOAL takes a look at some of the major MLS storylines emerging ahead of Matchday 20
Major League Soccer's midseason break is officially in the books, and teams return to play Wednesday evening for Matchday 20 of the MLS campaign. The second stretch of the season begins for the league, and some brilliant matches are on the cards as teams report to the pitch for a midweek showing.
In the West, a battle between No. 1 and No. 2 arrives as the Vancouver Whitecaps host San Diego FC in the most high-profile contest of the Matchday. Just two points separate the two sides, and with a sin, SDFC climb to the top of the conference, while a victory for the hosts could see them move to the top of the Supporters' Shield standings – but only if Philadelphia loses.
The Union will be looking to make sure that doesn't happen, but the Chicago Fire are looking to torch that plan as Gregg Berhalter's men host the league leaders in an Eastern Conference clash.
Meanwhile, a pivotal contest arrives for two Eastern Conference sides in Atlanta United and the Columbus Crew. Both clubs had a May to forget, and the Crew are looking to re-establish themselves at the top while the look to put their early-season struggles behind them.
GOAL dives into all that and more in The Kickoff, a weekly preview of each MLS Matchday.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportBerhalter out to light up the East
The Fire enter Wednesday’s match in strong form, unbeaten in seven of their last eight across all competitions, including six wins. In their past nine games, they've lost just twice, emerging as one of the league’s hottest teams in recent weeks. Now they’ll aim to carry that momentum into their biggest test of the season: a home clash with the Supporters' Shield-leading Union.
Gregg Berhalter’s squad is coming off a 2-0 loss to Nashville SC but will look to rebound at Soldier Field, where results have been hard to come by. The Fire have managed just one home win this season, posting a 1-2-4 record at Soldier Field. However, after a 10-day break, they'll hope to reset and begin the second half of the campaign on a positive note against the Union.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, can't afford a hiccup here if they want to maintain control at the top of the league and the Eastern Conference. They currently sit atop the league standings, leading the Whitecaps by two points, but Vancouver has a game in hand over them. Three points are the only way they can control their destiny, and manager Bradley Carnell will know that. Across all competitions, they enter the Matchday with a 12-game unbeaten streak.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportAtlanta, Columbus looking to ignore poor stretches
Atlanta have been shut out in their last two matches, conceding a combined six goals. In their last 12 matches across all competitions, they've won just two games, too. Nothing has gone right for the club to start 2025, with the currently sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference on just 17 points through 18 games played.
After a break from play where manager Ronny Deila was given time to re-evaluate their approach, and players themselves were able to take a small break, they'll look to fully kickstart their season with a big victory over an Eastern Conference contender in the Crew. With all three of Emmanuel Latte Lath, Miguel Almiron, and Alexey Miranchuk available, Atlanta will look to secure a big three points on the road.
Columbus, meanwhile, won just one of their seven matches across the month of May, but still pulled out three draws during the stretch. Despite their setback, they're still fourth in the East and on 31 points, though they don't have a ton of momentum and confidence in their pocket.
It's a big match for both teams, but for different reasons.
Getty Images SportThe West's elite meet
San Diego FC are coming off an absolutely massive victory over Minnesota United on Matchday 19, and have all the momentum and confidence in the world. Their rather impressive road record of 4-4-0 has shown they have what it takes to secure results away from home, and they'll look to do exactly that this weekend against Vancouver at BC Place.
Led by star winger Anders Dreyer, who has 17 goal contributions in 18 matches, they'll look to secure all three points and move atop the Western Conference standings with a victory.
The Whitecaps, meanwhile, will look to overcome adversity once again with their depleted roster due to the Gold Cup.
Sebastian Berhalter and Brian White are with the USMNT, while Jayden Nelson is with Canada. Ali Ahmed and Sam Adekugbe were both with as well, but departed the camp due to injury.
In Vancouver's last match, a 2-1 loss to the Columbus Crew, it was clearly evident that they were shorthanded in the match, and that won't change against SDFC on Wednesday. Now, with rest behind them – and perhaps a bit more analysis on how to play without their missing stars – the Whitecaps will look to earn a crucial three points to put pressure on Philadelphia in the race for the Supporters' Shield while certifying their spot atop the West.
GettyWhat's trending?
+ With a goal and two assists against the Whitecaps, Dreyer can become the first player this MLS season to reach multi-digit contributions in both goals and assists this season.
+ With a result against the Fire, the Union will extend its MLS unbeaten streak to 11 matches, setting a new club record for regular-season performance.
+Inter Miami take on reigning European Champions Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday at the FIFA Club World Cup. With a victory, they would advance to the Round of 16 in the tournament.