GOAL takes a look at some of the major MLS storylines emerging ahead of Matchday 24
Matchday 24 is here, and is highlighted by a massive rivalry. On Saturday, Supporters' Shield-leading FC Cincinnati hosts fourth-place Eastern Conference foes Columbus Crew in another edition of the Hell is Real derby, while in Southern Florida, things heat up for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami..
The host a red-hot Nashville SC as two of the East's finest go head-to-head. A victory for B.J. Callaghan's side on the road could be pivotal in their hopes for an Eastern Conference title.
In the West, Dejan Joveljic and Sporting Kansas City host the Seattle Sounders as the red-hot Serbian forward looks to keep his goalscoring prowess going.
GOAL dives into all that and more in The Kickoff, a weekly preview of each MLS Matchday.
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Both teams arrive on four-match unbeaten streaks. In their first meeting this season, the Crew and FC Cincy played to a 1-1 draw at Lower.com Field. Saturday's meeting will pit the Ohio rivals head-to-head once more, as their historic rivalry takes center stage.
FCC sit first in the Eastern Conference and atop the Supporters' Shield standings heading, while the Crew narrowly trail, just four points behind. A victory for Wilfried Nancy's men would see them close the gap to one point, while a win for the hosts could push their lead in the conference up to four points – depending on other results from around the league.
The Crew comes in with loads of confidence, having secured results against the Philadelphia Union and the Seattle Sounders over the past two Matchdays, while FCC arrives off four-straight wins, highlighted by a recent 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportJoveljic has Sporting dreaming
SKC is on a three-match unbeaten streak, and in their last nine matches, have found results in six. The streak of form arrived after an abysmal start to the campaign – winless in their first six matches, with longtime manager Peter Vermes sacked during the stretch.
Spearheading their positive run right now is striker Dejan Joveljic, whom they acquired for $4M from the LA Galaxy ahead of the campaign. The Serbian international has registered a goal contribution in seven of their last nine, and leads the team in scoring with 12 goals.
When they host the Sounders, it will be their first meeting of the season – but a pivotal one for both clubs. With a victory, SKC would move up to 26 points, which – pending other results – could see them shoot up into a playoff spot in the West. Seattle, meanwhile, sit fifth in the West and with a win, could climb as high as fourth.
Getty Images SportNashville's big moment
The surprise performers of the current MLS campaign, Nashville SC, have an opportunity to prove any doubters wrong when they take the pitch at Chase Stadium Saturday. It will be their biggest test of the campaign, but with their red-hot form, anything is possible.
Current Golden Boot leader Sam Surridge, who has 16 goals on the season, will lead the line for B.J.Callaghan's men, with 2022 league MVP Hany Mukhtar looking to support him.
Messi recently made MLS history, becoming the first player to record multiple goal contributions in four-straight matches, as the South Beach club defeated the New England Revolution midweek.
The competed at the FIFA Club World Cup this summer and will now be playing their third match in seven days. With a win, Nashville could move up atop the East and the Supporters' Shield standings, while Miami could climb as high as fourth with all three points.
ImagnWhat's trending?
+ With one goal and two assists against Miami Saturday, Nashville's Hany Mukhtar would become the fifth player in MLS history to score at least 10 goals and record 10 assists in four different seasons.
+ With a win over Real Salt Lake Saturday, Houston Dynamo manager Ben Olsen would become the seventh coach in MLS history to reach 150 career regular-season victories.
+ With a goal or an assist against the Sounders, Joveljic would tie striker Diego Rubio for the second-longest goal contribution streak in club history.
