MLS Matchday 31 Preview: Cincinnati vs Philadelphia, Son’s LAFC Home Debut, and Key Playoff Races

The MLS playoff picture is becoming clearer on Matchday 31. Three teams have a chance to book their postseason spot, while three others could be eliminated from contention. The weekend’s major games feature Cincinnati against Philadelphia, Minnesota versus Portland, and Son Heung-Min’s much-anticipated home debut for LAFC against San Diego FC.

In the Eastern Conference, FC Cincinnati will host Philadelphia Union, the current Supporters’ Shield leaders, on Saturday. Cincinnati is only two points behind Philadelphia and hopes to end a recent three-game losing streak at home. Forward Brenner, who has returned on loan from Udinese, could make his second debut for the team. He joins a forward line with Evander and Kevin Denkey, who have scored 29 goals between them. Cincinnati can clinch a playoff berth with a win, provided the New York Red Bulls-Columbus match has a favorable outcome. Philadelphia can also secure their spot with at least a draw, also depending on the result of that same game.

In the West, Minnesota United will play against the Portland Timbers. If Minnesota wins, they will reach 53 points, matching their best-ever season total with five games still remaining. With Tani Oluwaseyi no longer on the team, Minnesota will look to Joaquín Pereyra, Kelvin Yeboah, Robin Lod, and new player Dominik Fitz to lead their offense. Portland, sitting in sixth place, has not won a match since the Leagues Cup. They will rely on recent signings Felipe Carballo, Matías Rojas, and Kristoffer Velde, along with midfielder David Da Costa.

On Sunday, Son Heung-Min is set to play his first home game for LAFC. The South Korean star has already made a strong start, scoring an impressive free kick that won Goal of the Matchday and also providing an assist in his first few matches. LAFC is currently in fifth place with games in hand and is aiming for a fourth consecutive top-four finish. Their opponent, the new expansion team San Diego, has already qualified for the playoffs. They have a chance to tie the expansion team record for wins (17) and are also competing for the Supporters’ Shield with key players like Anders Dreyer, Chucky Lozano, and Jeppe Tverskov.

In other news, the playoff hopes for Toronto, Montréal, or Atlanta are on the line this weekend. Their potential elimination will depend on their own results as well as the outcome of the Red Bulls’ game.