The 2023 MLS play-offs are not to far away, meaning that every single game between now and then will be that much more decisive for the teams hoping to feature in the post-season tournament.
Here's all you need to know ahead of matchday 34 in MLS.
How to watch Matchday 34 in the 2023 MLS season
Matchday 34 gets underway on Saturday, September 22nd. Atlanta United, who ended Inter Miami's unbeaten streak two rounds ago, will hope that their strong home form will help them pick up maximum points when Montreal come to town. The hosts have scored a very impressive 57 goals so far this season, making their attack among the strongest in the league, and also will look to exploit Montreal's poor away record that has seen them win just two of their last 14 matches.
Meanwhile, Eastern Conference leaders Cincinnati will hope to end their three match winless streak when they host 12th-placed Charlotte on Saturday. Despite failing to win their last three games, Pat Noonan's side already have secured a playoff berth thanks to their comfortable nine point lead over the chasing pack. Still, despite the huge gap between the two sides, Charlotte could pose a stern test, as they have lost just one of their last 11 games.
New York City will look to heap more misery on floundering Toronto as they also hope to make a very late push for a play off berth. Given that Toronto have won just four games all season, and come into this match having lost 4-0 to Inter Miami last time out, and have yet to win a single road game, this will present a great chance for the hosts to pick up a crucial three points this weekend.
Inter Miami will look to continue their scramble to grab a spot in the playoffs as they travel to face Orlando on Sunday. Although they have climbed up into 13th spot following their 4-0 win over Toronto, Gerardo Martino's men still have a lot of work to do, and have been dealt a potential devastating blow with injuries to Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba coming into this contest. Meanwhile, Orlando, who sit in second spot, have been in excellent form this season, and have just lost three of their last 20 games.
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
Huge worry for Inter Miami as Messi and Alba looking set to miss clash against Orlando
Inter Miami have been dealt a huge blow due to injuries to key players Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, both of whom were subbed off during their team's recent win over Toronto. Despite the duo exiting in the first half, the Herons were still able to cruise to a 4-0 win against Toronto to rise to 13th spot in the table. However, there are major worries as to whether either will be able to play on Sunday against Orlando, a team who sit in second spot and have lost just three of their last 20 matches. Recent reports indicate that both Messi and Alba will not feature in Sunday's game, and it will be very interesting to see how the Herons cope in their absence.
Can the Red Bulls stage a late rally to qualify for the playoffs?
So far, the New York Red Bulls have featured in every single post-season playoff tournament for the last 13 years. No club have consistently qualified more consecutive times, but things have really gone from bad to worse for one of MLS's oldest clubs. At the moment, they have slipped to 14th spot, and are only propped up from the bottom of the table by Toronto. The Red Bulls come into their upcoming game against DC United having earned just two points from their last five games and will be taking on an opponent who are fighting tooth and nail to also earn a coveted berth in this season's post-season playoff competition.
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