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We were all watching the USMNT play last night, but now we can turn our attention the today's MLS games. D.C. United still control their own destiny for first place in the Eastern Conference, but some favorable results from other games could make their job a little easier. It is a rainy day down here in Richmond, so why not spend it by watching soccer all day long?
Montreal Impact vs. New England Revolution
Saturday, October 11 | 4pm | Stade Saputo | Montreal, QC | Univision Deportes
Preview: The hottest team in the Eastern Conference travels to the worst team in the Eastern Conference to try and keep the pressure on D.C. United. The Revs have won five out of their last six and have vaulted into the conversation for the top of the Eastern Conference. A win by Sporting Kansas City last night locked them into the playoffs and put them back into second place, but the Revs could strike right back. On the other hand, Montreal has only their pride to play for (and to keep the players ready for their last CCL game).
Worth going out of your way for? Not really, but the Revs have been an exciting team to watch and rooting against them can be enjoyable. Also, most of the Euro 2016 qualifiers will be over by then, so if you need another hit of soccer this is the earliest one you can get.
Who should I root for? Montreal, obviously. A victory for Montreal combined with a victory for United would eliminate New England from having a chance to win the Eastern Conference, leaving us only Sporting Kansas City to contend with.
Philadelphia Union vs. Columbus Crew
Saturday, October 11 | 7pm | MLS Live | PPL Park | Chester, Pa.
Preview: This game is one of two battles between a team above the red line and a team just below the red line. The Union are tied on points with the Houston Dynamo right now and are four points out of the playoffs. Columbus Crew SC (to use their newly rebranded name) are the last time in the playoffs right now, three points clear of Toronto FC and just one point behind the New York Red Bulls. Both teams have everything the play for in this game, so it should be a good one.
Worth going out of your way for? Despite that glowing writeup, the other game happening at the same this is actually the one you will want to watch. If you can have this one up on MLS Live for a two screen experience, then go for it.
Who should I root for? This result doesn't affect D.C. United at all, so it is a reader's choice. Personally, however, I like the Gregg Berhalter Crew much more than the Robert Warzycha Crew, so go yellow!
New York Red Bulls vs. Toronto FC
Saturday, October 11 | 7pm | MLS Live | Red Bull Arena | Harrison, NJ
Preview: Two recent losses have left Toronto FC on the wrong side of the red line, and they are going to need wins in bunches to claw their way back for their first-ever playoff berth. Hopefully they can do so at the expense of the New York Red Bulls, who still have a chance to fade back under the red line should they lose this game.
Worth going out of your way for? Yes, definitely. Two of the highest spending teams in the league, with names like Thierry Henry, Michael Bradley, and Jermain Defoe, both battling to make sure that they make the playoffs? It is also the MLSsoccer.com Stream of the Week, so you can watch it for free on the league's website.
Who should I root for? Isn't it obvious? If the Red Bulls could collapse out of the playoffs in Thierry Henry's final season, that would just be amazing.
Real Salt Lake vs. San Jose Earthquakes
Saturday, October 11 | 9:30pm | MLS Live | Rio Tinto Stadium | Sandy, Ut.
Preview: Real Salt Lake find themselves battling for playoff positioning, while the San Jose Earthquakes are well out of the race. A win would officially clinch the playoffs for RSL, which would be their seventh straight appearance in the postseason. They have been the model of consistency under Garth Lagerway, but it will be interesting to see what happens to the team should he leave this offseason. San Jose, on the other hand, has been struggling to find a new identity and may be trying to lure Dom Kinnear away from Houston.
Worth going out of your way for? Not really, unless you are just that much of a soccer junkie. San Jose doesn't have much to play for, and RSL does and is at home.
Who should I root for? That said, you should be rooting for San Jose to win. We want as many teams as possible to be below United's final point total, to make hosting MLS Cup a possibility.
Chivas USA vs. Colorado Rapids
Saturday, October 11 | 10:30pm | MLS Live | Stubhub Center | Carson, Ca.
Preview: These teams are bad. Very bad.
Worth going out of your way for? Only if you want to watch the last games of Chivas USA.
Who should I root for? In the words of Adam from last weekend: It couldn't possibly matter less. But Chivas USA, just for the sake of their fans.
FC Dallas vs. LA Galaxy
Sunday, October 12 | 7pm | ESPN2 | Toyota Stadium | Frisco, TX
Preview: Two of the top teams in the Western Conference take to the field in the continuing saga that is Donovan-apalooza. After a long swoon in the middle of the season, FC Dallas has finally righted themselves and looks again the team we saw at the beginning of the season. The LA Galaxy are the LA Galaxy, with Bruce Arena getting them to turn it on after a slow start (like always).
Worth going out of your way for? Definitely.
Who should I root for? This is a tough one. On the one hand, I want the LA Galaxy to have as little success as possible. On the other hand, a win for Dallas would put them in contention to pass D.C. United's point total. I will root for a draw, but I can get the argument behind either side.