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Stars, Stakes & Streaks: What’s at Play in MLS Matchday 17

A loaded weekend of action is on tap for Major League Soccer, and Matchday 17 is right in the thick of it. With a FIFA Club World Cup playoff looming and the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup final grabbing headlines, the MLS regular season continues to deliver compelling storylines and high-stakes showdowns.

This weekend’s match slate features playoff implications, superstars taking center stage, and struggling clubs in desperate need of a spark. From Inter Miami’s showdown with Columbus to San Diego FC’s Western Conference clash with Austin FC, here’s what you need to know heading into a pivotal Matchday 17.


Inter Miami CF vs. Columbus Crew

Last time these two met, they shattered attendance records in Cleveland. Now they meet again, with Inter Miami hoping to sustain momentum before entering the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Herons snapped a four-game winless streak midweek with a 4-2 win over CF Montréal, powered by vintage performances from Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez (each tallying 2 goals and 1 assist). The former Barcelona duo showed their class, though the celebration was muted slightly by an apparent injury to Jordi Alba.

Inter Miami knows how dangerous Columbus can be—just last month, the Crew handed them a frustrating 1-0 loss in front of 60,000 fans. For Columbus, Sunday is about redemption. They’re winless in their last five (0W-1L-4D), having squandered a late lead in a 2-2 draw against Nashville SC on Wednesday.

Diego Rossi remains a bright spot with 8 goals and 3 assists, but Wilfried Nancy’s side is still waiting on Daniel Gázdag to make his mark after a big-money move from Philadelphia. If the Crew want to reverse course, they’ll need to figure out how to stop Messi and Suárez while finding answers in the final third.


San Diego FC vs. Austin FC

When: Saturday, 10:30 pm ET
Watch: Apple TV – MLS Season Pass

San Diego’s impressive debut season hit a minor speed bump midweek with a 1-0 loss at Seattle, ending their five-game unbeaten run. Despite that, the expansion side remains one of the league’s most dangerous teams, second in both goals scored (27) and the Western Conference table.

The DP duo of Chucky Lozano (5 goals, 6 assists) and Anders Dreyer (6 goals, 7 assists) continue to power the Chrome-and-Azul attack, with midfielders Luca de la Torre and Onni Valakari also contributing consistently.

Austin FC, meanwhile, are stuck in a rut. Despite splashing over $30 million on attacking talent across two transfer windows, they own a league-low 11 goals. New signings Osman Bukari, Brandon Vazquez, and Myrto Uzuni have yet to truly click, combining for just 6 goals and 3 assists.

Still, Austin has managed four straight draws during a seven-game winless streak. A win in their first trip to Snapdragon Stadium could propel them back into the Audi MLS Cup Playoff conversation—but they’ll need much more from their marquee signings to get there.


Seattle Sounders FC vs. Minnesota United FC

When: Sunday, 6:00 pm ET
Watch: Apple TV – MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+

Seattle is heating up with the weather. The Sounders are 6W-2L-2D since April and unbeaten in their last three. Jesús Ferreira opened his club account midweek in a 1-0 win over San Diego, signaling that the offseason signing might be ready to help lead the charge.

Albert Rusnák (7 goals, 3 assists) continues to be the focal point of the attack as Seattle gears up for its final home match before heading to the Club World Cup.

Minnesota United sits one point above Seattle in the standings and has also enjoyed a strong May, posting a 3W-1L-2D record. Eric Ramsay’s compact, counterattacking style has paid dividends, with Tani Oluwaseyi (6 goals, 5 assists) and Joaquín Pereyra (2 goals, 7 assists) anchoring the attack. Veteran center back Michael Boxall leads a defense that has conceded just 14 goals—second-best in the Western Conference.

With two of the West’s top teams facing off, Sunday night could preview a future playoff clash—and a statement win would send a clear message heading into the summer.

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