MLS Week 2 Highlights: The Weekend's Best Games

The best games from Week 2 in MLS. The North American league is packed with games, after a first week marked by big surprises.
With temperatures still cold in much of the continent, the MLS schedule features teams competing in the CONCACAF Champions League, while others are focused exclusively on the MLS league.

Check out the main games this weekend and what to expect from each one.

Charlotte FC x Atlanta United – The Southeast Classic

Bank of America Stadium will host one of the most anticipated games of the round. Charlotte FC and Atlanta United are set to take on one of the most intense duels in the Southeast United States, with several new additions to both teams' rosters.

Highlights:

• Charlotte FC is coming off a draw away to the Seattle Sounders and is looking for its first win of the season.
• Atlanta United started the year with a win over CF Montréal and will be looking to keep that momentum going, with new signing Emmanuel Latte Lath a name to watch as a contender for the League's Golden Boot in 2025.
• Expect a packed stadium and a very positive atmosphere for this regional derby.

Where to watch:Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

Philadelphia Union x FC Cincinnati – MLS Title Contenders Duel

Two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference face off at Subaru Park, a game that promises to be one of the most technical of the round. Brazilian Evander arrives to complement what is a great squad, which seems most likely to beat Miami for the Eastern Conference title.

The Union surprised by beating Orlando away from home, after parting ways with coach Jim Curtin after years in charge of the Philadelphia team.

Highlights:

• The Philadelphia Union started the season with a big win and wants to keep up the offensive pace.
• FC Cincinnati is counting on the recent signing of Evander to control the midfield and create chances for the team.
• This matchup could be a harbinger of a decisive duel in the playoffs.

Where to watch: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

Los Angeles FC x New York City FC – The Battle of the Metropolises

LAFC and NYCFC face off at BMO Stadium in a duel between two teams that are always in the fight for the playoffs.
LAFC is still trying to solve the problem that is Olivier Giroud and his offensive absence in the Black and Gold's attack. For NYCFC, Máxi Moralez is still the team's standout in midfield, while Tiago Martins appears as a doubt in the New York squad.

Highlights:

• LAFC is coming off a narrow MLS win over Minnesota United and will be looking to build momentum in front of their home crowd.
•NYCFC opened with a draw and is looking for its first win of the season.
• Denis Bouanga for LAFC and Alonso Martinez for NYCFC are the names to watch.

Where to watch: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

New England Revolution vs. Columbus Crew – MLS Eastern Giants Meet

The 2023 MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew travels to Foxborough to face the New England Revolution in a game full of history.

Coach Caleb Porter, currently with New England, had a stint with the Ohio team. Wilfred Nancy's team, however, is superior, despite not having its biggest star, Cucho Hernandez, who transferred to Spanish football. Highlights:

• The Columbus Crew started the season with a big win and wants to continue showing its strength. 
• Revolution needs to recover after a goalless draw in the first round. • Tactical duel between two teams that like to keep possession of the ball.

Where to watch MLS

The matches will be broadcast exclusively on Apple TV via MLS Season Pass.

In addition to these clashes, other important games of the round include:

✅ Orlando City x Toronto FC – The match has City looking to show a reaction after a frustrating defeat to the Philadelphia Union.
 ✅ Chicago Fire x D.C. United – DC seems more balanced, but the Fire plays at home and has their new coach Gregg Berhalter in charge of the team. 
✅ Sporting KC vs San Jose Earthquakes – All eyes on Bruce Arena, new head coach of the energized San Jose Earthquakes and his star-studded attack, featuring Chicho Arango and Josef Martinez.