GOAL takes a look at some of the major MLS storylines emerging ahead of Matchday 15
Matchday 15 marks the halfway point of the MLS season, and a blistering set of games await.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami take on the league-leading Philadelphia Union, with the in search of a turnaround after a dreadful run of form in recent weeks. The Union, meanwhile, are looking to hold on to their Supporters' Shield-leading spot.
In the Western Conference, there are two big matches. In a battle of call-ups for the U.S. men's national team, Brian White, Sebastian Berhalter and the Vancouver Whitecaps travel to Utah to take on Diego Luna and Real Salt Lake. Meanwhile, LAFC hit the road to take on CF Montreal as the look to continue one of the hottest streaks in MLS.
GOAL dives into all that and more in The Kickoff, a weekly preview of each MLS Matchday.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAFPMiami's search for something, anything
The are at the lowest point yet in the Lionel Messi era. Winless in six of their last seven across all competitions and eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup, things aren't going to get easier over the next couple weeks.
They take the pitch in the FIFA Club World Cup next month, and they're in search of form ahead of this summer's marquee tournament. First up? Arguably their biggest test in MLS, a meeting with the Philadelphia Union.
Bradley Carnell's men are in exquisite form, atop the East and the Supporters' Shield standings, and present Miami with a difficult challenge. The need a result against the Union, but with their current form, it's hard to picture them securing a result on the road.
It will be up to Messi and Luis Suarez to generate confidence, and more importantly, score goals.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportLAFC's search for greatness
Somewhat quietly, LAFC are unbeaten in seven, and have finally found a sense of identity after a rough start to the 2025 campaign. Denis Bouanga is playing some of the best soccer in the league, with the Gabon international and LAFC star totaling seven goals and three assists on the season.
Steve Cherundolo has flipped a switch with his club in the Western Conference, and they're now flying. Up to fifth in the West, they're just three points behind second-place Minnesota United, and six behind first-place Vancouver.
This weekend, the travel to take on bottom-dwellers CF Montreal, as they search for their eighth-straight match with a result. Although CF MTL have struggled to begin 2025, they shouldn't be counted out – and LAFC will know that going into the match.
The Canadian outfit have recently pulled off results against both the Columbus Crew and NYCFC, but were also on the wrong side of a 6-1 hammering by Toronto FC.
ImagnUSMNT call-ups clash
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has called up Sebastian Berhalter, Brian White and Diego Luna for the CONCACAF Gold Cup camp, and the trio are all set to clash in MLS action this weekend – surely drawing the eyes of U.S. Soccer.
White, Berhalter and the Whitecaps are the gold standard of MLS at the moment. In absolutely exemplary form, the Whitecaps have just one loss and are averaging 2.15 points-per-game – the most in MLS. White, meanwhile, has proven to be one of the league's best goalscorers, with eight on the season in MLS action. Berhalter has one goal and three assists. The son of former U.S. manager and current Chicago Fire coach Gregg, Sebastian has been one of MLS' best ball-playing midfielders.
Real Salt Lake, meanwhile, have struggled to find consistency through 2025, but Luna has shined for the Western Conference side. He's up to seven goals and two assists, leading the club in scoring. Surely, this will be the match Pochettino makes time to watch.
MLS Bets of the Week
Match
Selection
Odds
Charlotte FC vs Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew
+150
Minnesota United vs Austin FC
Minnesota United
-125
Sporting Kansas City vs New England Revolution
New England Revolution
+230
Real Salt Lake vs Vancouver Whitecaps
Vancouver Whitecaps
+170
San Jose Earthquakes vs Houston Dynamo
San Jose Earthquakes
+105
Henry Tomkins makes MLS predictions for the weekend:Minnesota and Columbus have a chance to move closer to first place in their respective conferences with victories over their upcoming opponents. Another triumph for Vancouver will guarantee they remain top of the Western Conference, with a game in hand.
San Jose’s striking power may prove too much for Houston, and another win could see them go five games undefeated in the MLS. Victory for New England would push them into the top nine, and another clean sheet could see them hold the joint-most in the division.