Around MLS: Week 2 Open Match Thread

The second weekend of the MLS season is here and there are seven games that don't involve the Portland Timbers set to be played.

Opening weekend had all the hallmarks of the early season: surprise under-achieving, some good performances from unexpected players, Toronto getting their fans hopes up. This weekend should have plenty of surprises of its own, so feel free to use this thread to chat about the games and the surprises in MLS this weekend.

Friday, March 13th

Houston Dynamo vs. Orlando City SC

Watch it on: UniMas

Kickoff: 4:00 pm pacific at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, TX

Match Rating: 2/5

Saturday, March 14th

Chicago Fire vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

Watch it on: MLS Live

Kickoff: 3:00 pm pacific at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL

Match Rating: 3/5

The Fire were a hot mess last weekend, as was the Whitecaps defense. Still, one of these teams has to look better in this match than they did on opening weekend.

Columbus Crew vs. Toronto FC

Watch it on: MLS Live

Kickoff: 4:30 pm pacific at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, OH

Match Rating: 5/5

This will be the first real rivalry match of the season and one between two teams that could turn out to be very good this year. Toronto, of course, are loaded up with high-profile designated players, while Columbus have built a solid side with some truly talented attackers over the last few years.

FC Dallas vs. Sporting Kansas City

Watch it on: MLS Live

Kickoff: 5:30 pm pacific at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX

Match Rating: 3/5

An interesting match between two Western Conference teams with plenty of potential, but hampered by the fact that neither team put in a terribly good shift in their matches last weekend.

Real Salt Lake vs. Philadelphia Union

Watch it on: MLS Live

Kickoff: 6:30 pm pacific at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, UT

Match Rating: 3/5

Seattle Sounders vs. San Jose Earthquakes

Watch it on: MLS Live

Kickoff: 7:00 pm pacific at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA

Match Rating: 1/5

San Jose are still garbage and Seattle are still good. You might get a chance at seeing a nice goal or two, but is it really worth it?

Sunday, March 15th

New York City FC vs. New England Revolution

Watch it on: ESPN 2

Kickoff: 2:00 pm pacific at Yankee Stadium in New York, NY

Match Rating: 4/5

New England is still missing some of their brightest stars, NYCFC is still missing Frank Lampard, the sod in Yankee Stadium can't possibly be any good, and NYCFC is an expansion team, but somehow this is still an exciting match up. Seeing soccer played in New York City proper is a fantastic thing.