Soccer <\/p>\n
With the FIFA September international window completed, Matchday 33 brings about a high-stakes Saturday slate.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Red-hot Charlotte FC<\/a> host Inter Miami CF<\/a> with a chance at entering the record books and clinching an Audi MLS Cup Playoffs spot.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, a massive crowd is expected at Levi’s Stadium to watch the San Jose Earthquakes<\/a> take on Son Heung-Min<\/a> and LAFC<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Vancouver Whitecaps FC<\/a> host the Supporters’ Shield-leading Philadelphia Union<\/a> in a showdown between possible MLS Cup presented by Audi contenders.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Charlotte have won eight straight and are just one victory away from equalling the MLS record (excluding the shootout era) of nine consecutive wins, set by the 2018 Seattle Sounders<\/a>.<\/p>\n Breakout striker Idan Toklomati<\/a> (8g\/4a) and star winger Wilfried Zaha<\/a> (7g\/9a) have ignited the Crown’s surge up the table, carrying the attack while midfielder Pep Biel<\/a> (10g\/12a) recovers from a hamstring injury.<\/p>\n Third in the Eastern Conference with five games left, Charlotte are looking to secure home-field advantage in Round One of the postseason for the first time in club history.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Last season’s Supporters’ Shield winners, Inter Miami still have a chance to repeat as the league’s best regular-season side. However, they’ll need to be nearly flawless over their remaining nine games (currently sixth in the Eastern Conference, 46 points).<\/p>\n The Herons, looking to rebound from a heartbreaking Leagues Cup<\/a> 2025 final loss to Seattle, will be without suspended striker Luis Su\u00e1rez<\/a>.<\/p>\n The good news for Miami is that Lionel Messi<\/a> is available and rested after sitting out Argentina’s second match of the September window. The legendary No. 10 scored an emotional brace<\/a> for La Albiceleste last week during his home farewell with his national team.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The larger confines of Levi’s Stadium, home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, will host this all-California clash that takes on a special sense of urgency for the Earthquakes.<\/p>\n Coming off a 3-1 loss<\/a> at Austin FC<\/a>, ninth-place San Jose are clinging onto the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference and could use some breathing room in their bid to make the playoffs.<\/p>\n Can star attackers Cristian Arango<\/a>, Josef Mart\u00ednez<\/a> and Cristian Espinoza<\/a> deliver a big-time performance in front of an expected crowd of over 45,000? So far this season, they’ve combined for 28 goals and 20 assists to lead Bruce Arena’s side.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n A large segment of that crowd will likely be eager to watch Son, one of the league’s biggest attractions since his record-breaking arrival<\/a> from Tottenham Hotspur last month.<\/p>\n LAFC have won just one of four games since Son’s transfer, and are looking to bounce back from a 2-1 home defeat<\/a> against SoCal rivals San Diego FC<\/a>. Currently fifth in the West, points are at a premium for the Black & Gold as they make up games in hand.<\/p>\n Helping LAFC’s cause, Son<\/a> (South Korea) and fellow DP attacker Denis Bouanga<\/a> (Gabon) are fresh off standout performances with their respective national teams during the September window.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Is Saturday’s match at BC Place a possible preview of MLS Cup 2025? Vancouver (third in the West) certainly like their chances of making their first-ever league final, and could clinch a playoff spot with a win.<\/p>\n The ‘Caps have already proven they can successfully navigate elimination rounds, having reached the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup<\/a> final behind the inspired play of All-Stars Brian White<\/a>, Sebastian Berhalter<\/a>, Tristan Blackmon<\/a> and Yohei Takaoka<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Add the summer arrival of Bayern Munich and Germany legend Thomas M\u00fcller<\/a>, and Vancouver look like a serious candidate to go far.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Philadelphia have prior MLS Cup experience, coming out on the losing end of the legendary 2022 final<\/a> against LAFC.<\/p>\n But this is a different Union group, beginning with new head coach Bradley Carnell. In his first season replacing club legend Jim Curtin, Carnell has Philly atop the Supporters’ Shield standings with 57 points.<\/p>\n Golden Boot presented by Audi contender Tai Baribo<\/a> (16g\/3a), rising homegrown Quinn Sullivan<\/a> (2g\/9a) and left back Kai Wagner<\/a> (2g\/10a) have been key contributors for a Union team chasing a second-ever Shield with five games remaining.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
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