Week 11 of the MLS season concludes tonight with four matches, including the possible return of Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez for the latest California Clasico and a must-win game for the Montreal Impact at the Vancouver Whitecaps. Here's your snapshot version of what to watch for:
LAFC vs. Portland Timbers
11 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada (Local TV)
There are storylines galore in this clash of (usual) Western Conference titans. LAFC are reeling for the first time in the club's short history. It's more than just losing four of their last five games, it's how they're losing. They return home off back-to-back 3-0 defeats searching for answers, and a return to form. Mark-Anthony Kaye returns from suspension and Eduard Atuesta has progressed enough in rehabbing his right foot injury to be considered for Bob Bradley's match-day roster.
The Timbers are coming off a big win at rivals Seattle, but lost Landon Donovan MLS MVP-candidate Sebastian Blanco to a season-ending knee injury in the process. Coach Gio Savarese said he's irreplaceable, and the same could be said of Diego Chara, who misses this match through suspension for yellow card accumulation.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy
11 pm ET | UniMás, TUDN, Twitter in US, on DAZN in Canada (Local TV)
There's always intrigue around around the Cali Clasico and tonight's 72nd all-time regular season meeting between the rivals is no different. The big news revolves around one of the biggest names in MLS. Although he's listed as questionable with a right calf injury that has sidelined him since the early stages of the MLS is Back Tournament, Chicharito has returned to full-team training and appears ready to play some role tonight. Starting XI? Off the bench? Stay tuned.
While the LA Galaxy are currently the hottest team in the league with four consecutive wins, the San Jose Earthquakes hit a new low Thursday night with a 7-1 defeat to the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field. It's about pride for Matias Almeyda's squad, and there's no better way to bounce back than pick up a Clasico win.
