MLS MATCH DAY 6 EXPECTATIONS AFTER INTERNATIONAL BREAK

MLS Match Day 6 Expectations After International Break

Written by Sam Mbonu

Match day 6 of the 2025 MLS season is here, and the action is heating up across the league! Join me as I break down the biggest storylines, key matchups, and players to watch heading into this weekend’s fixtures. 

• Will Inter Miami continue their dominance? 
• Can Philadelphia Union maintain their strong start? 
• Will Houston Dynamo get their first win of the season at Portland Timbers And which underdogs could shake up the standings?

Portland Timbers vs Houston Dynamo 

The MLS Regular Season continues on Sunday, March 30, as the Portland Timbers (2-2-1) take on the Houston Dynamo (0-3-2) at 6:00 PM ET at the Providence Park. 

The Timbers have had a mixed start to the season, winning two, losing two, and drawing one. They’ll look to use their home advantage at Providence Park to secure three points and push up the standings. 

A strong attacking display will be crucial to break down Houston’s defense that has picked up two road draws this season despite their poor home form. 

As For Houston Dynamo, it’s been a tough start this season as their search for season first win goes on. With three losses and two draws, they’ll be desperate to turn things around at the Providence Park. A solid defensive effort and clinical finishing will be key if they want to pull off an upset.

• Key Players to Watch 

Portland Timbers – Portuguese midfielder, David Da Costa will most definitely try to create the chances and his assists will be crucial. Only 1 goal in 4 MLS starts.

Evergreen Diego Chara who will celebrate his 39th birthday next week will looking to gift himself and the fans early birthday gift with 3 home points. His influence in games never go unnoticed, his ground coverage and his ability to win balls despite his age will be valuable to the Portland Timbers. Diego Chara is still an elite player in the MLS.

For Houston Dynamo – Ezequiel Ponce, Amine Bassi, veteran Nico Lodeiro, and among others will be aiming to inspire the team and break their winless streak which has stretched into 5 games. 

For Ezequiel Ponce, he need to start scoring, he need to start creating pressure with his off ball movement, he has only one goal and one assist in 450 minutes this year, 2025. Aliyu Ibrahim, he has lost his starting role, the last time he scored for Houston was July last year. 

Head coach, Ben Olsen said he believes his team will find their rhythm at the right time, he added  “it may take time but the progress the team is making is commendable” https://x.com/Sammbonu/status/1905910168900018389 

Houston Dynamo defense has been boosted with the loan of Colombian defender, Pablo Ortiz from Slovakian Club, FC DAC 1904. He add depth to the squad but young defender, Femi Awodesu has impressed as a starter at the back. 

Portland will be confident at home, their 3-0 away win at Colorado Rapids on match day 5 will be a huge boast going into this game. 

But as for Houston Dynamo, they will be fighting hard to get their first win. Expect an intense battle. 

So What are your predictions?

Drop your thoughts and comments below 

In the Eastern Conference 

I think one of the top matches on this match day 6 will be the clash between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union at the Chase Stadium Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET. Both teams have had a great start to their 2025 season.

Philadelphia Union has also had a strong start to the season, currently holding a 4-1-0 record.

Their consistent performances have propelled them to the top of the Eastern Conference standings while New coach, Bradly Carmel and his Inter Miami counterpart, Javier Mascherano have started their roles very well with 3 wins, a loss and a draw in 5 games this season place them 3rd in the east.

The Union’s balanced approach, combining solid defense with effective offense, has been key to their early success.

Philadelphia Union

Key Player:

Tai Baribo – The forward has been in excellent form, netting 6 goals in 4 matches, making him a significant threat to any defense.

Given both teams’ strong starts to the season, this match is expected to be closely contested. Inter Miami’s home advantage and attacking capabilities, especially if Messi is fit to play, he was impressive for Argentina who thrashed Brazil 4-1 in the World Cup qualifiers.

This clash between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union is not only a battle for three points but also for supremacy in the Eastern Conference. Both teams have displayed formidable form, and this encounter promises to be a thrilling contest.

Match Preview: New England Revolution vs. New York Red Bulls

The MLS Regular Season action continues on Saturday, March 29, as the New England Revolution (0-3-1) take on the New York Red Bulls (2-1-2) at 1:30 PM ET

The Revolution are having a tough start to the season, sitting winless after four games. With just one draw and three losses, they’ll be desperate to turn things around in front of their home fans. Can they find their rhythm and secure their first win of the campaign?

Super Eagles midfielder, Alhassan Yusuf who came off the bench in the 77th minutes in Nigeria 2-0 away win at Rwanda in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers will be back to MLS action for the Revs. This season, Yusuf has 4 starts for the Revs.

On the other hand, the Red Bulls are having a decent start, with two wins, one loss, and two draws. They’ll look to capitalize on New England’s struggles and add another three points to their tally.

• Prediction & Final Thoughts

With New England desperate for a win and New York looking to maintain momentum, expect an intense battle. Will the Revolution break their winless streak, or will the Red Bulls take charge?

At the Audi Field in the nation's capital, D.C United will be at home to welcome Columbus Crew as MLS Regular Season continues on Saturday, March 29, kickoff time 6:30 PM ET

D.C. United has had a mixed start to the season, with just one win in their first five matches. They’ll be looking to use home advantage to bounce back and climb the standings.  A strong defensive performance will be key against a well-organized Columbus side.

The Crew remains unbeaten so far, with two wins and three draws. Their attacking play has been solid, and they will be eager to continue their momentum on the road. A win here could push them further up the table as they aim for a top spot.

• Key Players to Watch

Christian Benteke 3 goals in 5 games this season. 

During the pre match interview, Benteke said he will like to see reaction from his teammates.

https://x.com/Sammbonu/status/1905914353263493559

For Columbus, the attacking duo of Diego Rossi and Russell Rowe can wreck havoc. D.C. United will need to step up defensively to contain the Crew’s attacking threats. 

Meanwhile, Columbus will look to exploit any gaps and keep their unbeaten run alive but too many draws have kept them rooted at No 6 after 5 games.

But Expect a competitive match with both teams pushing for points.

Without a doubt that San Diego FC has started their inaugural season in an unprecedented fashion as a new franchise, but their Cinderella run came to an end at the Q2 stadium against Austin FC and on this match day 6, San Diego will  host LAFC FC. But as western conference unfolds, MLS Cup defending champions, LA Galaxy are having a horrible start to their quest to reach the playoffs and defend their title. Just two points after 5 games, their position summarizes the team's poor productivity on the field. maybe, match day 6 might see them turn corners against a red hot Orlando City FC that scored 4 goals against D.C United on MD 5.