Midweek games are coming thick and fast in MLS, with a full batch of matches on tap on Wednesday. Let's get right into it.
Here's one thing to watch in each game:
LuchoRoo aim to get back on track
Columbus Crew SC vs. D.C. United | 7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada
After a strong start to the season, D.C. have regressed a bit over their last four games, including home losses to LAFC and NYCFC. Importantly, their top tandem haven't quite clicked like last season yet.
Wayne Rooney hasn't scored or assisted since being sent off against LAFC, while Luciano Acosta has one goal contribution over his last five games. It's a tough task against Columbus Crew SC, who have given up just eight goals in eight games, though themselves are a bit out of form with back-to-back losses.
Revs look to build momentum against Piatti-less Impact
New England Revolution vs. Montreal Impact | 7:30 pm ET | TVAS in Canada, MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US
Here is a scheduling fact: After this home match against the Impact, the Revs hit the road for three straight games: At Sporting Kansas City, at Philadelphia Union and at Chicago. There are no must-wins in April but New England could really use three more points before that away slate, both for the standings and for building more good vibes around the club following a difficult start to the season.
The Impact, meanwhile, are staying afloat despite being without star attacker Ignacio Piatti. When they are stubborn in defense, they're tough to beat, with or without the Argentine. Expect that formula again in Foxborough.
Zlatan vs. Minnesota's familiar defensive woes
Zlatan Ibrahimovic & Co. | Imagn Images
Minnesota United vs. LA Galaxy | 8 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada
As Matt Doyle pointed out, Minnesota United are on pace to concede 70-plus goals this season yet again despite a boatload of defense-minded additions in the offseason.
It's still early enough, though, and their goals-conceded numbers soared after giving up seven goals over two wild games, so perhaps it's not as bad as it seems. But it's not getting any easier with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who bagged a goal and an assist in LA's winning visit to Minnesota last fall, coming to town and even with Ike Opara available for selection. The good news, at least? They scored six goals in their last two contests, even if they have just a point to show for it.
They may need another handful to get a result here, as Ibrahimovic is scoring at a historic rate over his first five games, with seven goals.
Can Sounders defense cope without Marshall?
Seattle Sounders vs. San Jose Earthquakes | 10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada
Yes, LAFC are the hottest team in the league, yet the Sounders will still be concerned to see the defense carved open for four goals without Chad Marshall anchoring the center of defense. He hasn't been ruled out for this midweek match against San Jose, but with a shot at redemption with LAFC's visit to CenturyLink Field this weekend, the Sounders might play it safe and rest the Air Marshall again.
The Earthquakes just plundered four goals past Sporting KC, so it could be a test for the likely pairing of Kim Kee-Hee and Roman Torres.
