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MLS is back just 72 hours after a series of exciting midweek games, and another packed schedule of games resumes on Saturday night as playoff spots continue to be decided and the race for the top spots heats up.

Let’s look at some of the key stories ahead of Matchday 34.

Game of the weekend

These two teams may not have been considered favorites before the 2024 season, but the LA Galaxy and Vancouver Whitecaps could finish the season as the top two in the Western Conference.

It’s worth noting that the two teams are polar opposites. The Galaxy are a star-studded attacking force that represents Los Angeles quite well, while Vancouver has chosen to fill out its roster with solid bargains, such as the late-summer signing of Stuart Armstrong.

Still, Vancouver could move up to second place in the conference with a win in the catch-up games. And if they beat the Galaxy in Carson on Saturday night, they’ll certainly be in contention for first place in the conference.

The Galaxy are fresh off a loss in Portland and conceded four goals to the Timbers on Wednesday night, but a win would help them regain their dominance in the West.

Players in focus

Earlier this year, Evander took to social media to criticize Major League Soccer’s lack of interest in the Portland Timbers, so we’re here to present the Brazilian with his flowers.

The attacking midfielder has been somewhat overlooked this season, despite leading the league in goal involvement with 14 goals and 18 assists in 24 games – yes, you read that stat correctly.

Evander is the talisman of a three-pronged attack for Portland, along with Jonathan Rodríguez and Felipe Mora, but the Brazilian attacker pulls the strings.

Two questions before the weekend

Can Atlanta United still pull off a final spurt?

The Five Stripes have been on a downward spiral for most of the season, but thanks to a combination of a thrilling midweek draw with leaders Inter Miami and the general mediocrity of the Eastern Conference, Atlanta has as good a chance as anyone to make a late run into the playoffs.

Early signs suggest that the summer signing of Aleksei Miranchuk could be the catalyst for a miracle. Rob Valentino’s side are just one point out of the play-in spots and just six points behind seventh-place Charlotte. With a game this weekend against the New York Red Bulls, a team with their own recent problems, Atlanta could begin their march toward the playoffs.

Can Orlando pull off a win against Columbus?

Orlando City have been on a tear recently, winning seven of their last nine MLS games, but the Florida team have yet to beat any of the big teams and show their true mettle.

They’ll finally get a chance to do that when they face the Crew on Saturday in Columbus, a place visiting teams rarely enjoy. Still, Orlando should have a chip on its shoulder after moving from outside the playoff spots to the top four in recent months.