Venue: BMO Stadium — Los Angeles, California

Kickoff: 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT

Broadcast: MLS Season Pass (Apple TV)**

This is a high‑stakes Western Conference matchup between two clubs trending upward. LAFC is pushing toward the top of the table with elite home form, while Houston is fighting to stay above the playoff line with a balanced but inconsistent profile.

VENUE & MATCH CONTEXT

Stadium: BMO Stadium

Capacity: 22,000

Surface: Natural grass

Atmosphere: One of MLS’s most electric environments. The 3252 supporters’ section creates relentless pressure on visiting teams.

Narrative: LAFC enters as one of the West’s most complete teams, with a strong defensive spine and a dynamic front line. Houston, meanwhile, has been streaky—capable of beating top teams but also prone to lapses in midfield control. This matchup will test Houston’s ability to handle LAFC’s tempo and press.

WEATHER UPDATE

Temperature: 72°F at kickoff

Wind: 6–9 mph from the west

Conditions: Clear skies, low humidity

Pitch Impact: Ideal conditions → favors high‑tempo, possession‑driven soccer, which LAFC excels at.

INJURY REPORT

Houston Dynamo FC

Héctor Herrera — Questionable (groin tightness)

Sebastián Ferreira — Probable (rest)

Adalberto Carrasquilla — Out (ankle)

Franco Escobar — Out (hamstring)

Los Angeles Football Club

Denis Bouanga — Probable (minor knock)

Timothy Tillman — Probable (rest)

Aaron Long — Out (knee)

Maxime Crépeau — Out (hand)

Impact: Houston’s midfield loses creativity without Carrasquilla. LAFC’s attack remains fully intact with Bouanga available, but defensive depth is slightly stretched.

RECENT TEAM FORM

Houston Dynamo FC

Last 5: W–L–W–L–W

Goals For: 14

Goals Against: 15

Road Record: 1‑3‑1

Trend: Houston alternates between strong performances and defensive lapses. Their attack is improving, but midfield control is inconsistent.

Los Angeles Football Club

Last 5: W–D–W–L–W

Goals For: 19

Goals Against: 11

Home Record: 4‑0‑1

Trend: LAFC is dominant at home, scoring freely and controlling possession. Their defensive structure is among the best in MLS.

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

Denis Bouanga vs. Griffin Dorsey

Bouanga is one of MLS’s most dangerous attackers.

Dorsey must avoid being isolated in 1v1 situations.

Edge: LAFC

Héctor Herrera (if available) vs. Ilie Sánchez

Herrera dictates Houston’s tempo.

Ilie’s positioning and ball‑winning will be crucial.

Edge: Even (LAFC advantage if Herrera is limited)

Mateo Bajamich vs. Jesús Murillo

Bajamich’s movement is Houston’s best chance at breaking LAFC’s back line.

Murillo must stay compact and avoid being pulled out of position.

Edge: LAFC

Cristian Olivera vs. Brad Smith

Olivera’s pace and directness are major threats on the right flank.

Smith must avoid being caught too high.

Edge: LAFC

SERIES HISTORY

All‑Time MLS Meetings: LAFC leads 8–4–3

At BMO Stadium: LAFC leads 5–1–1

2025 Meetings: LAFC won both matches

Trend: LAFC has scored 2+ goals in 6 of last 7 vs. Houston

BETTING TRENDS

Houston Dynamo

Over is 6–4 in last 10

Houston has conceded 2+ goals in 5 of last 7

Houston is 1‑4‑1 in last 6 road matches

LAFC

LAFC has scored 2+ goals in 6 of last 8

LAFC is 5‑1‑1 in last 7 overall

Under is 6–4 in last 10 (due to defensive strength)

Head‑to‑Head

Over has hit in 5 of last 7

LAFC has won 4 straight at home vs. Houston

MATCH ODDS

Houston Dynamo FC       + 390

Los Angeles FC                  – 165

Draw                                     + 300

Over 2.5 – 165                   Under 2.5 + 125

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, May 9, 2026

Venue: Lower.com Field — Columbus, Ohio

Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT

Broadcast: MLS Season Pass (Apple TV)**

This is a matchup between two clubs with identical records but very different trajectories. Columbus is trying to stabilize after an uneven start, while NYCFC is searching for consistency in the final third.

VENUE & MATCH CONTEXT

Stadium: Lower.com Field

Capacity: 20,371

Surface: Natural grass

Atmosphere: One of MLS’s most intimate and energetic venues. Columbus supporters remain strong even through early‑season inconsistency.

Narrative: Both teams sit in the middle of the Eastern Conference pack, but Columbus has shown stronger underlying metrics. NYCFC’s attack has been inconsistent, and their road form remains a concern. This is a pivotal match for both clubs as they try to avoid slipping below the playoff line.

WEATHER UPDATE

Temperature: 63°F

Wind: 9–12 mph from the southwest

Conditions: Partly cloudy

Pitch Impact: Slightly slick surface → favors quick passing and vertical transitions, which Columbus excels at.

INJURY REPORT (as of May 6, 2026)

Columbus Crew SC

Cucho Hernández — Probable (minor ankle soreness)

Diego Rossi — Probable (rest management)

Darlington Nagbe — Questionable (groin)

Rudy Camacho — Out (hamstring)

New York City FC

Talles Magno — Questionable (knee)

Santiago Rodríguez — Probable (rest)

Keaton Parks — Out (ankle)

Thiago Martins — Out (knee)

Impact: Columbus’ midfield stability hinges on Nagbe’s availability. NYCFC’s defensive absences are significant, especially against Columbus’ dynamic front three.

RECENT TEAM FORM

Columbus Crew SC

Last 5: D–L–D–W–L

Goals For: 14

Goals Against: 15

Home Record: 2‑1‑2

Trend: Columbus is inconsistent but dangerous at home. Their attack is improving, but defensive lapses remain an issue.

New York City FC

Last 5: L–W–L–D–L

Goals For: 12

Goals Against: 18

Road Record: 1‑3‑1

Trend: NYCFC struggles to generate consistent scoring chances and has conceded early in several matches. Their road form is a major concern.

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

Cucho Hernández vs. Birk Risa

Cucho’s movement and finishing are elite.

Risa must stay compact and avoid being dragged out of position.

Edge: Columbus

Diego Rossi vs. Mitja Ilenič

Rossi’s pace and diagonal runs are a major threat.

Ilenič can be exposed defensively in transition.

Edge: Columbus

Santiago Rodríguez vs. Aidan Morris

Rodríguez is NYCFC’s creative hub.

Morris must limit his space and disrupt his rhythm.

Edge: Even

Christian Ramírez vs. Thiago Martins’ Replacement

Ramírez thrives on service and late runs.

NYCFC’s makeshift back line will be tested.

Edge: Columbus

SERIES HISTORY

All‑Time MLS Meetings: NYCFC leads 10–6–4

At Columbus: Columbus leads 4–3–2

2025 Meetings: Split 1–1

Trend: Home team has won 4 of the last 6 meetings

BETTING TRENDS

Columbus Crew

Over is 6–4 in last 10

Columbus has scored 2+ goals in 5 of last 7 home matches

Crew are 3–1–2 in last 6 at home

New York City FC

NYCFC has conceded 2+ goals in 6 of last 8

Over is 7–3 in last 10

NYCFC is 1–4–1 in last 6 overall

Head‑to‑Head

Over has hit in 4 of last 6

Both teams have scored in 5 of last 7

MATCH ODDS

Columbus Crew SC          + 175

New York City FC              + 145

Draw                                     + 265

Over 2.53 – 145                 Under 2.5 + 110

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, May 9, 2026

Venue: Lumen Field — Seattle, Washington

Kickoff: 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT

Broadcast: MLS Season Pass (Apple TV)**

This is a high‑profile Western Conference matchup: Seattle, one of the league’s most in‑form teams, hosting a San Diego side that has shown flashes of quality but remains inconsistent.

VENUE & MATCH CONTEXT

Stadium: Lumen Field

Capacity: 68,740

Surface: Artificial turf

Atmosphere: One of MLS’s loudest and most intimidating venues. Seattle’s home crowds routinely exceed 35,000, and the Sounders are historically dominant at home.

Narrative: Seattle enters as one of the Western Conference’s elite teams, blending defensive solidity with efficient attacking play. San Diego FC is still finding its identity in its inaugural season, showing strong stretches but struggling to close out matches. This is a major test for SDFC against a Sounders team in peak form.

WEATHER UPDATE

Temperature: 59°F

Wind: 8–12 mph from the southwest

Conditions: Light rain possible, typical Seattle spring evening

Pitch Impact: Wet turf → faster ball movement, favors Seattle’s quick combinations and wide play.

INJURY REPORT

San Diego FC

Chucky Lozano — Probable (minor ankle soreness)

Elye Wahi — Questionable (hamstring tightness)

Guido Rodríguez — Out (knee)

Carlos Guzmán — Out (ankle)

Seattle Sounders FC

Jordan Morris — Probable (rest management)

Raúl Ruidíaz — Questionable (groin)

João Paulo — Out (ACL)

Nouhou — Probable (illness)

Impact: San Diego’s midfield loses structure without Guido Rodríguez. Seattle’s attack remains potent even if Ruidíaz is limited, thanks to Morris and Lodeiro’s form.

RECENT TEAM FORM

San Diego FC

Last 5: D–L–W–L–D

Goals For: 13

Goals Against: 17

Road Record: 1‑3‑1

Trend: San Diego is competitive but inconsistent. Defensive lapses and late‑game fatigue have cost them points.

Seattle Sounders FC

Last 5: W–W–D–W–L

Goals For: 18

Goals Against: 9

Home Record: 4‑0‑1

Trend: Seattle is in elite form, especially at home. Their defensive structure is among the best in MLS, and their attack is efficient and balanced.

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

Chucky Lozano vs. Nouhou

Lozano is San Diego’s most dangerous attacker.

Nouhou’s physicality and recovery speed make him one of MLS’s best 1v1 defenders.

Edge: Seattle

Nicolás Lodeiro vs. San Diego Midfield

Lodeiro’s creativity drives Seattle’s tempo.

Without Guido Rodríguez, San Diego lacks a true defensive anchor.

Edge: Seattle (significant)

Jordan Morris vs. Carlos Rotondi

Morris’ pace and directness are major threats on turf.

Rotondi must avoid being isolated in transition.

Edge: Seattle

Elye Wahi (if available) vs. Yeimar Gómez Andrade

Wahi’s movement is elite, but his fitness is uncertain.

Yeimar is one of MLS’s best center‑backs in duels.

Edge: Seattle (if Wahi limited)

SERIES HISTORY

All‑Time MLS Meetings: First season of competition

At Lumen Field: First meeting

Trend: Seattle historically dominates expansion teams at home

BETTING TRENDS

San Diego FC

Over is 6–4 in last 10

San Diego has conceded 2+ goals in 6 of last 8

SDFC is 1‑4‑2 in last 7 overall

Seattle Sounders

Seattle has scored 2+ goals in 5 of last 7

Under is 6–4 in last 10 (due to defensive strength)

Seattle is 5‑1‑1 in last 7 overall

Head‑to‑Head

First meeting

MATCH ODDS

San Diego FC                      – 145

Seattle Sounders FC        +320

Draw                                     + 300

Over 2.5 – 160                   Under 2.5 + 125

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 8, 2026

Venue: PayPal Park — San Jose, California

Kickoff: 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT

Broadcast: MLS Season Pass (Apple TV)**

This is the marquee Western Conference matchup of the weekend: two elite early‑season contenders, both in exceptional form, both with top‑tier attacks, and both capable of dictating tempo.

VENUE & MATCH CONTEXT

Stadium: PayPal Park

Capacity: 18,000

Surface: Natural grass

Atmosphere: San Jose’s home crowds have been energized by their best start in club history. Vancouver arrives as the West’s most balanced team, making this a heavyweight clash.

Narrative: San Jose’s explosive attack meets Vancouver’s elite defensive structure and counterattacking efficiency. Both teams are in Supporters’ Shield contention early, and this match could shape the Western Conference hierarchy.

WEATHER UPDATE

Temperature: 67°F

Wind: 7–10 mph from the northwest

Conditions: Clear skies, low humidity

Pitch Impact: Ideal conditions → favors high‑tempo, possession‑driven soccer, which suits both clubs.

INJURY REPORT

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Brian White — Probable (minor ankle soreness)

Ryan Gauld — Probable (rest management)

Andrés Cubas — Questionable (groin tightness)

Sam Adekugbe — Out (hamstring)

San Jose Earthquakes

Jeremy Ebobisse — Probable (shoulder)

Cristian Espinoza — Probable (rest)

Carlos Akapo — Out (knee)

Daniel (GK) — Out (ACL)

Impact: If Cubas is limited, Vancouver loses its midfield anchor. San Jose’s attack remains fully intact, but their goalkeeping depth is tested.

RECENT TEAM FORM

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Last 5: W–W–D–W–W

Goals For: 21

Goals Against: 9

Road Record: 3‑1‑1

Trend: Vancouver is the most balanced team in MLS: elite defensive structure, lethal counterattacks, and efficient finishing.

San Jose Earthquakes

Last 5: W–W–W–D–W

Goals For: 24

Goals Against: 14

Home Record: 5‑0‑0

Trend: San Jose is perfect at home and playing their most dynamic attacking soccer in years. Espinoza and Ebobisse are in peak form.

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

Ryan Gauld vs. Jackson Yueill

Gauld is Vancouver’s creative engine.

Yueill must limit his space between the lines.

If Gauld dictates tempo, Vancouver controls transitions.

Edge: Vancouver

Cristian Espinoza vs. Richie Laryea

Espinoza is one of MLS’s most dangerous wingers.

Laryea’s pace helps, but Espinoza’s delivery is elite.

Edge: San Jose

Brian White vs. Rodrigues

White’s movement is elite in tight spaces.

Rodrigues must stay disciplined to avoid being pulled out of position.

Edge: Even

Jamiro Monteiro vs. Andrés Cubas (if available)

Monteiro drives San Jose’s midfield progression.

Cubas is Vancouver’s ball‑winning anchor.

Edge: Vancouver (if Cubas plays)

SERIES HISTORY

All‑Time MLS Meetings: Vancouver leads 12–10–8

At PayPal Park: San Jose leads 7–4–3

2025 Meetings: Split 1–1

Trend: Home team has won 4 of last 6 meetings

BETTING TRENDS

Vancouver Whitecaps

Vancouver has conceded 1 goal or fewer in 7 of last 10

Over is 6–4 in last 10

Vancouver is 4–1–1 in last 6 overall

San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose has scored 2+ goals in 8 of last 10

Over is 8–2 in last 10

San Jose is 5–0–0 at home

Head‑to‑Head

Both teams have scored in 5 of last 7

Over has hit in 4 of last 6

MATCH ODDS

Vancouver Whitecaps FC              + 120

San Jose Earthquakes    + 200

Draw                                     + 245

Over 3.5 + 130                  Under 3.5 – 165

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 8, 2026

Venue: Providence Park — Portland, Oregon

Kickoff: 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT

Broadcast: MLS Season Pass (Apple TV)**

VENUE & MATCH CONTEXT

Stadium: Providence Park

Capacity: 25,218

Surface: Artificial turf

Atmosphere: One of MLS’s most intense environments. The Timbers Army creates a constant wall of noise, especially in night matches.

Narrative: Sporting Kansas City enters in crisis mode, winless in nine straight and struggling badly on both sides of the ball. Portland is inconsistent but improving, especially at home, and sees this as a must‑win opportunity to climb back into the Western Conference playoff picture.

WEATHER UPDATE

Temperature: 58°F

Wind: 6–9 mph from the northwest

Conditions: Light cloud cover, cool evening

Pitch Impact: Fast turf surface → favors quick transitions and wide play, both strengths of Portland.

INJURY REPORT

Sporting Kansas City

Alan Pulido — Questionable (groin)

Johnny Russell — Out (hamstring)

Erik Thommy — Probable (rest)

Andreu Fontàs — Out (knee)

Portland Timbers

Evander — Probable (minor ankle soreness)

Felipe Mora — Questionable (knee)

Dario Župarić — Out (hamstring)

Marvin Loría — Out (shoulder)

Impact: SKC’s attack is severely weakened without Russell and a limited Pulido. Portland’s midfield remains intact with Evander available, giving them a major creative advantage.

RECENT TEAM FORM

Sporting Kansas City

Last 5: L–L–D–L–L

Goals For: 9

Goals Against: 22

Road Record: 0‑4‑1

Trend: SKC is conceding early and often. Their press is ineffective, and their attack lacks cohesion without Pulido at full strength.

Portland Timbers

Last 5: W–L–L–W–L

Goals For: 16

Goals Against: 19

Home Record: 2‑2‑1

Trend: Portland is inconsistent but dangerous at home. Their attack is producing chances, but defensive lapses remain an issue.

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

Evander vs. Rémi Walter

Evander is Portland’s creative hub.

Walter must limit his space and prevent line‑breaking passes.

If Evander dictates tempo, Portland controls the match.

Edge: Portland

Santiago Moreno vs. Jake Davis

Moreno’s pace and dribbling are major threats on turf.

Davis must avoid being isolated in 1v1 situations.

Edge: Portland

Alan Pulido (if available) vs. Zac McGraw

Pulido’s movement is SKC’s best chance at unlocking Portland’s back line.

If Pulido is limited, SKC loses its primary scoring outlet.

Edge: Portland (significant if Pulido limited)

Felipe Mora vs. Daniel Rosero

Mora’s finishing and positioning are key for Portland.

Rosero must manage his runs and prevent second‑ball chaos.

Edge: Even (if Mora plays)

SERIES HISTORY

All‑Time MLS Meetings: Portland leads 9–7–6

At Providence Park: Portland leads 6–2–3

2025 Meetings: Portland won 2–1 at home

Trend: Portland has scored 2+ goals in 5 of last 7 vs. SKC

BETTING TRENDS

Sporting Kansas City

SKC has conceded 2+ goals in 7 of last 9

Over is 7–3 in last 10

SKC is 0‑5‑3 in last 8

Portland Timbers

Portland has scored 2+ goals in 6 of last 8

Over is 8–2 in last 10

Portland is 3–1–1 in last 5 home matches

Head‑to‑Head

Over has hit in 5 of last 7

Portland has won 3 straight at home vs. SKC

MATCH ODDS

Sporting Kansas City       + 425

Portland Timbers             – 200

Draw                                     + 360

Over 3.5 + 105                  Under 3.5 – 135

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 8, 2026

Venue: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park — Commerce City, Colorado

Kickoff: 9:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM MT

Broadcast: MLS Season Pass (Apple TV)**

VENUE & MATCH CONTEXT

Stadium: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

Capacity: 18,000

Altitude: 5,164 feet (one of MLS’s highest — impacts visiting teams late in matches)

Surface: Natural grass

Atmosphere: Rapids fans have been energized by improved home form. St. Louis enters desperate for points after a brutal start to the season.

Narrative: Colorado is inconsistent but dangerous at home, especially with altitude and pace on the wings. St. Louis CITY SC is struggling badly, winless in eight straight, and leaking goals at an alarming rate. This matchup pits Colorado’s transition‑heavy attack against a St. Louis side that has lost its defensive identity.

WEATHER UPDATE

Temperature: 64°F at kickoff

Wind: 10–14 mph from the west (crosswind)

Conditions: Clear skies, low humidity

Pitch Impact: Fast, dry surface → favors high‑tempo play and long‑range shooting, both strengths of Colorado.

INJURY REPORT

St. Louis CITY SC

João Klauss — Questionable (hamstring)

Eduard Löwen — Out (knee)

Tomas Ostrák — Probable (rest)

Kyle Hiebert — Out (ankle)

Colorado Rapids

Rafael Navarro — Probable (minor knock)

Cole Bassett — Probable (ankle soreness)

Moïse Bombito — Out (hamstring)

Sam Vines — Out (foot)

Impact: St. Louis’ midfield is severely weakened without Löwen. Colorado’s attack remains intact with Navarro and Bassett available.

RECENT TEAM FORM

St. Louis CITY SC

Last 5: L–L–D–L–L

Goals For: 12

Goals Against: 23

Road Record: 0‑3‑2

Trend: St. Louis is conceding early and often. Their press is disjointed, and without Löwen, they lack midfield control and creativity.

Colorado Rapids

Last 5: W–L–W–L–L

Goals For: 15

Goals Against: 18

Home Record: 3‑2‑0

Trend: Colorado is inconsistent but dangerous at home. Their attack is producing chances, but defensive lapses remain an issue.

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

Rafael Navarro vs. Tim Parker

Navarro’s movement and finishing are Colorado’s biggest threat.

Parker must manage his positioning and avoid being isolated in transition.

Edge: Colorado

Cole Bassett vs. Chris Durkin

Bassett’s late runs into the box are a major weapon.

Durkin must track him closely to prevent second‑phase chances.

Edge: Colorado

Indiana Vassilev vs. Keegan Rosenberry

Vassilev is St. Louis’ most creative midfielder with Löwen out.

Rosenberry’s experience helps, but he can be exposed by quick combinations.

Edge: Even

Klauss (if available) vs. Andreas Maxsø

Klauss’ physicality can trouble Maxsø.

If Klauss is limited, St. Louis loses its primary scoring outlet.

Edge: Colorado (if Klauss limited)

SERIES HISTORY

All‑Time MLS Meetings: St. Louis leads 2–1–0

At Colorado: St. Louis leads 1–0–0

2025 Meetings: St. Louis won both matches

Trend: St. Louis historically matches up well, but current form is drastically different.

BETTING TRENDS

St. Louis CITY SC

St. Louis has conceded 2+ goals in 7 of last 9

Over is 7–3 in last 10

St. Louis is 0‑5‑3 in last 8

Colorado Rapids

Colorado has scored 2+ goals in 5 of last 7

Over is 6–4 in last 10

Colorado is 3–2‑0 at home

Head‑to‑Head

Over has hit in 2 of 3 meetings

Both teams have scored in 2 of 3

MATCH ODDS

St. Louis City SC                + 235

Colorado Rapids               – 105

Draw                                     + 275

Over 2.5 – 180                   Under 2.5 + 140

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 8, 2026

Venue: GEODIS Park — Nashville, Tennessee

Kickoff: 8:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM CT

Broadcast: MLS Season Pass (Apple TV)**

VENUE & MATCH CONTEXT

Stadium: GEODIS Park

Capacity: 30,000

Surface: Natural grass

Atmosphere: One of MLS’s most intimidating home environments. Nashville’s defensive identity and home‑field advantage make this a difficult trip for any opponent.

Narrative: Nashville SC enters as one of the league’s hottest teams, riding elite defensive form and efficient attacking play. D.C. United, meanwhile, is stabilizing after a rocky start but remains inconsistent, especially on the road. This matchup pits Nashville’s structure and discipline against D.C.’s transition‑heavy approach.

WEATHER UPDATE

Temperature: 73°F

Wind: 8–12 mph from the southwest

Conditions: Clear skies

Pitch Impact: Ideal playing conditions → favors organized defensive teams and structured buildup, which suits Nashville.

INJURY REPORT

D.C. United

Christian Benteke — Probable (minor ankle soreness)

Mateusz Klich — Questionable (groin)

Aaron Herrera — Out (hamstring)

Russell Canouse — Out (knee)

Nashville SC

Hany Mukhtar — Probable (rest management)

Walker Zimmerman — Questionable (hip tightness)

Shaq Moore — Out (ankle)

Aníbal Godoy — Out (hamstring)

Impact: If Zimmerman is limited, Nashville’s back line loses leadership, but their system remains strong. D.C.’s midfield depth is stretched without Canouse and possibly Klich.

RECENT TEAM FORM

D.C. United

Last 5: D–W–L–W–D

Goals For: 15

Goals Against: 16

Road Record: 1‑2‑2

Trend: D.C. is improving, but defensive lapses remain an issue. Benteke continues to carry the attack.

Nashville SC

Last 5: W–W–D–W–W

Goals For: 17

Goals Against: 7

Home Record: 4‑0‑1

Trend: Nashville is in elite form, especially defensively. Their attack is efficient, and Mukhtar is rounding into MVP‑level rhythm.

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

Hany Mukhtar vs. D.C. Defensive Midfield

Mukhtar thrives in pockets of space.

Without Canouse, D.C. lacks a true ball‑winning shield.

If Mukhtar gets time on the ball, Nashville controls the match.

Edge: Nashville

Christian Benteke vs. Jack Maher

Benteke’s aerial dominance is D.C.’s best weapon.

Maher must win duels and prevent second‑ball chaos.

Edge: Even

Jacob Shaffelburg vs. D.C. Fullbacks

Shaffelburg’s pace is a major threat in transition.

D.C.’s fullbacks have struggled against speed this season.

Edge: Nashville

Tyler Boyd vs. Daniel Lovitz

Boyd’s directness can trouble Lovitz, who prefers positional defending.

Boyd must be efficient in the final third.

Edge: Slight to D.C.

SERIES HISTORY

All‑Time MLS Meetings: Nashville leads 5–2–3

At GEODIS Park: Nashville leads 3–1–1

2025 Meetings: Nashville won both matches

Trend: Nashville has scored 2+ goals in 4 of last 5 vs. D.C.

BETTING TRENDS

D.C. United

BTTS has hit in 6 of last 8

D.C. has conceded first in 5 of last 7

Over is 6–4 in last 10

Nashville SC

Nashville has conceded 1 goal or fewer in 8 of last 10

Under is 7–3 in last 10

Nashville is 5–0–1 in last 6 overall

Head‑to‑Head

Under has hit in 6 of last 8

Nashville has won 4 straight at home vs. D.C.

MATCH ODDS

Nashville SC                       – 165

D. C. United                       + 400

Draw                                     + 280

Over 2.5 – 115                   Under 2.5 – 110

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 8, 2026