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MLS Matchday 9 Preview: First midweek action of 2026!

MLS is an unpredictable league. When midweek matches flow, chaos usually ensues. Will that be the case tonight?

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We're on a quick turnaround this week for MLS Matchday 9. Tonight's slate of games will be a good feeder into Matchday 10 this weekend. 

MLS Matchday 8 saw Lionel Messi carry Inter Miami to a win over the Colorado Rapids, the Philadelphia Union pick up their first home point of the season in a 0-0 draw with DC United, FC Cincinnati and Chicago Fire go goal-for-goal, and the San Jose Earthquakes toppled LAFC.

Heading into Matchday 9, there are some pretty strong matchups for the midweek. The Philadelphia Union takes on a Toronto FC side that has defied expectations so far. Real Salt Lake will be tested going up against Inter Miami. LAFC will hope to bounce back from back-to-back losses when they take on the Colorado Rapids.

Not every team is playing tonight, but midweek MLS is always a great watch. 

Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crapeau (71) blocks the header from Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge (9) during the first half at Geodis Park.
Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crapeau (71) blocks the header from Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge (9) during the first half at Geodis Park.
Steve Roberts

MLS Matchday 9 Schedule and Betting Preview

*All bets courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

NYCFC (H) vs. FC Cincinnati (A) - 7:30 pm - Yankee Stadium
Odds: Home -130, Tie +290, Away +290

Columbus Crew (H) vs. LA Galaxy (A) - 7:30 pm - ScottsMiracle-Gro Field
Odds: Home -145, Tie +310, Away +310

Orlando City (H) vs. Charlotte FC (A) - 7:30 pm - Inter&Co Stadium
Odds: Home +150, Tie +280,  Away +150

Toronto FC (H) vs. Philadelphia Union (A) - 7:30 pm - BMO Field
Odds: Home +140, Tie +250, Away +180

New York Red Bulls (H) vs. DC United (A) - 7:30 pm - Sports Illustrated Stadium
Odds: Home -130, Tie +280, Away +310

Atlanta United (H) vs. New England Revolution (A) - 7:45 pm - Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Odds: Home -105, Tie +260, Away +260

FC Dallas (H) vs. Minnesota United (A) - 8:30 pm - Toyota Stadium
Odds: Home +105, Tie +280, Away +230

Houston Dynamo (H) vs. San Diego FC (A) - 8:30 pm - Shell Energy Stadium
Odds: Home -105, Tie +290, Away +240

Real Salt Lake (H) vs. Inter Miami (A) - 9:30 pm - America First Field
Odds: Home +115, Tie +290, Away +185

San Jose Earthquakes (H) vs. Austin FC (A) - 10:30 pm - PayPal Park
Odds: Home -240, Tie +360, Away +500

LAFC (H) vs. Colorado Rapids (A) - 10:30 pm - BMO Stadium
Odds: Home -270, Tie +410, Away +600

Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) kicks the ball away from Colorado Rapids midfielder Hamzat Ojediran (8) in the second half at Empower Field at Mile High.
Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) kicks the ball away from Colorado Rapids midfielder Hamzat Ojediran (8) in the second half at Empower Field at Mile High.
Ron Chenoy

Top five matches to watch 

Toronto FC vs. Philadelphia Union
Atlanta United vs. New England Revolution
FC Dallas vs. Minnesota United 
Real Salt Lake vs. Inter Miami 
LAFC vs. Colorado Rapids

MLS's Eastern Conference

Nashville SC - 19 pts
Inter Miami - 15 pts
Charlotte FC - 14 pts
Chicago Fire - 14 pts
New England Revolution - 12 pts

Toronto FC - 12 pts
NYCFC - 11 pts
New York Red Bulls - 11 pts
DC United - 8 pts
FC Cincinnati - 8 pts
CF Montreal - 6 pts
Columbus Crew - 6 pts
Philadelphia Union - 4 pts
Atlanta United - 4 pts
Orlando City - 4 pts

MLS's Western Conference

Vancouver Whitecaps - 21 pts
San Jose Earthquakes - 21 pts
LAFC - 16 pts
Seattle Sounders - 16 pts
Real Salt Lake - 16 pts
Minnesota United - 14 pts
FC Dallas - 13 pts
Colorado Rapids - 12 pts
San Diego FC - 11 pts
Houston Dynamo - 9 pts
LA Galaxy - 9 pts
Portland Timbers - 7 pts
Austin FC - 7 pts
St. Louis City - 6 pts
Sporting Kansas City - 4 pts

MORE: Philadelphia Union secure first point at home of 2026 season with 0-0 draw against DC United

MLS, Major League Soccer