MLS Matchday 4: Can Atlanta Stop Messi? Plus, St. Louis vs. Seattle

The 2025 MLS season is heating up, and after three weeks of stellar performances and unexpected upsets, Matchday 4 promises even more excitement. This weekend isn’t just another set of games; itS a collision of styles, star power, and regional rivalries that will shape the early season narrative.

Forget the filler – Matchday 4 delivers the goods wiht marquee matchups. sunday night features a clash between two of the league’s most aspiring clubs, Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United. But the action doesn’t stop there. We’ve got battles brewing across the league,pitting teams with similar aspirations against each other as they jockey for playoff positioning.

With a packed schedule of 12 games on Saturday and another three on Sunday, Archysports.com is here to cut through the noise and highlight the must-watch MLS matches this weekend.

1. Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami CF (Sunday, 7:00 pm ET)

Image: A previous match between Atlanta United and Inter Miami CF.

A Southern showdown, a clash of titans, and a rematch of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs – Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United has it all. This isn’t just a game; it’s a statement.

The big story? Lionel Messi’s return. After missing three games, messi made a triumphant midweek appearance in the concacaf Champions Cup against Cavalier FC, scoring a goal and silencing any doubts about his fitness. He’s expected to be back in the starting lineup against Atlanta,adding another layer of intrigue to an already compelling matchup. Miami isn’t just about Messi, though. Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Tadeo Allende, and Luis suarez have been consistently strong, forming a formidable core.

Tadeo Allende has been a revelation, quickly establishing himself as one of the best new signings in MLS. His two goals in just 154 minutes showcase his impact on miami’s potent attack. He’s the kind of player who can change a game in an instant, much like a young miguel almiron did for Atlanta years ago.

Though, Miami faces a challenge in goal. Drake Callender remains sidelined with an injury,and backup Oscar Ustari is suspended after a red card against charlotte FC. Rios Novo is likely to start, but he hasn’t played a full 90 minutes in the regular season since 2022, when he was with Atlanta. This could be a crucial vulnerability for Atlanta to exploit.

For Atlanta, this game is about proving they’re still the kings of the south. After investing heavily in players like Emmanuel Latte Lath and Miguel Almiron (reportedly over $32 million), they need to show they can compete with Miami, charlotte, and the other rising clubs in the region. This is their chance to reclaim their status as a soccer powerhouse.

But it won’t be easy. Atlanta hasn’t quite gelled with their new additions, and Latte Lath’s struggles to find the net are a concern. He’s also in concussion protocol after last week’s match, making his availability uncertain. However, if Atlanta can find success, look for them to target Miami’s left side, where pedro Amador and Saba Lobjanidze caused problems in the playoffs last season. we certainly know we can exploit their defense on the wings, said Atlanta coach Gonzalo Pineda after a training session this week.

This game has all the ingredients for a classic: big money, big crowds, and even bigger superstars. Don’t miss it.

2. St. Louis CITY SC vs. Seattle Sounders (Saturday, 8:30 pm ET)

Image: Action from a previous st. louis CITY SC game.

From the glitz and glamour of Miami to the heartland, St. Louis CITY SC hosts the Seattle Sounders in a clash of contrasting styles. St. Louis, the expansion darlings of last season, are looking to build on their remarkable debut, while Seattle, a perennial contender, are aiming to return to the top of the Western Conference.

St. Louis’ high-pressing, energetic style proved to be a tough matchup for many teams last year. Can they replicate that success in their second season? The key will be maintaining their intensity and finding consistent goal-scoring.Seattle, on the other hand, boasts a veteran squad with plenty of experiance.They’ll look to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game.

One key matchup to watch is in midfield, where St. Louis’ Eduard Löwen will face off against Seattle’s João paulo. The battle for control of the midfield will likely determine which team comes out on top. We need to be physical and win the 50/50 balls, said Löwen in a pre-match interview. If we can do that, we’ll be in a good position to win.

This game is a test of St. Louis’ staying power and a chance for Seattle to prove they’re still a force to be reckoned with in the West.Expect a hard-fought, tactical battle between two well-coached teams.

St. Louis CITY SC’s Defensive Wall vs. Seattle sounders: MLS Week 4 Preview

St. Louis CITY SC defender Henry Kessler has been instrumental in their three-match clean-sheet streak to start 2025. / Joe Puetz-Imagn Images

St. Louis CITY SC is riding high after finally finding the back of the net last week, securing a dominant 3–0 victory over the LA Galaxy. This win not only marked their first goals under the guidance of new head coach olof Mellberg but also extended their impressive clean sheet streak to three games. Can they keep the momentum going?

This weekend presents a formidable challenge as they face Seattle Sounders FC, a team known for its attacking prowess. However, with the newfound offensive spark from players like Cedric Teuchert and Marcel Hartel, coupled with the consistent threat of depth striker Simon Becher, St. Louis might just have the firepower to break down the Sounders’ defense.

The key to St. Louis securing their first-ever win against the Sounders lies in their defensive solidity. They’ll need to contain Jordan Morris, who’s been in stellar form for the Rave Green this season, recently becoming the Sounders’ all-time leading goalscorer. Think of it like the New York Yankees trying to shut down shohei Ohtani – it requires a focused, strategic approach.

That defensive block has been rock solid so far. CITY is the only club in the league yet to concede a goal this season. their defensive stats speak volumes: they rank second in fewest shots against (nine) and third in total clearances (37). Leading this defensive charge is defender Henry Kessler, who’s not only shutting down attacks but also contributing to attacking opportunities. Kessler’s performance is reminiscent of a shutdown cornerback in the NFL, consistently blanketing the opposition’s top receiver.

Timing might also be on St. Louis’ side. The Sounders are coming off a tough midweek trip to Mexico, where they were eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup against Cruz Azul. This could lead to some squad rotation for head coach Brian Schmetzer, potentially disrupting Seattle’s consistency.Seattle has struggled for a consistent lineup and outlook in each match this season, making them vulnerable. Furthermore, they’ll be without left wingback Paul Arriola, who is likely sidelined with an injury.

If St. Louis manages to keep another clean sheet, they’ll join an elite group of MLS teams who have started a season with four consecutive shutouts. Only the 2012 Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the 2007 new York Red Bulls have achieved this feat. This is akin to a baseball team starting the season with four straight games allowing zero runs – a testament to remarkable pitching and defense.

Though,critics might argue that St. Louis’s early success is due to a relatively easy schedule. While their opponents haven’t been pushovers, they haven’t faced the top attacking teams in the league yet. This is a valid point, and their upcoming match against the Sounders will be a true test of their defensive mettle.

Charlotte FC vs. FC Cincinnati: A Battle of Ambition (Saturday, 7:30 pm ET)

Wilfried zaha will look to bounce back after a frustrating performance against Inter Miami CF on Matchday 3. / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Two of the league’s most ambitious teams clash this weekend as Wilfried Zaha and Kévin denkey prepare to face off for the first time. This match promises to be a high-stakes encounter between two teams with serious aspirations.

Denkey, who joined FC Cincinnati for a hefty $16.2 million in the offseason, is still finding his rhythm despite showing flashes of brilliance. He scored from the penalty spot in last week’s 2–0 victory, but consistency is key.Can he live up to the hype and deliver a game-changing performance?

charlotte FC vs. FC Cincinnati: Can Zaha Ignite the Queen City?

Charlotte FC faces a critical test this weekend against a formidable FC Cincinnati side. All eyes will be on Wilfried Zaha, the dynamic winger, as he looks to bounce back from a frustrating performance against Inter Miami. Can he unlock Cincinnati’s defense and propel Charlotte to a vital victory?

zaha’s Redemption Arc

After a scintillating debut against Atlanta United, where he notched a goal and an assist, Zaha encountered a tough challenge against Inter Miami. despite completing the most dribbles in the match and consistently finding himself in risky attacking positions, he was often thwarted by Miami’s physical approach. As any NFL wide receiver can attest, sometiems you just get blanketed by a good defense.

The key question is: can Zaha replicate his Atlanta performance against Cincinnati? While Cincinnati boasts a strong defensive foundation, they may not possess the same level of stifling intensity as Miami. This could open opportunities for Zaha to exploit potential mismatches, particularly against right-back Alvas Powell. Think of it like a star point guard in the NBA facing a slower defender – the potential for exploitation is there.

Charlotte’s game plan might involve mirroring the strategy that saw Zaha dismantle Atlanta’s Luis Abram,while also leveraging the physical presence of striker Patrick Agyemang to occupy Cincinnati’s center backs. This two-pronged attack could stretch Cincinnati’s defense and create space for Zaha to operate.

Charlotte FC Bolsters Ranks

Beyond this weekend’s crucial matchup, Charlotte FC has been active in strengthening its squad. The club recently secured defender Souleyman Doumbia on loan from Standard Liège, adding depth and experience to their backline. Furthermore, reports suggest the acquisition of promising Croatian forward Leo Bartolovic, who will initially join their second team, signaling a long-term investment in talent.

Adding to the excitement, Patrick Agyemang received a well-deserved call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team for the Concacaf Nations League. This recognition underscores Agyemang’s growing influence and potential within the USMNT setup.

Cincinnati: A Model of MLS Success

FC Cincinnati has emerged as one of the premier clubs in MLS, built on a foundation of methodical growth and key superstar acquisitions. Their rise serves as a blueprint for aspiring teams like Charlotte FC,who are striving to emulate Cincinnati’s success. This makes their upcoming clash all the more compelling, as Charlotte seeks to measure itself against one of the league’s elite.

The match against Cincinnati presents a meaningful opportunity for charlotte FC to showcase their progress and demonstrate their ambition to compete at the highest level of MLS. A strong performance, particularly from Zaha, could send a powerful message to the rest of the league.

Potential areas for Further Examination

• How will Charlotte FC integrate Souleyman Doumbia into their defensive lineup?
• What role will Leo Bartolovic play in Charlotte FC’s long-term development strategy?
• Can patrick agyemang translate his MLS form to the international stage with the USMNT?
• What tactical adjustments will FC Cincinnati make to contain Wilfried Zaha?

Matchday 4: Key Data & Comparisons

To further enhance your understanding of key matchups, we’ve distilled essential data points into the following table:

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about MLS Matchday 4

Stay tuned to Archysports for thorough coverage of MLS Matchday 4! We’ll continue to provide in-depth analysis, pre- and post-game reports, and all the latest news from across the league.