How to watch MLS during the international break
By Chris Smith
The international break is upon us but while leagues around the world come to a standstill, the action doesn't stop in MLS.
Fans will be treated to no fewer than three games this weekend - a nice way to blow off some steam as the dust from the USMNT and CanMNT's World Cup qualifying fixtures settles.
Read on to find out more about the fixtures and how to watch them live:
1. Charlotte FC vs FC Cincinnati
Day: Saturday, March 26
Time: 5pm (EST)
Stadium: Bank of America Stadium
How to watch: TUDN USA
Fresh from their first-ever win, Charlotte FC will be eager to prove they really can mix it in MLS during their expansion season when FC Cincinnati come to town this weekend.
Miguel Angel Ramirez's side put the Revs to the sword thanks to a brace from DP Karol Swiderski and a clincher from youngster Ben Bender.
But Cincy have won back-to-back games and finally seem to be turning a corner. Striker Brandon Vazquez is on a tear, while Luciano Acosta remains of the most effective creative forces in MLS.
Who will win in this battle of the queen cities?
2. Sporting Kansas City vs Real Salt Lake
Day: Saturday, March 26
Time: 7pm (EST)
Stadium: Children's Mercy Park
How to watch: TUDN USA
Adding a little extra juice to our reduced slate is a clash between old-time foes Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake.
Rivalry aside, this is an important match. Sporting KC were tipped for success by many this season but have faltered with just one win from their opening four games. It's too early to hit the panic button, but Peter Vermes will want some more Ws on the board sooner rather than later.
And RSL will want to prove they're the real deal. Pablo Mastroeni's side were the fairytale story of the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs and have started the new campaign in style with three wins and a draw. They sit level with LAFC and the Philadelphia Union at the top of the overall standings.
3. Portland Timbers vs Orlando City
Day: Sunday, March 27
Time: 4pm (EST)
Stadium: Providence Park
How to watch: ESPN
Sunday's game isn't so much filling the time between qualifiers. It's more, which game to choose, given it clashes directly with Canada's home clash with Jamaica.
Should you choose the MLS fare, you'll be in for a treat.
The Timbers are stuck down in ninth in the West and will be looking to make the most of home advantage to pick up just their second win of the season so far. But with seven goals conceded already, anything could happen.
Orlando, meanwhile, have had to rely on a tight defense to sit fifth in the East, losing just once so far. But the likes of Facundo Torres and Mauricio Pereyra are definitely capable of breaching an unconvincing Timbers backline.
This could be a game of cat and mouse.