Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Last Word SC MLS Pick ‘Em: Week 27

The September international break is over and that means that the stretch run to the MLS playoffs is in full swing, starting with this week's games.

A multitude of players on MLS rosters played for their respective national teams worldwide this past week. It’s a testament to the depth of the league that an MLS player saw action during World Cup Qualifying in every FIFA confederation on Earth. That’s in addition to the MLSers who contributed on all six teams in CONCACAF’s final round.

Marco Ureña of the San Jose Earthquakes had three goals in Costa Rica’s two matches during this window. It included a brace in the Ticos 2-0 win over the USMNT last Friday. Montreal‘s Blerim Dzemaili scored for Switzerland. Columbus Crew SC‘s Justin Meram notched his third international goal for Iraq. Sporting KC‘s James Musa and San Jose‘s Kip Colvey played a part in New Zealand clinching a spot in the intercontinental playoff round.

But all of them must now return to their clubs for the stretch run of the 2017 MLS season. All 22 teams play games in week 27, including New York City FC and SKC who are the only two with a double game week. They face off on Wednesday in a game that might not include NYC goal-scoring talisman David Villa, who suffered an injury in training while with the Spanish national team.

Saturday’s slate of games begin on Unimas when the Chicago Fire hosts the New York Red Bulls in a matchup that might also take place in the postseason. Two of the top smaller market teams of 2017 face off the following afternoon when Columbus Crew SC welcomes Sporting KC to central Ohio. Finally, Sunday’s night cap features the surging Seattle Sounders hosting the LA Galaxy. Sigi Schmid’s boys are hoping to keep the momentum going after last week’s 3-0 demolition of the Colorado Rapids.

Our writers’ panel didn’t have much to pick last week with four MLS games, two World Cup qualifiers and an international friendly. Matt was the only one to finish with an above .500 record, going 4-3. John expanded his lead in the overall standings, but not by much. Just 12 points separates first from last so with roughly two months left in the regular season, it’s anyone’s game.