While the roar of the FIFA World Cup is beginning to subside, there’s still a chance watch the stars of the game in action as the Major League Soccer schedule resumes on TSN.
From homegrown heroes like Stephen Eustaquio to international superstars like Lionel Messi, MLS offers a ton of high-flying action.
New England Revolution vs. Toronto FC
The fourth-ranked New England Revolution take on 12th-ranked Toronto FC on Wednesday in a game featuring four players who took part in the World Cup.
Toronto FC features two members of the Canadian men’s national team in defender Richie Laryea and midfielder Jonathan Osorio. The two veterans - Osorio, 34, has 92 international caps for Canada (two in this World Cup) and Laryea, 31, has 80 (all five in this World Cup) - have been central pieces in Canada’s emergence as a soccer power over the past 10 years.
Forward Derrick Etienne Jr., who made one appearance as a late substitute for Haiti at this World Cup, has two goals in 12 matches with Toronto FC this season.
New England goalkeeper Matt Turner made one appearance for the United States at the World Cup, where he allowed three goals in their final match of the group stage - a 3-2 loss to Turkiye.
Los Angeles FC vs. Real Salt Lake
Later on Wednesday, you can also watch Los Angeles FC take on Real Salt Lake in an all-American showdown. Coverage of that game begins directly after the conclusion of the game between the Revolution and Toronto FC, on TSN3/4, TSN.ca and the TSN App.
LAFC enters this match ranked third in the Western Conference table, five points behind Vancouver and San Jose. LAFC sent four players to the World Cup - including three Canadians.
Midfielders Mathieu Choiniere and Eustaquio and forward Jacob Shaffelburg all saw action at the World Cup representing Canada, with Eustaquio providing one of the most memorable moments of the entire tournament.
In stoppage time in the Round of 32, with Canada playing in its first-ever knockout-stage match, Eustaquio fired a rocket into the bottom left corner of the South African net, sending the Houston Stadium into a frenzy and Canada into the Round of 16 with a 1-0 victory.
LAFC also features South Korean striker Son Heung-min, while Juan Manuel Sanabria (represented Uruguay at the World Cup) will feature for Real Salt Lake.
Saturday, July 25 showcases doubleheader with more stars
On Saturday, the stars take the pitch once more, with Inter Miami battling CF Montreal at 7:30p.m. ET / 4:30p.m. ET, and the San Diego FC battling Dallas FC afterwards in the second slot of a doubleheader.
Click here for a full schedule, including where and when you can watch each game.
Inter Miami enters this game second in the Eastern Conference table, with the iconic Messi on the roster, alongside fellow Argentinian international Rodrigo De Paul - though it remains to be seen whether they will be ready to play in this match against lowly Montreal after playing in the World Cup final on Sunday.
Messi featured in all eight matches for Argentina in the tournament, finishing second in the Golden Boot race with eight goals, while De Paul made seven caps for Argentina.
Inter Miami also features Canadian goaltender Dayne St. Clair, who was named to the Canadian men’s national team but did not make any appearances at the tournament.
In the later match, San Diego’s roster features two World Cup participants in Panamanian captain Anibal Godoy and Cabo Verde goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos. Dos Santos did not make any caps for Cabo Verde in their historic run, as their top keeper, Vozinha, became a star of the tournament, while the 36-year-old Godoy made one appearance for Panama in their three matches.
Dallas FC star striker Petar Musa, whose 12 goals are tied for second in the MLS this season, appeared in two matches for Croatia at the World Cup and knocked in one goal for his side. Louicius Deedson appeared in all three of Haiti’s matches, giving Dallas two players who participated in the World Cup.
More stars on display in August 1 doubleheader
There’s more MLS action on tap on Saturday, August 1, with a doubleheader set to showcase more electric talent on the pitch.
The Vancouver Whitecaps and LAFC meet at 7:30p.m. ET / 4:30p.m. PT in Vancouver for a high-stakes showdown in the Western Conference table.
LAFC’s roster features four players with World Cup pedigree, while Vancouver brings in two players to feature on the biggest stage this summer.
Midfielder Andres Cubas helped pull Paraguay to a historic result for the country, appearing in all five matches on the way to a best-ever finish in the Round of 16.
Sebastian Berhalter appeared in all five matches for the United States, helping them to a Round of 16 finish by knocking in a goal and tallying an assist.
Vancouver forward Rayan Elloumi was named to the Tunisian national team at the age of 18, but he did not make any appearances at the World Cup.
In the second half of the doubleheader, you can watch the Seattle Sounders take on the Portland Timbers in a match that features two players who were rostered at the World Cup.
On Seattle’s side, midfielder Cristian Roldan was named to the United States side for the World Cup for the second consecutive tournament, though the 31-year-old did not make it onto the pitch in any of the team’s five matches.
Timbers centre back Finn Surman represented New Zealand and electrified his nation by scoring the opening goal in the All Whites’ eventual 3-1 loss against Egypt in the group stage.
