MLS July Showdowns: Must-Watch Matches That Will Define the Season
July represents a pivotal period in every MLS season, beginning with Fourth of July fixtures and concluding during the dynamic summer transfer period.
The 2025 season follows this pattern, with regular season matches running parallel to Leagues Cup competition, while the three MLS clubs that took part in the FIFA Club World Cup rejoin their 27 league rivals.
From four weeks of action, here are five unmissable fixtures from July's MLS calendar.
Seattle Sounders vs. Columbus Crew SC - July 6
Two legendary MLS franchises meet in a cross-conference showdown to open July, with both harboring ambitious plans for the remainder of the campaign.
Manager Brian Schmetzer and Seattle are focused on maintaining momentum following their respectable FIFA Club World Cup showing, where they performed admirably despite suffering defeats in each game and exiting at the group phase.
Domestically, the Sounders haven't reached peak performance, struggling with fitness issues and weekly inconsistencies. Nevertheless, with forward Jesus Ferreira returning, plus midfield talents Pedro de la Vega, Christian Roldan and defender Jackson Ragen available, the Rave Green have cause for optimism.
Their opponents, the formidable Columbus Crew, arrive on a three-game winning streak, featuring attacking stars Diego Rossi and Darlington Nagbe, plus a solid central defensive partnership of Steven Moreira and Sean Zawadzki.
Two storied franchises with recent achievements and future ambitions, led by Schmetzer and Wilfried Nancy, two of MLS's most versatile tacticians. This promises entertainment.
FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew SC - July 12
The intensity of the Hell is Real Derby matches few other rivalries in MLS, and supporters will witness this spectacle in July's second week. This marks the first occasion both sides enter with a full week's preparation, unlike their previous encounter which followed midweek fixtures.
FC Cincinnati has been outstanding throughout the season, adapting to Luciano Acosta's late offseason departure by acquiring attacking talents Kévin Denkey and Evander. Entering July, Denkey had netted nine times, while Evander contributed 11 goals and six assists, placing him in early MLS MVP discussions.
Columbus seeks to extend their Hell is Real Derby advantage, leading 8-4 in victories. However, both clubs will desperately pursue Ohio bragging rights, particularly after their last two derby encounters ended level.
LAFC vs LA Galaxy - July 19
Despite potentially lacking previous years' significance, the mid-July El Tráfico encounters between LAFC and LA Galaxy have become MLS folklore in recent campaigns.
This version takes place at LAFC's BMO Stadium and won't match the record 82,110 attendance from the 2023 Rose Bowl Independence Day clash, but will still deliver thrilling entertainment.
For the Galaxy, these high-stakes matches with local pride at stake represent virtually their only meaningful objectives. After 20 fixtures, Greg Vanney's squad had managed just one victory, though they produced one of their finest displays in May's 2-2 El Tráfico stalemate at Carson.
While Marco Reus and company may lack table motivation, they'll undoubtedly aim to frustrate an LAFC side still seeking optimal form and MLS Cup contender status, particularly given their fixture congestion following a disappointing Club World Cup campaign.
With exceptional talent including Reus, Denis Bouanga, Hugo Lloris and others, El Tráfico remains essential viewing.
San Diego vs Vancouver Whitecaps - July 19
San Diego FC and Vancouver Whitecaps have emerged as two of the season's first-half standouts, both achieving this status somewhat surprisingly.
Vancouver has enjoyed a pleasant breakthrough near the summit after nearly 14 years of average performance, while San Diego FC has delivered an exceptional debut campaign, ranking among MLS's finest expansion seasons.
However, San Diego FC dominated their sole previous meeting with a 5-3 triumph, sparked by Milan Iloski's four goals in just 12 minutes - the quickest four-goal sequence in MLS history. Vancouver will seek retribution in this rematch, particularly with leading scorer Brian White returning from international commitments.
Both teams employ entertaining, flowing approaches, ensuring an engaging contest regardless of their form heading into the fixture.
Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati - July 26
Inter Miami CF faces a demanding July schedule with seven fixtures, but their July 26 encounter with FC Cincinnati stands apart from the rest.
This represents a clash of squad-building philosophies, pitting Miami's European and veteran star quality against FC Cincinnati's carefully scouted investments in Evander and Kévin Denkey, while likely featuring two Eastern Conference elite teams.
Late July enters a crucial period for MLS Cup Playoffs preparation, making this fixture significant for seeding purposes, assuming both sides maintain their status among the league's premier clubs.