Wednesday 1 July 2015 15:51, UK
Ahead of Steven Gerrard's unveiling in LA, here are five things to look out for in the MLS this weekend...
Columbus Crew v New York Red Bulls: Can the Red Bulls stop some of MLS' hottest attacking talent?
The Red Bulls will be on a high after putting a halt to New York City FC's improvement by defeating their new rivals 3-1 at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.
Bradley Wright-Phillips put an end to his drought by scoring his sixth goal of the season as the Red Bulls' second consecutive win came off the back of losing four in a row.
Nineteen-year-old Red Bulls defender Matt Miazga drew plaudits for his job successfully containing David Villa and also scoring their third goal of the game - pulling off an appropriately timed baseball bat celebration afterwards.
But now his task will be contending with Golden Boot leader Kei Kamara, who leads by three goals on 12.
Furthermore, MLS assist leader Ethan Finlay will also be part of the attack that looks to provide some consistency to Columbus' game, as they have won one of their last eight.
The Red Bulls won this fixture 2-1 back in March; whether they can put a stop to Columbus' forwards this time round remains to be seen.
Portland Timbers v San Jose Earthquakes: Whose attack will prove the difference?
Two of MLS' in-form teams go head-to-head as San Jose make the short trip to Providence Park. The 'Quakes are looking to capitalise on their 3-1 win against fierce rivals LA Galaxy last weekend.
The win was greatly influenced by the performance of Matias Perez Garcia. The designated player recorded two assists, making it three assists and one goal in two matches from the diminutive Argentine.
But Perez Garcia will be playing without his star partner Chris Wondolowski as he prepares for the Gold Cup with USA.
Yet Portland will have their main threat Fanendo Adi available, who sits just one goal behind Wondolowski in the Golden Boot standings having scored eight goals so far this season.
The Timbers have won six of their last seven matches and a win against San Jose could mean overtaking their fierce rival Seattle into second in the Western Conference standings.
LA Galaxy v Toronto FC: As Steven Gerrard is set to be unveiled, will Keane or Giovinco step up?
Both teams will be missing some key players as preparation for the Gold Cup starts this week but Robbie Keane and Sebastian Giovinco are expected to take centre stage.
Keane has slowly returned from injury and has played 90 minutes in LA's last three matches. The Irishman has recorded three assists and one goal.
The Galaxy's loss against San Jose at the weekend will have hurt their pride as their two game winning streak was put to an end by their rivals, who have not beaten them since June 2013.
And another record is on the line for LA as Toronto has not beaten the Galaxy since 2008. The attacking burden will be placed on Sebastian Giovinco, who will be without teammates Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley.
His eight goals and seven assists in 15 matches suggest he is capable of handling such responsibility.
On a side note, Steven Gerrard is to be unveiled to the Galaxy faithful at half-time. It may be such an occasion that can motivate LA to take all three points in this tough contest.
FC Dallas v New England: Will past results favour FC Dallas?
FC Dallas put an end to their six-game winless streak after beating Houston Dynamo 2-0 last Friday. At the start of the season, Dallas won six games out of 10.
Since, they have won just the one but Fabian Castillo's goal for the second consecutive match will give hope to head coach Oscar Pareja that his side can get back to their best.
Last season, Dallas hit an incredible run of form of seven wins and three draws over the summer months, and will aim to replicate that in some shape as they face New England.
New England have won just once in their last 10 matches yet are still second in the Eastern Conference standings. However, maintaining the spot will be difficult if the run of three consecutive losses continues.
The Revolution will have to keep it tight at the back should they stop the team with one of the league's paciest attacks. But New England has not won in Frisco in 2008, making it seem a tough ask.
Seattle Sounders v DC United: Can a goal-deprived Seattle overcome MLS' leaders?
Seattle has struggled for form in recent weeks as they suffered their third straight defeat to Portland on Saturday.
Clint Dempsey's suspension and Obafemi Martins' injury has meant a vastly weakened front line for the Sounders. Of the 24 goals Seattle has scored this season, Dempsey and Martins have 14 of those.
The experienced Chad Barrett and Lamar Neagle, who is predominantly played as a winger, are now required to step us Seattle look to stop the slide after spending the vast majority of the season at the top of a very competitive Western Conference.
A loss against DC United could potentially mean dropping down to fourth and the Eastern Conference runaways provide the hardest of competition.
Not many would have expected DC United to be top of the entire MLS by three points, but their ability to grind out results has seen them maintain consistency throughout the season.
DC have picked up four points in their last two games on the road and will look to continue their impressive streak.
