Matchday 22: Lewandowski leads surging Chicago, Atlanta carry momentum & more!

After a busy midweek slate, the MLS regular season rolls on with Matchday 22 this weekend.

Red Bull New York host Chicago Fire FC for Walmart Saturday Showdown, before LAFC entertain the Portland Timbers in a Western Conference clash later that evening.

Closing things out, Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire takes center stage when Atlanta United welcome Sporting Kansas City to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

• WHEN: Saturday, 7:30 pm ET 
• WATCH: Apple TV

RBNY's youth movement has provided plenty of excitement in Michael Bradley's first season as head coach, even if it's come with its share of growing pains.

Sitting eighth in the Eastern Conference, RBNY have leaned heavily on a talented young core, headlined by 18-year-old forward Julian Hall and 17-year-old midfielder Adri Mehmeti. Both homegrowns have produced eye-catching moments this season, offering glimpses of US men's national team potential.

Meanwhile, Chicago are increasingly looking like a genuine contender. Gregg Berhalter's side have climbed to third in the East, as summer blockbuster signing Robert Lewandowski has added another dimension to an already dangerous attack with three goals in his first five MLS appearances.

With Chicago gathering momentum and RBNY's talented youngsters looking to make another statement, Saturday's matchup is sure to deliver.

• WHEN: Saturday, 10:30 pm ET 
• WATCH: Apple TV

LAFC are searching for a get-right performance in front of their home fans at BMO Stadium after consecutive 1-0 defeats to San Diego FC and the Colorado Rapids.

With attacking firepower headlined by South Korea international superstar Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga, the Black & Gold have no shortage of match-winners.

Meanwhile, Portland are fresh off their first MLS win of the Martí Cifuentes era. The newly arrived Spanish coach oversaw Matchday 21's 3-1 victory over San Diego FC, and now he'll look to keep the positive vibes rolling in this blockbuster Western Conference clash. 

Norwegian DP forward Kristoffer Velde supplied 1g/2a vs. San Diego, helping continue a revitalized stretch for the Timbers as they look to keep climbing the West table. David Da Costa and Kevin Kelsy are other key figures.

• WHEN: Sunday, 7 pm ET 
• WATCH: Apple TV

Winners of two straight, Atlanta United enter Matchday 22's Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire showing signs of a turnaround. 

French midfielder Tristan Muyumba is riding a three-game scoring streak, Alexey Miranchuk has produced at least one goal contribution in four straight matches, and fellow DP Miguel Almirón has 3g/1a since representing Paraguay at this summer's FIFA World Cup. 

The Five Stripes are also rumored to be in the market for another high-profile 2026 World Cup veteran: Swiss striker Breel Embolo, whose arrival in Atlanta would reportedly rank among MLS's all-time most expensive transfers. 

Sporting KC, for their part, already swung big this summer by shattering their club transfer record (reported $18 million) to acquire Brazilian winger André Luiz from Greek Super League powerhouse Olympiacos. 

SKC brass hinted this week that more big-time moves may be on the way before the Secondary Transfer Window closes on Sept. 2, specifically a creative No. 10 to replace outgoing DP Manu García.

Luiz and any additional marquee signing would highlight a Designated Player corps currently led by top scorer Dejan Joveljić (8g/3a).