What to watch for Tuesday: Does another Red Bulls-Union thriller await?

Tuesday's slate across MLS is action-packed, with five games set to commence across an hour-and-a-half span. As well as three meetings between Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls, there's an all-Canadian clash and a final match of the night will featuring the Western Conference leaders.

Here's a quick overview of what to watch for ahead of settling in for Tuesday night's action.

D.C. United vs. New England Revolution

7:00 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada (local TV)

At the moment, goals are hard to come by for both clubs; neither have scored since they shared a 1-1 draw on July 17 at the MLS is Back Tournament. Perhaps we'll see Gustavo Bou back in the goalscorer's column for New England, or maybe offseason recruit Edison Flores provides a measurable impact for D.C. United.

These Eastern Conference clubs need to make up ground either way, so points are at a premium. For those searching for strong defensive showings, Matt Turner and Bill Hamid are two of the league's top goalkeepers. 

Chicago Fire FC vs. FC Cincinnati

7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada (local TV)

This one's all about Chicago coming back to Soldier Field, even if it's amid a pandemic and there won't be fans in attendance. It's a symbolic moment nonetheless as the Fire depart SeatGeek Stadium for good and truly enter this new era.

But don't expect Cincy to roll over, especially in the defensive third. They've posted shutouts in three of their past four games, which is a marked achievement after allowing a league-worst 75 goals as an expansion club in 2019.

Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls

7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada (local TV)

The last time Philly hosted RBNY at Subaru Park, the Union emerged with a wild 4-3 win in the First Round of the 2019 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. From stoppage-time goals to endless edge-of-your-seat moments, that game had it all.

Another seven-goal thriller might not be in the cards, but these Eastern Conference rivals always provide a competitive, entertaining match. They're both even on nine points, too, so there's the chance to leapfrog their opponents in the standings.

Montreal Impact vs Vancouver Whitecaps

8 pm ET | TSN 1/3, TVA Sports in Canada; MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US (Local TV)

Montreal return to action after an MLS is Back Tournament exit in the Round of 16, though it's not entirely clear how they'll line up. Head coach Thierry Henry has seemingly tossed out a new wrinkle every game, so that's reason to tune in if nothing else.

As for the Vancouver perspective, it's a chance to rebound after two lackluster showings last week against Toronto FC. They lost those by a combined 4-0 scoreline, and have been shutout in four of their past five matches.

Sporting Kansas City vs. Houston Dynamo

8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada (Local TV)

It's a chance for two straight wins from Sporting KC, who are looking to strengthen their lead atop the Western Conference standings. Perhaps we'll see Alan Pulido rediscover his goalscoring form, though the Mexican No. 9 has proven impactful far beyond the boxscore.

Meanwhile, Houston are still searching for their first win under head coach Tab Ramos. They're coming off back-to-back draws, and could use another big game from the hot-and-cold Alberth Elis.