News Summary
As Major League Soccer gears up for matchday 33, several teams are dealing with significant injuries and suspensions that could affect their playoff hopes. Atlanta United leads the injury report with six players out, while Austin FC and Charlotte FC also face key absences. Other teams, including Chicago Fire FC, Colorado Rapids, and D.C. United, have notable player losses. The mix of injuries and suspensions signals a critical point in the season, with coaches needing to adapt as the competition intensifies for playoff spots.
Atlanta, GA—As Major League Soccer (MLS) prepares for matchday 33, several teams are grappling with notable injuries and player suspensions that may impact their playoff ambitions. The competition is heating up as clubs face off this weekend, with the stakes higher than ever as the season approaches its final stretch.
Atlanta United leads the injury report, with six players confirmed out due to various injuries, including Matt Edwards and Jay Fortune, both sidelined with hamstring and foot injuries, respectively. Additionally, Brooks Lennon is ruled out due to Achilles tendinitis, and Stian Gregersen has a hamstring issue. Will Reilly and Nyk Sessock round out the injured list, both listed as out due to hamstring issues and illness. Tristan Muyumba is currently questionable for the match.
Meanwhile, Austin FC is also feeling the blow, losing Diego Rubio to a hamstring injury and Brandon Vazquez due to a knee issue. Osman Bukari is listed as questionable, raising concern as the club looks to secure vital points in their upcoming game.
Charlotte FC faces a similar situation with key midfielder Pep Biel sidelined by a knee injury. Nikola Petkovic is marked as questionable, potentially leaving the team a bit short in depth, while they aim to continue their push for a playoff spot.
The Chicago Fire FC, struggling with health concerns, will miss four players: Leonardo Barroso and André Franco on lower body injuries, and Chris Mueller, who is out for reasons unrelated to injury. Viktor Radojević rounds out their injury list with a lower body ailment. Such absences could hinder the Fire’s performance on the pitch.
Colorado Rapids are also impacted, with three players—Kimani Stewart-Baynes, Calvin Harris, and Wayne Frederick—confirmed out due to injuries. A lack of available players may betoken challenges in their upcoming match.
Columbus Crew report three players confirmed as out, including Wessam Abou Ali with an ankle issue and Mohamed Farsi dealing with a pelvis injury. Diego Rossi’s status is questionable, increasing the urgency for Crew to rally their remaining talent.
On a particularly concerning note, D.C. United sees four players out, with defender Luis Barraza and Aaron Herrera both serving suspensions. Lucas Bartlett and Kristian Fletcher will not be available due to knee injuries, resulting in a significant setback ahead of their crucial clash.
FC Cincinnati’s lineup has been severely depleted, with several injuries compounding the challenge. Key defenders Matt Miazga and Brad Smith are both ruled out, and multiple others, including Kevin Denkey and Lukas Engel, are suspended, raising considerable questions about their defensive strategies going forward.
FC Dallas faces a similar dilemma, finding three players suspended for their upcoming match, including Logan Farrington and Petar Musa among others.
Other Teams Impacted by Injuries and Suspensions
Houston Dynamo FC will be missing Franco Escobar and Jack McGlynn due to illness and lower body injuries, respectively. The LA Galaxy reports four players out, with Isaiah Parente serving a suspension and Riqui Puig out with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Football Club is missing four players due to various injuries.
Additionally, several teams like Inter Miami CF, Minnesota United FC, and Nashville SC will face injury challenges impacting their depth. Teams like Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC also report significant injury lists, severely impacting their rosters as they vie for critical points.
Looking Ahead to Matchday 33
The mixture of injuries and suspensions underscores the unpredictable nature of the season as teams now face the critical juncture of potential playoff berths. Coaches will need to implement strategic adjustments to compensate for the missing players, making matchweek 33 essential for teams looking to earn valuable points in these final rounds. As the weekend approaches, fans and teams alike will closely monitor the injury reports to gauge how these absences might affect match outcomes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
MLS Teams Face Challenges with Injuries and Suspensions
Compass Reports Record Financial Results Defying Market Trends
Additional Resources
- MLS Player Status Report: Matchday 39
- MLS Player Status Report: Matchday 33
- LAFC Player Status Report: At St. Louis City SC
- Sporting KC Sports Medicine Report
- MLS Player Status Report: Matchday 30
- Wikipedia: Major League Soccer
- Google Search: MLS Player Injuries 2023
- Google Scholar: MLS Injury Reports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Major League Soccer
- Google News: MLS News
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
