Will Victor Vasquez and Toronto FC be able to knock off the Red Bulls to clinch their first ever Supporters' Shield? (Photo Courtesy of Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports)

Like every week down the home stretch of the MLS season, week 30 is a big one. However, this week is especially significant in two major ways. First, there is a whopping total of 18 games in total this week (eight of which were played on Wednesday). And secondly, as the international break is about to kick in, this weekend will be a huge determinant in how teams plan out the rest of their seasons over layoff the next two weeks. We are seeing a dogfight for the last knockout round bye in the Eastern Conference, and out West all postseason spots one through six are all still up for grabs. Now lets dive in and check out the biggest games of the upcoming weekend.

Toronto FC vs New York Red Bulls

(Photo Courtesy of Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)

The Red Bulls limp into Saturday’s match-up with the league leaders in poor form, currently mired in an eight game winless stretch. In the last week and a half alone, they have lost a cup final, fell to a direct playoff rival, and dropped points at home to a dreadful DC United team on a stoppage time own goal. Almost 11 months ago to the day, the Red Bulls entered the postseason flying high on a 20 game unbeaten streak, so this is uncharted waters for this team. They still need points down the stretch to ensure a playoff berth, and if they have hopes of making any noise in the postseason, they need to get Daniel Royer back into form quickly, and to attempt to sort out a defense that has collapsed in recent weeks. On the other side, Toronto FC look to get back on track as well. After an unheard of two game slide, the Reds return to BMO Field in the hopes of securing their first Supporters’ Shield. Greg Vanney has been cautious in recent matches, resting the likes of Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore, and Victor Vasquez (as well as others), but the rumblings out of Toronto indicate that a stronger lineup and the return of some stars could be in the mix. And with history on the line, it seems fitting that their key pieces should be leading their charge for a trophy on their home field.

Chicago Fire vs New York City FC

(Photo Courtesy of sbisoccer.com)

The last time these two met in July, fireworks of all types ensued. From a 12th minute sending off of NYCFC young star Yangel Herrera, to cracking goals scored by David Villa and David Accam, and finally a frantic final ten minutes where the undermanned hosts held off a Chicago onslaught, this 2-1 New York City win had a bit of everything. This time these two meet the game will be held at Toyota Park, and each team is coming off a mid-week road win. The Fire easily dispatched of the San Jose Earthquakes by the score of 4-1, and NYCFC downed the Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo 1-0. Each team enters this game in similar fashion with the defeats of playoff hopefuls, and each also hopes to continue their push towards the final knockout round bye in the Eastern Conference. New York City currently hold the second spot in the East with 55 points, but Atlanta is right on their heels with 52 points and a game in hand, while Chicago sits at 51 points and could vault themselves into contention with a win over the boys in blue. Both teams rested key individuals on Wednesday, as Villa did not start and Accam didn’t even make the trip to San Jose. And with Bastian Schweinsteiger possibly making his return to the bench, both teams should be near full strength for this exciting possible playoff preview.

Sporting Kansas City vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC

(Photo Courtesy of Erika Schultz / The Seattle Times)

The Vancouver Whitecaps entered Wednesday in great spirits, in the midst of a seven game unbeaten streak and at the top of the West. But by the end of 90 minutes vs their Cascadia rivals, much of that good feeling had evaporated. Seattle smacked the Caps 3-0 and held them to only one shot on goal all game. And in doing so, they may have laid out a blueprint for how to take down Western leaders: control the ball without committing costly turnovers in the midfield, and limit Vancouver set piece opportunities. The Whitecaps thrive off turnovers and letting their speedy wingers attack in transition, and they are clinical in set piece situations (and they would have scored on another without the heroics of Stefan Frei), but Seattle shut down those avenues all night. Vancouver now face the unenviable task of traveling to Children’s Mercy Park after a mid-week game to face Sporting KC, winners of three straight. After a long spell of offensive struggles in the post-Dwyer era, SKC seems to have figured out their offensive attack. The likes of Daniel Sallói, Latif Blessing, Gerso Fernandes and Diego Rubio have found a good rhythm and have played off each other quite well. They now sit only one point behind Vancouver entering their matchup Saturday night with a game in hand, meaning they have a golden opportunity to build on their US Open Cup triumph last week and to climb to the top of the Western Conference with only a few weeks remaining.

Luke Benigno