While the quarterfinals of the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup are underway this weekend, there is also much MLS soccer to be played. Seven matches are on tap for Saturday with an additional one scheduled for Sunday, and most of them are quite intriguing.

Toronto FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC

The Reds welcome Seattle to BMO Field looking for revenge, having lost to the Sounders 3-0 back in April at Qwest Field. The game is especially important to Nathan Sturgis, who was traded by the Sounders to Toronto in the offseason. Alan Gordon, who has been Toronto’s best offensive player in recent weeks, is a game-time decision. Julian de Guzman is not ready to return despite Canada’s elimination from the Gold Cup as he is nursing an injury of his own. Seattle will look to rebound from a 2-2 home draw last week where they had the lead before Eric Hassli’s ridiculous equalizer.

New England Revolution vs. Chicago Fire

Two teams in dire need of points face off at Gillette Stadium in the Revolution’s second game this week. New England has picked up just one solitary point in their last five games, while Chicago finally earned a 1-0 win against Columbus last week after setting a club record for games without a win. Ousmane Dabo and Benny Feilhaber will remain out for the Revs in this game, while Marco Pappa of the Fire is still representing Guatemala at the Gold Cup. These teams have met 38 times over the years; the Fire lead the way with 17 wins to the Revs’ 13 along with eight draws.

Houston Dynamo vs. Columbus Crew

Despite not playing particularly well over the past two months or so, the Houston Dynamo and Columbus Crew find themselves tied for the third and final automatic playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Crew will try to get back on track after surprisingly losing to the Fire last week, but Columbus has never won at Roberston Stadium. Houston will look to get a winning streak going, having beaten Chivas USA 2-1 a week ago. Houston are without Jamaican duo Jermaine Taylor and Je-Vaughn Watson while Columbus is missing Robbie Rogers, as the trio are currently competing in the Gold Cup.

Colorado Rapids vs. Los Angeles Galaxy

The headline match of Week 14 pits the defending MLS Cup champions against the holders of the Supporters’ Shield. Each team comes in with long unbeaten streaks intact, Colorado’s at nine and the Galaxy’s at eight. The Galaxy are still without important duo Landon Donovan and Donovan Ricketts, who will be competing against each other in a Gold Cup quarterfinal on Sunday. Brian Mullan is still out for the Rapids as he serves his suspension.

Real Salt Lake vs. DC United

Both RSL and DC have been up-and-down in recent weeks and will look to stabilize themselves beginning in this match. Salt Lake looked anemic in the first half last week against Philadelphia, but still managed to bring home a 1-1 result. DC United were embarrassed at home 4-2 by the San Jose Earthquakes. The all-time series is very tight, but Real leads with five wins to DC United’s four, along with three draws.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Philadelphia Union

The Whitecaps return to Empire Field in search of their first win since First Kick, but they will be met by a formidable opponent. Philadelphia comes into the game on a four-game unbeaten streak and are the co-leaders of the Eastern Conference. Jay Nolly and John Thorrington are out for Vancouver with injuries, but Terry Dunfield should be back after Canada’s exit from the Gold Cup. Philadelphia are missing Amobi Okugo and Gabriel Farfan to injury as well as Carlos Ruiz, who is with Guatemala’s Gold Cup team.

Chivas USA vs. FC Dallas

A Dallas team that was embarrassed 4-1 last week at home by Sporting Kansas City looks to get back on track as they converge on the Home Depot Center to take on Chivas USA. The Goats also lost last week, falling in Houston 2-1 to the Dynamo. Jimmy Conrad is doubtful for Chivas, and Alejandro Moreno remains with the Venezuelan national team as they prepare for the 2011 Copa America. Dallas appeared to be one of the best teams in the league before their shocking performance last week, so expect them to come out looking to impress early in this one.

Portland Timbers vs. New York Red Bulls

Thierry Henry and the Red Bulls come to JELD-WEN Field in hopes of dealing Portland their third straight home loss. The Timbers won their first five home games before dropping their last two, most recently by virtue of a stoppage time header from Drew Moor that gave Colorado a 1-0 win. New York finally got back to winning ways last week by beating the New England Revolution 2-1. New York continues to be plagued by international call-ups, but should have Dwayne De Rosario back after Canada’s early departure from the Gold Cup. Joel Lindpere and Luke Rodgers are listed as “questionable” for New York, while Mamadou Danso and Peter Lowry will miss this game for Portland.