3 things to watch in MLS: Week 6

Like clockwork, the remaining MLS teams in the CONCACAF Champions League have been dumped out of the competition by Mexican opposition, bringing each side back on even footing and focused solely on domestic action. Here's what to watch for in Week 6 of the 2017 MLS season:

The FC Dallas bounce-back effort

FC Dallas vs. Minnesota United - Toyota Stadium (April 8)

What cures a team's ills better than a quick turnaround response? Little, perhaps, and that's what Oscar Pareja will be banking on for FC Dallas, which lost 3-1 to Pachuca to end a Champions League dream, but now face off against everyone's favorite league whipping boys, Minnesota United.

The Loons may have pulled off a 4-2 victory over Real Salt Lake last week, but that does not mean Minnesota can suddenly stroll into Toyota Stadium and defeat the league's reigning Supporters' Shield winner just like that.

No, it's going to take a monumental Minnesotan miracle just to survive the night, with a hungry Dallas side looking to set the record straight once again.

Friday night fight

LA Galaxy vs. Montreal Impact - StubHub Center (April 7)

East Coasters, don't pack it in early on Friday night - stay up, if you'd like, and enjoy the LA Galaxy's upcoming tilt against the Montreal Impact - a match that promises to fulfill all of your central midfield-battle cravings.

The Impact might very well be without Ignacio Piatti, however, as the Argentine winger is reportedly dealing with a hip or groin injury. Laurent Ciman remains out as well, leaving this depleted Montreal team with little in the way of quality leadership on the field.

Might that prove the perfect storm of circumstance for Curt Onaflo's side? Perhaps. The LA Galaxy certainly need a gimme at some point, and this match might be just that. But, if Montreal does one thing well, it's defy expectations, and that alone might make this tilt fun for one side and not the other.

Atlanta's MLS Cup test

Toronto FC vs. Atlanta United - BMO Field (April 8)

Fresh off a 0-0 draw against the reigning MLS Cup-winning Seattle Sounders, fledgling outfit Atlanta United continues its lively expansion tour with a trip to the other MLS Cup finalist of 2016, Toronto FC.

Once again, Atlanta will be without top scorer and MLS Player of the Month recipient Josef Martinez, and with no penalties to declare a winner, a result will need to come over 90 minutes. The Reds haven't scored a goal at BMO Field in well over 200 minutes, which Greg Vanney will look to correct posthaste.

Toronto remains undefeated - a mark that Atlanta will look to stain as these high-flying newcomers continue turning heads with their positive, attack-minded football guided by the hand of the impeccable Tata Martino.

(Photos Courtesy: Action Images)