MLS W2W4: Lodeiro, Pity headline superstar showdown in Seattle

MLS teams are returning to full strength following the conclusions of the Gold Cup and Copa America, and a pair of matches on ESPN this weekend should provide plenty of entertainment, with the Seattle Sounders hosting Atlanta United, and D.C. United facing the New England Revolution. Also, north of the border, rivals Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact will clash for the first time this season.

Superstar showdown in Seattle

Transfer rumors always add an extra layer of intrigue to proceedings, and we'll have plenty of that when the Seattle Sounders host Atlanta United on Sunday (3:55 p.m. ET, ESPN).

For about the millionth time since he arrived in Seattle, midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro has been linked with a move back to Boca Juniors following his comments in an interview in which he expressed his affinity for the Argentine club where he played prior to joining Seattle.

It may be that one day Lodeiro will end up back in the Bombonera, but for now the sense is that his near-term future is in Seattle. He's under contract until 2021 and is the cog in Seattle's attacking wheel. Still, the talk will remain as long as Lodeiro expresses his affection for Boca.

The love for a former Argentine club is a trait shared by ex-River Plate man Gonzalo "Pity" Martinez of Atlanta United. Since arriving in Georgia from River after winning the 2018 Copa Libertadores in epic fashion, Martinez has struggled in his new digs, with just a goal and four assists.

That has prompted its own share of transfer speculation, with TyC Sports of Argentina claiming that Atlanta wanted to loan out Martinez, a report that Atlanta boss Frank de Boer quickly dismissed.

Anyone who watched Martinez at River knows his creative capabilities, and it's worth remembering that his adjustment at River in 2015 took time as well. Perhaps Atlanta won't see the best of Pity until 2020, however they could certainly use a glimpse or two in the Pacific Northwest.

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New arrivals in Canada

Saturday's Canadian Classique between the Montreal Impact and Toronto FC (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+) arrives at an interesting moment for both teams.

To continue the transfer theme, Ignacio Piatti is another player who has constantly been linked with a move back to his native Argentina, but Impact president Kevin Gilmore made it clear that Piatti won't be leaving anytime soon.

That will be a relief to the Impact faithful, but the wait continues for Piatti to return from an injury that will keep him out until summer's end. The Argentine danger man has played just five matches this season, yet manager Remi Garde somehow has the Impact sitting fourth in the East.

On the other side, TFC boss Greg Vanney has been missing many of his key pieces due to international duty, but Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley are back in the fold, while new arrivals Omar Gonzalez and Erickson Gallardo should give Toronto a good shot in the arm. With Toronto teetering on the playoff line, Vanney needs contributions from those four to become a contender.

Revs await big summer Bou-st

The summer transfer window is just a few days old but the New England Revolution have landed a haymaker with the signing of Gustavo Bou.

The Argentine is a proven goal scorer wherever he has played. The fact that he had 10 goals in the Liga MX Clausura with Tijuana suggests he could be even more prolific in MLS. If Brian Fernandez's early success with the Portland Timbers after a good season at Necaxa is a hint of things to come, Revs fans can feel optimistic.

The combination of Bou and Gil could turn New England into a force to be reckoned with this fall.

Bou did not make his debut in Friday's 2-2 draw at D.C. United, but those in the nation's capital know all too well the impact that a big summer signing can make after Wayne Rooney's stateside arrival a year ago.