Beasts of the Southeast: March Madness
- Rylee Mckinney
- 14 minutes ago
- 10 min read
By Rylee McKinney
The MLS’s 2026 season is well underway as the league breaks for international play. In just five matchdays, teams have been fluctuating up and down the Eastern Conference standings. For now, our Southeast teams are not unfamiliar with the top conference spots. As international play forces MLS to pause for upcoming friendlies, the Southeast chaos can kick their feet up… temporarily.
Here are some updates on all six clubs, including power rankings and "under-the-radar players to watch:
Player of the Month
Sam Surridge - Nashville SC's striker has gotten off to an extremely fast start with seven goals in three MLS starts and eight goals overall in all competitions. Surridge was already one of the top strikers last season, and looks to be an early benefactor of the Cristian Espinoza addition this year.
Power Rankings
Nashville SC
Inter Miami CF
Charlotte FC
DC United
Atlanta United
Orlando City
Nashville SC
Record all-comps since February/March:
Regular season: 4W-1D- 0L
Concacaf Champions Cup: 2W - 2D - 0L (advance to play Club América on April 7th in the Quarter-Finals)
Current place in MLS Supporters’ Shield: 1st place
Nashville SC is off to a historic start in its 2026 season. They currently sit at 1st place in the Eastern Conference standings with 13 points. Additionally, Nashville is advancing in the Concacaf Champions Cup, most recently knocking out 2025 MLS Cup Winners Inter Miami in dramatic fashion, advancing on aggregate in Leg 2.
So far this season, Nashville has been literally stomping on teams. Their squad most recently defeated a struggling Orlando City 5-0 on Matchday 5, illustrating their league dominance. Their attacking unit reflects a triple threat, with Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar, and Cristian Espinoza mowing down defensive opponents–and they are just getting started.
Nashville has also been making headlines internationally, with six call-ups for the March window. Forward Warren Madrigal (Costa Rica), forward Woobens Pacius (Haiti), goalkeeper Xavier Valdez (Dominican Republic, and Patrick Yazbek (Australia) have all been called up for their respective national teams. Moreover, defenders Reed Baker-Whiting and Thomas Williams received call-ups for the USA U-21 squad.
Under-the-radar player to watch
Left winger Warren Madrigal (21) has come off the bench for Nashville, earning significant minutes. Madrigal has made five appearances with Nashville this season, tallying two goals and one assist so far. The Costa Rican has been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 1 with their 4-1 win over New England Revolution. Most importantly, Madrigal received a call-up for the Costa Rican National team ahead of their international friendly against Jordan. Fans can expect Madrigal’s chemistry with the dominant forward line to blossom throughout the season, making Madrigal a player to watch.
April schedule
Nashville has a lot on its plate heading into April. After defeating Inter Miami CF in the second leg of the Round of 16 in the Concacaf Champions Cup. With this win, Nashville advances to the Quarter-finals, where it faces Club América. So, their April schedule balances Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS regular season, testing Nashville’s endurance.
Saturday, April 4th, 8:30 PM ET - at Chicago Fire
Tuesday, April 7th, 8:00 PM ET - vs Club América (Concacaf Champions Cup Quarter-Final)
Saturday, April 11th, 7:30 PM ET - at Charlotte FC
Tuesday, April 14th, 11:30 PM ET - at Club América (Concacaf Champions Cup Quarter-Final)
Saturday, April 18th, 7:30 PM ET - at Atlanta United
Saturday, April 25th, 8:30 PM ET - vs Charlotte FC
Inter Miami CF
Record all-comps since February/March:
Regular season: 3W - 1D - 1L
Concacaf Champions Cup: 0W - 2D - 0L (lost to Nashville in Round of 16 on away goals)
Current place in MLS Supporters’ Shield: 9th place
Inter Miami CF, as per usual, is making MLS headlines. In their match against NYCFC, superstar Lionel Messi achieved a major milestone – scoring his 900th career goal. During this match, Messi also recorded a deflected free-kick goal, proving his GOAT status once again. Despite recent league success, Inter Miami was ousted from the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, following a draw with Nashville SC. However, in the regular season, Miami is preserving its unbeaten run as they head into Matchday six.
Outside of play, Inter Miami recently entered a new partnership with Brazilian financial services company NU. The Herons will be renaming their stadium NU Stadium, expected to open on April 4th. Management has also announced a five-year extension of a long-term partnership with Adidas, including plans to build the largest team store in MLS in their new stadium.
Internationally, Inter Miami has received a filing-cabinet full of call-ups for the March International window: Forward Germán Berterame (Mexico), defender Israel Boatwright (Dominican Republic), midfielder Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina), defender Ian Fray (Jamaica), forward Lionel Messi (Argentina), midfielder Telasco Segovia (Venezuela), and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair (Canada). Youth international call-ups for Inter Miami include defender Noah Allen (Greece, U-21), midfielder Santiago Morales (USA, U-19), forward Daniel Pinter (USA, U-19), and midfielder Alexander Shaw (USA, U-18).
Under-the-radar player to watch
Inter Miami CF recently announced its signing of Academy graduate Alex Shaw (17). Signing on as a Homegrown Player until the end of 2026, Inter Miami also has options to extend his contract. With this signing, Shaw becomes the 11th Inter Miami CF Academy product to sign for the first team.
Shaw made his MLS debut on a short-term loan from the Club’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Inter Miami II during Miami’s match against Charlotte FC on March 14th. During his time with Inter Miami II, Shaw made 13 appearances and recorded two assists. It will be interesting to see how young talent like Shaw fits in with some of Miami’s most notable veterans.
April schedule
After a longer February/March schedule, Inter Miami slows down in April, only playing five matches. Relieved of their Concacaf Champions Cup duties thanks to Nashville SC, Inter Miami will spend most of April resting and recovering.
Saturday, April 4th, 7:30 PM ET - vs Austin FC
Saturday, April 11th, 7:30 PM ET - vs NY Red Bulls
Saturday, April 18th, 4:30 PM ET - at Colorado Rapids
Wednesday, April 22nd, 9:30 PM ET - at Real Salt Lake
Saturday, April 25th, 7:30 PM ET - vs New England Revolution
Charlotte FC
Record all-comps since February/March:
Regular season: 2W - 2D - 1L
Current place in MLS Supporters’ Shield: 11th Place
Most of Charlotte FC’s recent headlines stray from on-field happenings. Rather, Charlotte FC is focused on its World Cup hosting duties and the upcoming MLS All-Star Game. Charlotte FC management confirmed in early March that they will be hosting the Scotland National Team for the 2026 World Cup training. Its fellow cities, Greensboro and Durham, will be hosting Norway and Germany. With the World Cup just around the corner, Charlotte’s defender Tim Ream has been called up for March’s friendlies.
As for pitch-side news, Charlotte FC’s roster has been fluctuating, especially in the midfield. Despite the new signing of Luca de la Torre, head coach Dean Smith still seems unsure of who to give the starting midfield spot to regularly. Mayor Brandt Bronico has been battling for minutes with Djibril Diani and de la Torre for several weeks. On the flip side, Charlotte FC’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Crown Legacy, has been dominating its season. Crown Legacy currently sits in first place, undefeated so far in their run. Crown Legacy forward Nimfasha Berchimas has also gained significant traction, with a potential move to Bayern Munich over the summer. Berchimas recently received a U-18 call-up for the USA’s March window.
Under-the-radar player to watch
Australian left-back David Schnegg (27) has been an under-the-radar player for Charlotte FC. So far this season, Schnegg has only made two appearances. However, Schnegg’s advantageous attitude has earned him an assist during their match against Red Bull NY. Having yet to earn a start, Schnegg not only brings experience to the squad but also versatility.
April schedule
The Crown’s April schedule is on the lighter side, with only four Saturday matches. Charlotte FC will spend its first two matches after the International break at The Bank, but will be on the road for the rest of April’s matches. The squad will also face Eastern Conference powerhouse Nashville SC twice, which may lead to long-term fatigue.
Saturday, April 4th, 7:30 PM ET - vs Philadelphia Union
Saturday, April 11th, 7:30 PM ET - vs Nashville SC
Wednesday, April 15th - vs Charlotte Independence
Saturday, April 18th, 7:30 PM ET - at NYCFC
Wednesday, April 22nd, 7:30 PM ET - at Orlando City
Saturday, April 25th, 8:30 PM ET - at Nashville SC
Tuesday-Wednesday, April 28-29th - US Open Cup Round of 16 (if they advance)
DC United
Record all-comps since February/March:
Regular season: 2W-1D-2L
Current place in MLS Supporters’ Shield: 14th place
February and March have been somewhat quiet for DC United. In their off-season, DC United signed striker Tai Baribo and goalkeeper Sean Johnson. During his debut against Philadelphia Union, Baribo proved DC right in their $4.6 million deal. So far, Baribo has started in all five matches for DC, scoring three goals. As for Johnson, he has also started in all five matches, shutting down 16 goals.
It appears that under their new manager, René Weiler, DC United is slowly progressing from last season’s disaster. Given how early in the season it is, DC still has time to grow and solidify its starting XI. Unfortunately, DC United has had some misfortune: forward Gabriel Segal recently underwent right ankle surgery to repair a ligament. The injury occurred earlier in the 2026 MLS season, but he is expected to recover over the next five months.
Under-the-radar player to watch
Jackson Hopkins (21) is yet another Homegrown product for DC United. Hopkins’ experience ranges from Academy play to U.S. Youth National Team Call-ups, putting him under professional pressure from the start. Hopkins is known for his technical composure on the ball, which ultimately gained the attention of DC United’s first squad. Singing with DC back in April of 2022, Hopkins has accumulated 67 appearances across all competitions. Despite a lengthy history of injuries, Hopkins continues to grow on the pitch. This season, Hopkins has transitioned from winger to an attacking midfield spot, making five appearances with the squad. As DC strives to bounce back, Hopkins supports their growth on and off the pitch.
April schedule
Similar to Charlotte and Miami, DC United has a lighter schedule in April. For the most part, DC will be on the road, sticking to the East Coast. Yet DC will surely face some lighter competition this month, as teams like Philadelphia and New England are struggling in the standings. DC should be able to add some significant points to their tally this month.
Saturday, April 4th, 7:40 PM ET - vs FC Dallas
Saturday, April 11th, 7:30 PM ET - at New England Revolution
Wednesday, April 15th, 7:30 PM ET - vs One Knoxville SC
Saturday, April 18th, 7:30 PM ET - at Philadelphia Union
Wednesday, April 22nd, 7:30 PM ET - at NY Red Bulls
Saturday, April 25th, 7:30 PM ET - vs Orlando City
Tuesday-Wednesday, April 28-29th - US Open Cup Round of 16 (if they advance)
Atlanta United
Record all-comps since February/March:
Regular season: 1W -1D - 3L
Current place in MLS Supporters’ Shield: 22nd place
In March, Atlanta United shook things up in the front office. Former Mexican Football Federation COO Mauricio Culebro was appointed as the new President of Soccer to oversee Atlanta United and its future NWSL franchise. On the pitch, the squad has had a rougher start to their season, securing their first win in Matchday 4 against Philadelphia. After the squad’s explosive performance against Philadelphia, Miguel Almirón and Tomás Jacob were named to the Matchday 4 edition of MLS Team of the Matchday with their four-goal contributions combined. Almirón even broke Atlanta United’s all-time assists record that night.
On the international stage, Atlanta United players received six National Team call-ups for the March FIFA Window: midfielder Miguel Almirón (Paraguay), midfielder Matías Galarza (Paraguay), defender Adyn Torres (Puerto Rico), forward Luke Brennan (USA U-21), midfielder Santiago Pita (Venezuela U-20), and midfielder Cooper Sanchez (USA U-18).
Under-the-radar player to watch
After conceding a total of 63 goals during regular-season play in 2025, Atlanta United has made efforts to add depth to its roster. Defensive midfielder Tomás Jacob (21) might just be the answer for a struggling Atlanta. Jacob signed on with Atlanta back in 2025 from Club Necaxa through the U-22 Initiative and an international roster spot. However, Jacob did not earn a starting spot until this season.
This season, Jacob has earned significant minutes as a right fullback and center back. In the first five games, he even scored for Atlanta’s match against Philly. His versatility as a player not only provides insurance for a shaky back line but also creates transitional opportunities in the attacking third.
April schedule
Pausing their regular season for the March international break on a 3-1 win will have Atlanta fans looking for some more wins heading into April. But Atlanta will face serious competition from EC performers such as Nashville and Chicago, which may jeopardize its plans.
Saturday, April 4th, 7:30 PM ET - vs Columbus Crew
Saturday, April 11th, 8:30 PM ET - at Chicago Fire
Wednesday, April 15th, 7:30 PM ET - at Chattanooga FC
Saturday, April 18th, 7:30 PM ET - vs Nashville SC
Wednesday, April 22nd, 7:30 PM ET - vs New England Revolution
Saturday, April 25th, 1:00 PM ET - at Toronto FC
Tuesday-Wednesday, April 28-29th - US Open Cup Round of 16 (if they advance)
Orlando City
Record all-comps since February/March:
Regular season: 1W - 0D - 4L
Current place in MLS Supporters’ Shield: 28th place
Orlando sits near the bottom of the EC, with only one win so far this season. Although their offseason appeared hopeful with new transfers, it has been less than ideal. But in their darkest hour, Orlando has had a beacon of light in the form of Antoine Griezmann. The announcement of Griezmann’s signing came just last week, shaking off their unfortunate 5-0 loss against Nashville in Matchday 5. Still, Griezmann’s contract will begin in July 2026, leaving Orlando to rely on its current squad to pull it up.
Ahead of the March International window, Orlando also saw seven call-ups: defender David Brekalo (Slovenia), goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau (Canada), midfielder Braian Ojeda (Paraguay), forward Marco Pašalić (Croatia), forward Justin Ellis (USA U-19), midfielder Colin Guske (USA U-19), and defender Tahir Reid-Brown (USA U-20).
Under-the-radar player to watch
Orlando City announced, prior to their match against Nashville SC, that they would sign midfielder Dylan Judelson to a short-term agreement. Judelson currently plays for their MLS NEXT Pro team, Orlando City B. Out of his 22 appearances across all competitions, Judelson has made 11 starts for Orlando City B. He has also made more than 20 appearances for Canada’s youth national teams and was a key part of the Academy’s run to the U-18 Generation adidas Cup title last year. Judleson’s impressive academy and youth international run might be another spring in Orlando’s step moving forward. Investing in the academy pathway could be a reasonable long-term strategy for their struggling first team.
April schedule
As Orlando waits for Greizmann’s appearance, they will have to face their regular-season schedule as it currently stands. April will be a tough month for the team, with several away matches and a midweek match at the end of the month.
Saturday, April 4th, 9:30 PM ET - at LAFC
Sunday, April 12th, 7:00 PM ET - at Columbus Crew
Wednesday, April 15th, 7:00 PM ET - at FC Naples
Saturday, April 18th, 7:30 PM ET - vs Houston Dynamo
Wednesday, April 22nd, 7:30 PM ET - vs Charlotte FC
Saturday, April 25th, 7:30 PM ET - at DC United
Tuesday-Wednesday, April 28-29th - US Open Cup Round of 16 (if they advance)