MLS, scheduled for another binge of matches on the Italian night of 21-22 June: news and predictions.
While in Europe the major leagues are at a standstill, in North America Major League Soccer is in full swing. As of this year there are 29 players who will attempt to succeed Los Angeles FC, Chiellini’s team that won the previous edition, in the roll of honour.
A new club has been added, Saint Louis City, who will host Real Salt Lake tonight. The men coached by South African Bradley Carnell got off to a strong start, not bad for their debut season, although they have slowed down in their last three matches, bringing home just one point. This time they should at least avoid defeat in the match against the Utah team, which has collected as many positive results in the last three games. Atlanta’s victory is within reach: after a long series of draws, they returned to winning ways against DC United, and could also repeat against New York City, which has not won in five matches. We expect a lively match between Montreal and Nashville, with the Canadians slightly favoured, having won in their last six matches in front of their home crowd. Also potentially a three-goal match between top-ranked Cincinnati and Insigne and Bernardeschi’s Toronto: the Ohio team is a steamroller at home, and the Canadians are unlikely to limit the damage. The Houston Dynamo and the San Jose Earthquakes face off at the top of the standings, and the chances of a spectacular match are high.
The other match predictions
Destined to continue Colorado’s dark moment, with seven losses in their last eight games, the Vancouver Whitecaps can take advantage of the Rapids’ slump to get back to scoring on the road, the Canadians’ Achilles heel this year.
Asprilla of the Portland Timbers
One of the highlights of the night is the all-Texas derby between Austin and Dallas, two teams that are not doing very well and make discontinuity their hallmark: a draw cannot be ruled out, in a match with at least one goal each. A prolific challenge is also expected between Los Angeles Galaxy and Sporting Kansas City: the Los Angelinos are trying to get out of a very complicated situation. Finally, Portland is slightly favoured over the Chicago Fire, who are much less fearsome on the road.
MLS, possible winners
- Atlanta United (in Atlanta United-New York City, 01:30)
- Cincinnati (in Cincinnati-Toronto FC, 01:30)
- Saint Louis City or draw (in St. Louis City-Salt Lake, 02:30)
- Vancouver or draw (in Colorado Rapids-Vancouver Whitecaps, 03:30)
- Portland Timbers (in Portland Timbers-Chicago Fire, 04:30)
The games with at least one goal per team
- CF Montreal-Nashville SC, 01:30
- Houston Dynamo-San Jose Earthquakes, 02:30
- Austin-Dallas, 03:30
