MLS, “Tata” Martino’s team on stage in the Big Apple without the eight-time Ballon d’Or: news and predictions on Week 5.
Inter Miami may have played one more match, but no one so far has managed to do better than Leo Messi’s team, alone atop the MLS standings with a haul of three wins, one draw and one loss in their first five matches. With the Pulce struggling with a physical problem, which also prevented him from responding to Argentina selector Lionel Scaloni’s call-up, “Tata” Martino’s men a week ago went right back to winning ways, beating DC United 3-1 (Campana and Suarez’s double).
The Florida club’s roster is obviously equipped to aim for the title and it is not surprising that Inter Miami scored the most, the only team already in double figures in terms of goals (13 goals in 5 matches). The show is therefore assured even without the eight-time Ballon d’Or, who will also forfeit in the match with the New York Red Bulls, a match that promises to be very prolific. We also expect at least three total goals in the match between the New England Revolutions, protagonists of a disastrous start to the season – four defeats in four days – and the Chicago Fire, by now subscribers to high scores. The defending champions Columbus Crew are still undefeated and should avoid defeat in Charlotte as well but will struggle to keep their goal unbeaten. At least one goal per side also in the match between Orlando City, who have just strengthened with the arrival of former Atalanta player Luis Muriel, and the Austin Texans.
The predictions on the other matches
A somewhat stunted start for Cincinnati, which was a big player last season, especially when it came to playing within friendly walls. The Ohio club, on the other hand, has never won in front of its home crowd this year, without ever scoring. A trend that could be interrupted in the match with New York City, which just bounced back (2-1 against Toronto) after losing its first three matches.
More than positive start for the Vancouver Whitecaps, coached by Italian Vanni Sartini. After a draw with Charlotte in the opener, the Canadians beat San Jose and Dallas decisively and have everything to repeat against Real Salt Lake, which continues to be unconvincing. Not off to a good start is Los Angeles FC, Giorgio Chiellini’s former team, which came close to a double last year. In any case, the Angelinos should get a positive result in their home match with Nashville, still unbeaten. At least one goal on each side in San Jose- Seattle, but Kansas City-Los Angeles Galaxy and St. Louis-DC United will also be lively matches.
MLS, possible winners
Columbus Crew or tie (in Charlotte FC-Columbus Crew, 00:30).
Cincinnati or tie (in Cincinnati-NY City, 00:30)
Vancouver Whitecaps (in Vancouver Whitecaps-Real Salt Lake, 00:30)
Los Angeles FC or draw (in Los Angeles FC-Nashville, 3:30 p.m.)
The matches of at least one goal per team
Charlotte FC-Columbus Crew, 00:30 a.m.
Orlando City-Austin, 00:30 a.m.
San Jose Earthquakes-Seattle Sounders, 3:30 a.m.
MLS, the games with at least three total goals
NY Red Bulls-Inter Miami, 7 p.m.
NE Revolutions-Chicago Fire, 7 p.m.
Kansas City-LA Galaxy, 1:30 a.m.
St. Louis City-DC United, 1:30 a.m.