MLS, in the night all the teams of the US and Canadian top league take the field: news and predictions.
MLS returns after the midweek recaps and does so with the usual roundup of matches involving clubs from both the Eastern and Western Conference. In the West, defending champions Los Angeles FC, the team in which former Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini plays, are going through a difficult time.
This week they lost the city derby to the Los Angeles Galaxy, decided in the second half by a goal from former Barcelona player Riqui Puig. It was the third consecutive defeat for the Angelina team, led by Steven Cherundolo. The opportunity to pick up their heads again comes in another derby – in this case a Californian one – against the San Jose Earthquakes, who have won only two games out of seven since June and are struggling on the road (barely one win in 21 matches). Chiellini and his teammates should therefore return to winning ways, but at the same time it seems unlikely that their goal will remain inviolate. On the other hand, the ‘cousins’ of the Los Angeles Galaxy will have to face the unpredictable Philadelphia Union, who are expected to score at least three goals in total. The match between Minnesota United and Austin is also likely to be an eventful one: in the last three games, the bosses have scored eight goals, a haul that could increase now that the Finnish striker Pukki, now a former Norwich centre forward, has arrived. Complicated examination for Nashville, who will visit the Chicago Fire, while the Houston Dynamo, disappointing on the road, should avoid defeat against Sporting Kansas City.
The predictions for the other matches
Inter Miami can’t wait to embrace Leo Messi, but will have to wait a little longer to see the captain of world champion Argentina on the pitch.
Rooney
Meanwhile, ‘Tata’ Martino’s cure seems to be working: in the last two games, two draws have come. It will not be easy, however, to come away unscathed from the trip to Washington, where the men coached by the former Barcelona coach will meet Wayne Rooney’s DC United, who last time out in front of their home crowd, they beat Cincinnati. Toronto, on the other hand, continue to go down in flames: the Canadians, who have been unable to pick up any points for the past four matches, were defeated by Orlando City (4-0) this week in a match that was also affected by the expulsion of Bernardeschi, who was absent against Saint Louis City. Three points are also within reach for Real Salt Lake: Orlando is less fearsome away from Florida. Finally, Cincinnati, which has appeared more stuttering in recent challenges, should concede a goal.
MLS, possible winners
- DC United (in DC United-Inter Miami, 01:30)
- Saint Louis City (in Toronto FC-Saint Louis City, 01:30)
- Houston Dynamo or draw (in Houston Dynamo-Sp. Kansas City, 02:30)
- Real Salt Lake (in Real Salt Lake-Orlando City, 03:30)
- Los Angeles FC (in Los Angeles FC-San Jose Earthquakes, 04:30)
The matches with at least one goal per team
- Charlotte FC-Cincinnati, 01:30
- New York Red Bulls-New England Revolutions, 01:30
- Los Angeles FC-San Jose Earthquakes, 04:30