MLS Matchday 21: Expert Score Predictions Revealed
As Inter Miami CF stands as the sole MLS representative in the FIFA Club World Cup, Major League Soccer resumes with an almost complete schedule of fixtures for Matchday 21, launching the next phase of a packed summer of North American football. With 28 clubs taking the field, here's our analysis of how this weekend's MLS encounters might unfold.
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D.C. United vs. Nashville SC
Prediction: D.C. United 1–4 Nashville SC
Having secured just one victory in their previous eight outings, D.C. United enters as the underdog despite enjoying home advantage this weekend against Nashville SC, who have displayed exceptional form recently with consecutive wins and four consecutive matches featuring at least two goals.
Following his exclusion from the MLS All-Star Game squad, Nashville forward Sam Surridge netted a treble against New England on Wednesday, placing him at the summit of the Golden Boot race and maintaining excellent momentum ahead of this weekend's encounter.
CF Montréal vs. New York City FC
Prediction: CF Montréal 1–1 New York City FC
CF Montréal experienced a significant week, transferring central midfielder Nathan Saliba to Belgian club Anderlecht. They begin a fresh chapter without him, despite his absence from their recent matches due to international commitments with Canada.
This Saturday, they encounter a formidable NYCFC team that will also be without several crucial players, particularly Alonso Martinez, who is representing Costa Rica internationally, and head coach Pascal Jansen, who has traveled to Europe for personal reasons.
Considering these absences, this match could prove to be a lackluster contest.
New England Revolution vs. Colorado Rapids
Prediction: New England Revolution 1–0 Colorado Rapids
Two clubs urgently needing points as the MLS season's second half gains momentum, both have experienced declining form recently, with only two combined victories in their last seven fixtures.
Nevertheless, if either team possesses an edge, it would likely be the Revolution, given their home field advantage and recent offensive productivity, having found the net twice in a 3–2 defeat to Nashville SC during midweek.
New York Red Bulls vs. Minnesota United
Prediction: New York Red Bulls 3–1 Minnesota United
Following a sequence of three consecutive victories, the New York Red Bulls have suffered a defeat and earned a draw in their most recent two matches. However, despite collecting just one point against Toronto FC midweek, anticipate them to overcome a resilient Minnesota United squad at home.
The Loons approach this fixture still without several essential players, including first-choice goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair and striker Tani Oluwaseyi, who are fulfilling international duties and are crucial to head coach Eric Ramsay's tactical approach.
Orlando City SC vs. FC Cincinnati
Prediction: Orlando City SC 3–3 FC Cincinnati
Despite the exceptional performances of Luis Muriel, Marco Pasalic and Martin Ojeda, none of Orlando City SC's attacking players received MLS All-Star recognition this week, with only USMNT right-back Alex Freeman earning selection.
Expect that versatile offensive unit to mount a serious challenge against FC Cincinnati, with the Orange and Blue likely responding through Evander and Kévin Denkey, the latter having been overlooked for All-Star honors despite netting 11 goals in 18 appearances during his inaugural MLS campaign.
Toronto FC vs. Portland Timbers
Prediction: Toronto FC 1–2 Portland Timbers
Neither Toronto FC nor the Portland Timbers have enjoyed a particularly remarkable MLS campaign thus far. Nevertheless, the Western Conference representatives will hold the upper hand this weekend, thanks to their match-winning talents.
While he hasn't reached the heights that Evander achieved in the Rose City, David da Costa has performed admirably for head coach Phil Neville's team, contributing two goals and six assists in equal appearances, securing his place on the MLS All-Star Game roster.
This weekend, he spearheads an attack against a TFC squad that has triumphed merely three times this season and has collected four points from a possible 18 in their last six outings.
Chicago Fire vs. Charlotte FC
Prediction: Chicago Fire 1–3 Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC endured a devastating collapse midweek, relinquishing a 1–0 advantage during second-half injury time and eventually falling 2–1 to Sporting Kansas City. Now, they travel to Chicago seeking redemption against the Fire, who have failed to find the net in their last two encounters.
With standout performers like Hugo Cuypers and Philip Zinckernagel competing against the caliber of Wilfried Zaha and Ashley Westwood, expect this to be a closely contested affair, particularly without a game-changing talent like Patrick Agyemang available.
FC Dallas vs. San Diego FC
Prediction: FC Dallas 1–3 San Diego FC
Who would have anticipated an MLS landscape where Luciano Acosta missed All-Star selection and expansion franchise San Diego topped the Western Conference? This represents the current reality in one of MLS history's most unpredictable seasons.
While Milan Iloski likely won't replicate his four-goal performance against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday, his San Diego team should secure all three points, particularly given Anders Dreyer's league-leading contribution in goal involvement.
Sporting Kansas City vs. Real Salt Lake
Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 2–1 Real Salt Lake
Previously a marquee Western Conference clash, Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City have struggled in recent campaigns. However, they maintain their intense rivalry, with echoes of former glory still present in both squads.
This week, attention focuses on Real Salt Lake's Johnny Russell, who recorded 60 goals in 196 matches for SKC before departing as part of the club's youth-focused strategy this season.
Despite Russell's presence, RSL may lack the quality to defeat SKC on the road, especially without Diego Luna, who is currently serving the USMNT.
Houston Dynamo vs. St. Louis CITY SC
Prediction: Houston Dynamo 3–1 St. Louis CITY SC
The Houston Dynamo continue adjusting to their summer without key midfielder Jack McGlynn, while St. Louis SC searches for positives during a stretch that has yielded just one victory in 15 matches.
Following the dismissal of recently appointed head coach Olof Mellberg, conditions haven't improved substantially for St. Louis, and they face challenges determining their direction for the season's remainder, lacking a defined playing philosophy and possessing a roster that doesn't align with their identity-building aspirations.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy
Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 5–1 LA Galaxy
With numerous emerging rivalries throughout MLS, the Cali Clásico can be overlooked, even as it returns this weekend at Stanford Stadium, replacing the Earthquakes' typical PayPal Park venue.
While the Galaxy's disappointing eight points from 19 matches has dominated headlines following their sixth MLS Cup triumph, they created additional history this week by becoming the first team with no All-Star Game representatives.
They now face an Earthquakes side that has scored 39 goals, leading MLS this season, demonstrating their star quality through All-Star snub Cristian Espinoza's league-high 61 key passes, and the combined 18 goals and four assists from Chicho Arango and Josef Martínez.
Seattle Sounders vs. Austin FC
Prediction: Seattle Sounders 2–2 Austin FC
Within seven days, the Seattle Sounders transition from competing respectably against UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain to returning to MLS's midsummer routine against Austin FC on Saturday.
While the opposition and occasion's magnitude will differ, the significance could be greater for Seattle, as head coach Brian Schmetzer's squad aims to climb the MLS table and contend for a top-four Western Conference position against a struggling Austin team.
Columbus Crew SC vs. Philadelphia Union
Prediction: Columbus Crew SC 3–3 Philadelphia Union
This represents essential viewing for MLS supporters on Sunday, with Columbus Crew seeking to restore consistent form following a 3–1 victory over Atlanta United midweek, and Philadelphia Union hoping to extend their lead atop the MLS Supporters' Shield table.
While the Crew are without their top two goalkeepers due to injury, veteran Evan Bush has demonstrated more than adequate ability between the posts and has contributed to recent victories over the Five Stripes and Vancouver Whitecaps.
For the Union, they will likely reintroduce leading scorer Tai Baribo to the starting eleven for the first time since May 31, as the striker returned to Philadelphia after weeks stranded in his homeland Israel due to escalating regional conflicts.
LAFC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Prediction: LAFC 2–2 Vancouver Whitecaps FC
LAFC returns from an underwhelming FIFA Club World Cup campaign, while Vancouver Whitecaps remain without several key players due to injury and international obligations. Nevertheless, this maintains significance as a crucial Western Conference battle.
Following a chaotic 5–3 defeat to San Diego FC midweek, expect the Whitecaps to emerge aggressively and capitalize on an LAFC side that could implement squad rotation after extensive Club World Cup travel and demanding matches against E.S. Tunis, Chelsea and Flamengo.