MLS Matchday 22: Expert Score Predictions Revealed
The opening weekend of July coincides with Independence Day celebrations in America, causing MLS Matchday 22 to stretch across four evenings, providing fans with the best opportunity this season to enjoy maximum MLS action.
What outcomes can we expect? Sports Illustrated offers predictions for every match.
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FC Dallas vs. Minnesota United
Prediction: FC Dallas 1–3 Minnesota United
FC Dallas endured a challenging week, suffering defeat to San Jose Earthquakes in midweek before giving up a late advantage in a 3–2 loss to San Diego FC. Their struggles continue against Minnesota United, who welcome back key striker Tani Oluwaseyi and MLS All-Star keeper Dayne St. Clair following their Gold Cup disappointment with Canada.
Colorado Rapids vs. Sporting Kansas City
Prediction: Colorado Rapids 1–0 Sporting Kansas City
Earlier this season, Colorado Rapids would have been clear favorites in this matchup, but both clubs are currently experiencing poor form. Nevertheless, after failing to score in their previous two outings, the Rapids have rediscovered their offensive rhythm and should manage a home victory.
LA Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Prediction: LA Galaxy 1–2 Vancouver Whitecaps FC
LA Galaxy have managed just one victory in 20 matches this campaign, while Vancouver Whitecaps FC have consistently ranked among MLS's top performers. Despite the Whitecaps' recent form decline and missing crucial players through injuries and international commitments, their playing style should exploit Galaxy's weaknesses, particularly after their narrow victory over LAFC last weekend.
Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City SC
Prediction: Charlotte FC 3–4 Orlando City SC
Charlotte FC have discovered a suitable temporary replacement for Patrick Agyemang in Idan Toklomati. However, the Israeli international must improve his performances to adequately fill the void left by the Derby County-bound USMNT forward. This weekend brings Orlando City, seeking redemption after their defeat to FC Cincinnati, with their attacking trio of Luis Muriel, Marco Pašalič and Martin Ojeda providing the edge away from home.
FC Cincinnati vs. Chicago Fire FC
Prediction: FC Cincinnati 3–0 Chicago Fire FC
This match represents a potential statement opportunity for Gregg Berhalter's Chicago Fire FC, possessing talent like Hugo Cuypers and Philip Zinckernagel capable of causing an upset. However, with MVP-caliber Evander leading FC Cincinnati's charge, they appear virtually unbeatable.
D.C. United vs. Atlanta United
Prediction: D.C. United 1–1 Atlanta United
Two teams suffering three consecutive defeats will seek to reverse their fortunes on Saturday evening in Washington D.C. Given both sides' current difficulties and Atlanta's recent loss of Jay Fortune, this encounter appears destined for a stalemate.
CF Montréal vs. Inter Miami CF
Prediction: CF Montréal 0–4 Inter Miami CF
Inter Miami return from their FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 campaign to resume MLS regular season play against Eastern Conference strugglers CF Montréal. While Montréal performed reasonably in their previous meeting (a 4–2 Miami victory), expect the Herons to dominate this time, especially following Montréal's recent Nathan Saliba departure.
Austin FC vs. LAFC
Prediction: Austin FC 1–0 LAFC
Austin FC secured consecutive victories for the first time since March before falling to Seattle Sounders last week, but could be well-positioned to return to winning form against an LAFC team that struggled to create attacking opportunities in their 1–0 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps FC last weekend.
Nashville SC vs. Philadelphia
Prediction: Nashville SC 3–2 Philadelphia Union
While this won't feature the anticipated MLS Golden Boot showdown between leader Sam Surridge and runner-up Tai Baribo, this Eastern Conference battle remains one of the weekend's premier fixtures. Can Surridge and Hany Mukhtar maintain their excellent form? Will the Union find their rhythm, possibly with Baribo's return, though his availability remains uncertain?
Real Salt Lake vs. St. Louis CITY SC
Prediction: Real Salt Lake 0–0 St. Louis CITY SC
Real Salt Lake lack momentum this season without USMNT star Diego Luna, while St. Louis CITY SC continue recovering from their disastrous beginning under former manager Olof Mellberg. With neither team entering this match in good spirits, expect a lackluster encounter.
Portland Timbers vs. New England Revolution
Prediction: Portland Timbers 2–0 New England Revolution
Portland Timbers aim to recover from last weekend's 3–0 defeat to Toronto FC and should be favored against New England Revolution and former coach Caleb Porter. They also benefit from the return of center-back Kamal Miller and goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau from Canadian international service.
San Diego FC vs. Houston Dynamo
Prediction: San Diego FC 3–1 Houston Dynamo
San Diego FC enjoyed the best week of any team and the Western Conference leaders should secure maximum points against Houston Dynamo, who are severely missing midfielder Jack McGlynn until his return after this weekend's Gold Cup final.
With Anders Dreyer's continued success and Hirving "Chucky" Lozano's recent reintegration, this promises to be an entertaining match where the California club ultimately triumphs to maintain their Western Conference lead.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. New York Red Bulls
Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 4–1 New York Red Bulls
San Jose Earthquakes may lack consistency under Bruce Arena, but they excel at scoring at home. Facing New York Red Bulls without head coach Sandro Schwarz, expect them to capitalize on this advantage, with Cristian Espinoza, Cristian Arango and Josef Martínez spearheading the attack.
Seattle Sounders vs. Columbus Crew SC
Prediction: Seattle Sounders 1–2 Columbus Crew SC
Seattle Sounders carried their FIFA Club World Cup momentum into MLS with last weekend's 2–0 victory over Austin FC, hoping to replicate that success against a well-organized Columbus Crew SC team that has regained form with three consecutive wins.
This represents the weekend's marquee matchup and Sunday's featured game, essential viewing for any league enthusiast, with Columbus potentially positioned to secure an away victory.