MLS Matchday 24: Expert Score Predictions for Every Game
Following a somewhat scattered Matchday 22 and the Independence Day holiday weekend, the 2025 MLS regular season returns to its standard pace this week, featuring 15 fixtures that include all league teams competing across Saturday and Sunday evening.
It's yet another action-packed weekend of mid-season football and Matchday 24 of the regular season campaign.
Here, Sports Illustrated examines how these matches might unfold.
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Charlotte FC vs. New York City FC
Prediction: Charlotte FC 1–1 New York City FC
Charlotte FC and New York City FC both faced Toronto FC in their previous outings, with each securing two-goal victories. However, neither team has been performing particularly well overall, and both are anticipated to be active in the transfer market. Furthermore, Charlotte is preparing for the departure of Patrick Agyemang, as reports indicate his transfer to Derby County is close to completion.
FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew SC
Prediction: FC Cincinnati 3–2 Columbus Crew SC
The Hell is Real Derby makes its second appearance this season, with both teams eager to break the deadlock after their previous three encounters all ended in stalemates. FC Cincinnati, currently leading the Supporters' Shield standings, will likely rely on their attacking partnership of Evander and Kévin Denkey to secure victory on home soil.
Orlando City SC vs. CF Montréal
Prediction: Orlando City SC 3–1 CF Montréal
Orlando City SC enters this fixture riding consecutive victories and boasting five wins from their past seven matches. They'll also benefit from the return of fullback Alex Freeman, who has completed his Gold Cup duties with the U.S. men's national team. With Freeman's comeback and Marco Pašalič's continued excellent form, they should comfortably defeat a CF Montréal team that suffered a midweek loss to Canadian Premier League side Forge FC.
Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls
Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2–0 New York Red Bulls
Will we finally see these teams play? These clubs were scheduled to meet in Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal, but weather forced a postponement until August 13. Nevertheless, the Eastern Conference rivals clash in MLS action this weekend, with Philadelphia hoping to give Tai Baribo substantial playing time as he continues his fitness recovery under head coach Bradley Carnell.
Toronto FC vs. Atlanta United
Prediction: Toronto FC 2–2 Atlanta United
This matchup features two clubs that haven't lived up to their seasonal expectations. While Toronto FC successfully moved on from the contracts of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, Atlanta United remains burdened by costly signings that haven't delivered in 2025, including Emmanuel Latte Lath and Alexey Miranchuk. There should be entertainment value here, which is why we're predicting a high-scoring draw.
Inter Miami CF vs. Nashville SC
Prediction: Inter Miami CF 2–3 Nashville SC
Eastern Conference runners-up Nashville SC, spearheaded by MLS Golden Boot frontrunner Sam Surridge, will aim to demonstrate their quality against a confident Inter Miami squad featuring superstar Lionel Messi, who set additional records during midweek action.
While the spotlight falls on Messi and his former Barcelona teammates for Miami, and Surridge alongside Hany Mukhtar for Nashville, this encounter highlights two contrasting philosophies for constructing an elite MLS squad.
This promises to be compelling viewing, particularly given Nashville's 14-match unbeaten run and Miami's streak of four consecutive league victories.
Austin FC vs. New England Revolution
Prediction: Austin FC 0–0 New England Revolution
Both Austin FC and New England Revolution participated in midweek competitions, with New England suffering an MLS defeat to Inter Miami while Austin advanced past San Jose Earthquakes in a disputed penalty shootout during U.S. Open Cup play.
However, Austin received devastating news with designated player and MLS All-Star captain candidate Brandon Vazquez sustaining a season-ending injury, further complicating their already struggling offensive situation.
Chicago Fire FC vs. San Diego FC
Prediction: Chicago Fire FC 4–5 San Diego FC
San Diego FC's four-match winning streak ended with a 4–3 defeat to Houston Dynamo last weekend, and they'll seek redemption against Chicago Fire while looking to extend their Western Conference lead.
With San Diego featuring Anders Dreyer, Hirving Lozano, and Milan Iloski, and Chicago showcasing Hugo Cuypers, Jonathan Bamba, and Philip Zinckernagel, this should be an open, offensive-minded encounter at Soldier Field.
Sporting Kansas City vs. Seattle Sounders FC
Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 2–2 Seattle Sounders FC
Seattle Sounders FC has delivered two strong performances since returning from their FIFA Club World Cup campaign, earning a victory over Austin and securing a tactical draw against Columbus Crew.
This weekend, Brian Schmetzer's team confronts a Sporting KC side unbeaten in their last three fixtures, who could climb above the Western Conference playoff line for the first time in 2025 with a positive result.
Minnesota United vs. San Jose Earthquakes
Prediction: Minnesota United 2-3 San Jose Earthquakes
Despite playing away from home, San Jose Earthquakes will be highly motivated following their controversial U.S. Open Cup elimination to Austin FC earlier this week. While midfielder Cristian Espinoza's availability remains uncertain, head coach Bruce Arena will rely on Cristian Arango and Josef Martinez to create scoring opportunities through possession-based play.
Meanwhile, Minnesota United will likely continue their approach of conceding possession while seeking to exploit counterattacking opportunities through Kelvin Yeboah, Tani Oluwaseyi, or Robin Lod against the defensively vulnerable Earthquakes.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Colorado Rapids
Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1–1 Colorado Rapids
Vancouver Whitecaps FC seeks to rediscover their league form after suffering a 3–0 defeat to bottom-placed LA Galaxy last weekend. However, they approach their Colorado Rapids encounter having progressed to the Canadian Championship semifinals midweek, with striker Brian White and midfielder Sebastian Berhalter returning from USMNT international duty.
Head coach Jesper Søresen's team faces a challenging task given their limited squad depth and recent performances, though they can find encouragement against a Colorado side with just one victory in their previous seven outings.
Real Salt Lake vs. Houston Dynamo
Prediction: Real Salt Lake 2–1 Houston Dynamo
From international teammates to club opponents, that describes the relationship between Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna and Houston Dynamo's Jack McGlynn, who recently partnered in the USMNT midfield during the Gold Cup campaign. Now, these influential players for their respective teams will look to make immediate impacts upon returning to domestic competition.
Despite missing their international representatives, both teams have shown positive form leading into this fixture. Salt Lake has claimed two victories in their last three matches during an unbeaten streak, while the Dynamo pursues a third consecutive MLS victory following their 4–3 triumph over San Diego FC.
LA Galaxy vs. D.C. United
Prediction: LA Galaxy 2–0 D.C. United
LA Galaxy enters this matchday with momentum from a victory, having secured just their second win in 20 matches with an impressive 3–0 display against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Now they have an excellent home opportunity to capitalize against D.C. United, who recently dismissed head coach Troy Lesesne following their U.S. Open Cup loss to Nashville SC.
LAFC vs. FC Dallas
Prediction: LAFC 2–1 FC Dallas
While LAFC may not have impressed at the Club World Cup or in their MLS return against Vancouver Whitecaps, their recent 3–0 victory over Colorado Rapids demonstrated they retain quality form.
In one of their final matches before an anticipated active transfer period, they face Luciano Acosta and FC Dallas, who have dropped their last three games and managed only one win in their previous 10 fixtures.
St. Louis CITY SC vs. Portland Timbers
Prediction: St. Louis CITY SC 1–3 Portland Timbers
St. Louis CITY SC has endured far from their hoped-for campaign, managing just three victories and entering this weekend's Portland Timbers clash amid a three-match losing streak. Despite possessing some quality players, they face difficulties against virtually any opposition currently.
Conversely, Portland Timbers can draw confidence from their recent 2-1 victory over St. Louis CITY and will look to David da Costa and others to secure another three points, potentially strengthening their fourth-place position in the Western Conference.