12:30 pm
GAME OF THE DAY
Atlanta @ NYCFC - NYC is smarting after another loss to NYRB, this time mid week in the US Open Cup. With rumours about Vierra leaving not being denied, this is likely his last match. Atlanta is not set up well for that small environment. They work in space and like to stretch teams with speed, not short bursts. NYC will get it done this time.
2-1 NYC - Why watch this match? Two good offensive teams & two good coaches
5 pm
NYRB @ Columbus - Another team where the coach is rumoured to be leaving & nobody is denying it. Columbus lost to Chicago on PK's mid week but that went all the way to the keepers taking them so can't put too much into it. NYRB has middling away form & will struggle to get their press going against a team that can move the ball around.
3-1 Columbus Why watch this match? Kaku & Higuain
7pm
Orlando @ Vancouver - The longest road trip of the year. Orlando did it via a charter plane. Orlando are a mess right now, especially on defence & especially on set piece defence. Vancouver is good on set pieces but also has gotten back a bit of their counter attack style from 2015. This should be a home win.
2-1 Vancouver Why watch this match? Two coaches not very good at game state management
8pm
Montreal @ Dallas - Mismatch. A bad team versus the most consistent team in the league. Montreal won't be able to handle that Dallas attack.
4-0 Dallas - Why watch the highlights of this match? Another nail in the coffin of the Impact's season
8:30pm
NER @ Chicago - The Fire do OK against bad opponents but struggle against teams who know what they are doing. That is the test for NER - do they know what they are doing? I'm not sold on Friedl as a coach yet.
1-1 draw - Why watch the highlights of this match? Two teams we need to get past and haven't yet if we want the playoffs
9pm
Colorado @ Houston - Colorado is the worst team in the league. Their formation approach has been horrid. Their away record is abysmal. Houston is very good at home & should take this one easily.
2-0 Houston - Why watch the highlights of this match? Houston always scores interesting goals that involve power & speed
10pm
Stinker of the Week
DCU @ Seattle - DCU on a modest two game unbeaten streak. Their attack is toothless but their defence is one of the best in the league. Seattle's attack is actually twice as bad with only 7 goals. This game has boring draw written all over it.
0-0 - Why watch the condensed version of this match on the MLS app? We play DCU on Wednesday
10:30pm
RSL @ LAG - Would you believe that RSL is in 3rd in the West? LAG can't keep teams from getting chances & doesn't have the defence to stop those. RSL will get their opportunities & that will be enough.
3-2 RSL Why watch the highlights of this game? Zlatan is worth the time
SKC @ Portland - SKC unbeaten in 5. Portland unbeaten in 6. Home advantage has meant everything to Portland after a bad away laden start. SKC is grinding out games. This will be a slug fest in the midfield. Expect a red.
2-1 Portland Why watch this match? If you want to see the best in the West, here you are.
LAFC @ San Jose - LAFC is missing a lot of players but are better coached & have a more consistent attack. San Jose has not settled into a rhythm or style of play & suffere against better organized teams.
1-0 LAFC Why watch this match? LAFC's offence even without Vela is potent