Matchday 20 Predictions

Orlando City vs Philadelphia Union

 Wednesday June 21st - 7:30pm E.T Exploria Stadium

Now, let's talk Orlando, these guys have been crushing lately, especially when they're playing on home turf. I mean, can you even remember the last time they lost at home? *checks notes* April, that's right!  Orlando has been stamping their authority as one of those teams that can show up and bring the heat on any given night.  But hold up, we can't forget about Philly! The Union has been on fire, too, with one of the hottest streaks in the league. Yeah, they took a bit of a hit in San Jose, but let's be real, traveling across the country isn't easy to do.  Now, they're hitting the road again, but this time, Florida is a whole lot closer than California.  So, who's gonna come out on top?  I've gotta say, I'm feeling the Union on this one. There's just something about that Philly fire that tells me they're gonna rise up and snatch that victory!

CF Montreal vs Nashville SC

Wednesday June 21st - 7:30pm E.T. Stade Saputo

In MLS, home field advantage is a game-changer, and CF Montreal is certainly basking in its glory with a sizzling 7-game home winning streak. Their latest triumph? A jaw-dropping 4-0 annihilation of Minnesota. But hold onto your hats, folks, because Nashville is here to defy expectations.  You see, Nashville has been rocking it both at home and on the road, and they're showing no signs of slowing down. With only two losses in their last 16 games, they're like a well-oiled machine. And let's not forget Hany Mukhtar, who's now in the golden boot race after scoring an impressive hat trick.  As much as I'd love to go with Montreal, I just can't see them hitting the right notes to stop Nashville's sweet, sweet music. Sure, a draw wouldn't leave me flabbergasted, but my gut tells me Nashville is poised to snatch all three points. 

FC Cincinnati vs Toronto FC

 Wednesday June 21st - 7:30pm E.T. TQL Stadium

Cincinnati has been absolutely dominating the MLS scene, transforming into a force to be reckoned with. Their 13-match unbeaten streak is a testament to their unwavering improvement and sheer skill. With each passing week, they seem to grow even stronger, obliterating opponents and leaving a trail of awe in their wake. If they continue at this pace, they might just etch their names in the annals of MLS history as one of the all-time greats. The Supporters' Shield is practically in their hands, and we've only just reached the halfway mark of the season!  Toronto, on the other hand, well...let's just say they've been a tad underwhelming. Their season so far has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with more dips than peaks. They've struggled to string together consistent results, often seeming like their own worst enemy. But don't count them out, with their roster boasting undeniable star power, they remain a treat for the eyes and a team to watch closely.  While the odds may not be in Toronto's favor, we can still expect sparks to fly and the unexpected to happen. Will this be the game where they finally turn their fortunes around? Maybe not, but one thing's for sure - it's going to be an absolute blast to watch!

Atlanta United vs NYCFC

 Wednesday June 21st - 7:30pm E.T. Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Oh, the beautiful game never ceases to amaze, right? This week, I'm keeping a close watch on the thrilling Atlanta showdown against NYCFC.  With the home field advantage, I bet Atlanta will control the game's tempo like a maestro wielding the baton.  NYCFC may be going through a rough patch (10 games without a win? Yikes!), but they've got that gritty New York spirit. Their road record might be a bumpy ride, but I've seen signs of a renaissance in their recent play. So, don't count them out just yet.  I'm anticipating a good one in Georgia and the points will be split.

New York Red Bulls vs Charlotte FC

 Wednesday June 21st - 7:30pm E.T. Red Bull Arena

Oh, what a wild ride it has been for the Red Bulls this season! It's like they've been on a rollercoaster, yet to find that much-needed equilibrium. Their fan, have been voicing their concerns with fervent protests. And with City's flashy new stadium sketches surfacing, the Red Bulls might be feeling the heat of the city rivalry.  But hey, don't lose hope! Life has a funny way of turning things around when you least expect it. Although Charlotte hasn't exactly been in top form lately, they've displayed moments of true grit and resilience, making them formidable opponents for anyone.  This match may not be a dazzling display of fireworks, but I have a sneaky feeling it'll be a tight, tactical battle. I'm predicting a hard-fought 1-0 victory for the home team. 

Houston Dynamo vs San Jose Earthquakes

 Wednesday June 21st - 8:30pm E.T. Shell Energy Stadium

Houston managed to outplay the champs not once, but twice - both in the heart of Texas and sunny LA. Now, I'm not one to jump to conclusions, but we can't ignore their recent hot streak.  But hold your horses, because the San Jose squad is knockin' on the door of greatness. They're just one victory away from taking the lead in the wild, wild West. You read that right - a mere two points behind St. Louis! The playoff race is tighter than a cowboy's lasso, but San Jose's got their hat firmly in the ring.  Now, I reckon Houston might be feelin' the aftermath of their showdown with LAFC, and that could spell trouble for them. As much as it pains me to say it, I've got a gut feelin' that Houston's gonna let those three points slip away on their home turf. 

St Louis City SC vs Real Salt Lake

 Wednesday June 21st - 8:30pm E.T. CITYPARK

This game has got me all sorts of excited (like most St Louis home games).  At first glance, it seems like St. Louis has got this one in the bag, but RSL has been playing like a house on fire lately. And let's not forget that City's been regressing a bit after a strong start to the season.  RSL's got Arango joining the mix, and I've got a hunch that they're building something special out there in Utah. With just two losses in their last 15 games, they're definitely on a roll. It's starting to feel like they can continue to push up the table.  St Louis have been hard to predict this year but I think this one ends in a draw.  

Austin FC vs FC Dallas

 Wednesday June 21st  - 9:30pm E.T. Q2 Stadium

Y'all ready for a good ol' Texas showdown? Well, let me tell you, this Texas derby might not be sending shockwaves through the soccer world, but it's still gonna be a wild ride.  Now, let's talk about Austin. They've been struggling lately, and their star player Driussi seems to have lost his goal scoring touch.  Poor Austin can't seem to find the back of the net, and it's causing them some serious headaches.  On the other side, we got Dallas, the team that's been cooking up a storm. They've been sizzlin' their way up the ranks in the West, and you can thank none other than the prodigious talent, Jesus Ferreira. This kid is hotter than a Texas summer day, and he's been single-handedly carrying his team on his back.  So here's my take; Dallas, riding high on their recent success, are gonna march into enemy territory and snatch themselves threes precious point.  After all, anything can happen when Texas pride is on the line.  So grab your boots, get your BBQ ready, and get ready for a clash that'll make you holler "yeehaw!" This Texas derby might not be the stuff of legends, but it's gonna be one hell of a ride, my friends.

Colorado Rapids vs Vancouver Whitecaps

 Wednesday June 21st - 9:30pm E.T. Dick's Sporting Good's Park

Oh boy, Colorado, what's going on? It seems like they've hit a rough patch lately. I mean, let's face it, they haven't been on the winning side for a whopping eight matches.  And if that's not enough, they've suffered seven losses during that painful stretch . But hey, let's not be too hard on them. After all, they do have one thing working in their favor: home field advantage. You know what they say, there's no place like home.  Now, let's talk about Vancouver, shall we? These guys are trending in a completely different direction. Their underlying numbers throughout the season have been impressive, and guess what? They're finally starting to get the results they deserve. It's like watching a magic show, where all the tricks are coming together perfectly. Trust me, this Vancouver team is a joy to watch.  So, when it comes to predicting the outcome of this match, my gut feeling is leaning towards Vancouver. In fact, I have a hunch they'll secure a comfortable victory, winning by a solid two goals. They've got the momentum, the stats, and the entertainment factor on their side.

LA Galaxy vs Sporting KC

 Wednesday June 21st - 10:30pm E.T. Dignity Health Sports Park

LA Galaxy, the struggling stars of the soccer world. It seems like they're having a rough time finding their footing this season. Sitting at the bottom of the table alongside Colorado, they must be feeling the weight of their lackluster performance. It's like watching a Hollywood blockbuster with a disappointing ending – you just hope for a plot twist that turns it all around.  The Galaxy, known for their high-profile status, surely have higher expectations placed upon them. It's a tough pill to swallow when a team with such a reputation can't seem to string together any victories. Losing a city, in a metaphorical sense, must feel like the world is crumbling around them.  Adding salt to the wound, the news of the team's inability to bring in fresh talent during the summer transfer window surely dampens the spirits. It's like being stuck in a traffic jam on the way to a glitzy party, unable to join in on the excitement.  Now, as the bright lights of Hollywood prepare to clash with the Midwestern might of Sporting KC, it's a clash of cultures and styles. Sporting KC, riding a wave of success and trending upward, could pose a real challenge for the struggling Galaxy. It's a game that could define their season – a chance to prove that they still have what it takes to compete at the highest level.  However, my crystal ball is showing me a rather uneventful outcome. A dull 0-0 draw, where both teams struggle to find the back of the net, seems to be on the horizon. 

LAFC vs Seattle Sounders

Wednesday June 21st - 10:30pm E.T. BMO Stadium

LAFC, the mighty lions of Los Angeles, are ready to roar back to life after a sluggish stretch of games. They might have stumbled a bit, but champions never stay down for long. Last weekend, they showed their true ferocity by snatching a victory on the road. With a roster packed with talent and hunger, they are poised to reclaim their spot at the summit.  However, don't underestimate the tenacity of their upcoming opponents, Seattle. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, they too have weathered their own stormy seas and managed to hold their ground near the pinnacle of the league table.  This clash between the two titans promises to be a mesmerizing display of tactical prowess and unwavering determination.  But when the dust settles and the final whistle blows, it's the City of Angels that shall triumph. LAFC, fueled by the indomitable spirit of their devoted home crowd, will rise above the challenges and emerge victorious. 

Portland Timbers vs Chicago Fire

 Wednesday June 21st - 10:30pm E.T. Providence Park

When you step onto the pitch in Portland, you better brace yourself for a wild ride. Providence Park, oh boy, it's not just a stadium, it's a fortress. The fans there, they're like a pack of hungry wolves, howling and cheering with every move their beloved Timbers make.  Now, speaking of the Timbers, they've been holding their ground quite well lately. And you know who's been turning heads? None other than the enigmatic Evander.  But let's shift our focus to the visitors, Chicago.  They've been about as exciting as a damp towel lately. Sure, they have a couple of players who can spark some hope, like Gutierrez and the agile Chris Brady guarding the goal. But let's face it, they're like a flickering candle in a storm. They lack that killer instinct, that hunger to dominate. And trust me, when they step onto that Oregon turf, it won't magically appear.  So, my friend, when it comes to this clash, the odds are stacked against Chicago. Providence Park will be a roaring beast, hungry for victory, and the Timbers will have more fuel in their tank for the second half of the season.