Chris Armas is aiming to continue Colorado Rapids’ impressive home form ahead of their fixture with St. Louis City this weekend.
The Rapids returned to winning ways following their defeat away to LAFC, as Djordje Mihailovic’s 94th minute penalty ensured Colorado maintained their three-game winning run on home soil.
Armas’ side sit fourth in the Western Conference table, three points ahead of Vancouver Whitecaps but looking to chase down the top three in the division.
The Rapids head coach is keen to make Dick’s Sporting Goods Park a fortress this season, praising the fans for their contribution to their recent home results.
“When I was a player, I played in Colorado against the Rapids and I didn’t like it,” Armas said.
“The fans are tough and I love that I got to team up with them now and put out an attacking team for them who goes after it and make them proud.
“We do try to have a mentality, and we have it home and away. At home, with our fans, with altitude and the energy of the building, our pitch, the comfort of our own home.
“You can see that teams will come here and try to slow the game down a bit. It can be frustrating at moments but what I love most, is the energy of the crowd.”
For St. Louis, Interim head coach John Hackworth marked his first game in charge with a much-needed victory over San Jose Earthquakes last time out.
It’s Hackworth’s second spell in interim charge following the sacking of Bradley Carnell after a run of nine MLS games without a win.
Their triumph sees them remain in 12th place in the Western Conference, a point behind FC Dallas.
Hackworth acknowledged the importance of the victory last time out, but insisted the win was just a step in the right direction and nothing more.
“It’s been a tough week, there is no doubt about that,” Hackworth said.
“The players, the staff, the club, when you make a change to the head coach it’s never easy.
“So, in a short amount of time I think you saw the resilience of this group. A group that has been successful in the past. It hasn’t happened for us this year, but I am really proud of them in this moment to come together in a tough moment.
“For us, while it’s very satisfying, it is not a game that we are going to go crazy about and celebrate and say we have turned out season around because we haven’t.
“It’s just the first step of trying to get us back in the right direction.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic
Djordje Mihailovic has been in fine form for the Rapids, with his stoppage time penalty against Sporting Kansas City the 10th goal the American has scored this season – his best tally in a single season.
Mihailovic has 18 goal contributions this season (10 goals, eight assists), only managing to record more in 2021 during his time with CF Montreal (20).
St. Louis City – Indiana Vassilev
Indiana Vassilev assisted both of St. Louis City SC’s goals on Wednesday against San Jose, becoming the first player to record multiple assists in a match for the team this season.
Vassilev’s nine MLS assists for St. Louis City have set up goals for seven different players.
MATCH PREDICTION: COLORADO RAPIDS WIN
Having won three home matches for the first time since September – October 2022, Colorado are heavily backed by Opta’s data-led simulations to continue their winning run on home turf.
The Rapids last had a longer winning streak at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park during a six-match run from August 2019 to March 2020.
But based on previous results, it looks set to be a tightly contested affair. Each team has recorded a win in their last three meetings, with a fast start expected. Three of the five goals scored in the last two meetings were netted in the game’s opening 11 minutes.
However, St. Louis will be buoyed following their recent victory over San Jose on Wednesday. City are still looking for their first away win of the season in all competitions (D5 L5), but will be hopeful of bursting the Rapids’ bubble.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Colorado Rapids – 49.4%
Draw – 25.5%
St. Louis City – 25.1%
Nashville SC interim head coach Rumba Munthali believes his team are close to reaching their best level if they can improve the small margins against Portland Timbers.
The Coyotes have lost their last two matches against Inter Miami and Columbus Crew on the back of a three-match unbeaten streak in MLS.
They sit seventh in the Eastern Conference, but Munthali is keen to get back to winning ways quickly to hold off the teams below them in the table.
"It was a tough-to-swallow loss against a good team [Columbus] but I thought we showed some good positive steps," Munthali said.
"I don't think we're far off, it's just small little details. There are things we still have time to get better at and make sure we finish as close as possible.
"I think we need to keep working on our finishing in practice. We are scoring goals, just not all the time, and we're only off by small margins. Nothing to dwell on, just things to work on and get more efficient at."
Nashville announced earlier this week they have hired B.J. Callahan to become their new head coach, and will officially join them on July 22.
Meanwhile, Portland are sixth in the Western Conference, after their seven-match unbeaten streak was snapped in a 3-2 defeat to FC Dallas on Thursday.
Head coach Phil Neville was left frustrated by some of the refereeing decisions in that match and is hoping they can quickly put that result behind them.
"We've got to lick our wounds and move on to Sunday," Neville said. "Sunday's becoming a difficult game, an even bigger one at home.
"We've been on a great run, but the last game was disappointing, and we'll have to begin a new one on Sunday. We move on and we keep going."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Portland Timbers – Antony
Antony scored one and assisted one in Portland's last game, but it was not enough as the team fell to a 3-2 loss against Dallas.
It marked the eighth time this season they have failed to win a match in which they have scored multiple goals, something only Philadelphia Union (10 times) have done more often this season.
Nashville SC – Hany Mukhtar
Nashville SC attempted eight shots in their defeat at Columbus Crew on Wednesday, the 10th time this season they have taken fewer than 10 shots in a match.
Hany Mukhtar was their biggest threat once more, as he had three of those, the most of anyone on the team, though he only managed one on target.
MATCH PREDICTION: PORTLAND TIMBERS WIN
The Timbers have never lost to Nashville, recording a win in the first-ever meeting between the sides before the last two matches ended in draws.
Portland are unbeaten in their last five home games (won four, drawn one), scoring at least two goals in all five matches. The Timbers have not scored multiple goals in six straight games at Providence Park in all competitions since doing so to end the 2017 regular season.
Meanwhile, Nashville have won only three of their last 19 regular-season road games (drawn seven, lost nine) dating back to last June. Nashville have to score in 11 of those 19 matches, including their 2-0 loss at Columbus on Wednesday.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Portland Timbers – 44.8%
Draw – 26.9%
Nashville SC – 28.3%
Jamaican Shimona Jok was again on song for Melbourne Mavericks, as they edged GIANTS 55-54 in a nail-biting Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League affair in Sydney on Saturday.
Not only did the win propel Mavericks into the top four, but it also marked an historic feat as it was their first time securing back-to-back victories in the First Nations Round opener.
Jok, with 34 goals from 35 attempts, and Eleanor Cardwell, with 21 goals from 24 attempts, got the job done for the Mavericks, while Jo Harten (14 goals from 18 attempts), Sophie Dwyer (24 goals from 28 attempts) and Matisse Letherbarrow (16 goals from 16 attempts) fought gallantly for GIANTS, the team of another Jamaican Jodi-Ann Ward.
The Mavericks, who pulled off a thrilling 72-71 last-minute win over the Sunshine Coast Lightning in Hobart last week, somewhat repeated the feat on this occasion as it was a crucial intercept from Player of the Match Kim Jenner that paved the way for Cardwell to score the winning goal in the final minute.
Earlier, the GIANTS got off to a brisk start, scoring three unanswered goals, before the Mavericks responded. In fact, it was end-to-end action for much of the first quarter before a pair of late goals pushed the Mavericks ahead 14-12.
It was another action-packed second quarter, as the GIANTS lifted their intensity and again scored the first three goals. Jodi-Ann Ward made a crucial intercept, which was converted, but a misplaced pass allowed the Mavericks to regain possession.
Melbourne Mavericks and GIANTS players tussle for possession.
Despite being dominant in possession, the Mavericks conversion rate was low. They struggled to advance the ball down the court efficiently, often taking wide drives and long passes, instead of tightening up their play and improve their second-phase transitions.
That, along with the fact that both teams also demonstrated strong defensive efforts, saw the score locked at 25-25 at the half-time interval.
The Mavericks tried to explode at the top of the third quarter, but the GIANTS applied pressure to keep their opponents in check. However, the game finally opened up for the Mavericks with five minutes remaining at the backend of the quarter, as they opened up a five-goal lead at 44-39 heading into the final quarter.
The GIANTS needed to make an early impact to close the deficit, and they did just that with two unanswered goals.
Ward, who had been dominant throughout, grabbed a defensive rebound and sent the ball down the court. However, the GIANTS struggled with composure, allowing the Mavericks to regain possession.
With the scores locked at 51-51 heading into the Power Five, a missed shot by Cardwell saw Ward again recover the rebound, but the GIANTS again failed to capitalise as the Mavericks won back possession.
Letherbarrow then delivered a crucial Super Shot, putting the GIANTS ahead with 90 seconds left, but Cardwell responded with a Super Shot of her own, leveling the score once more.
With the GIANTS looking to score the winning goal, Jenner made a critical intercept, and the Mavericks scored the winning goal to keep their final hopes alive.
Steve Cherundolo detailed that his “healthy group” of LAFC players have been key to their recent success ahead of their encounter with Houston Dynamo on Sunday.
The LAFC head coach oversaw yet another win last time out, beating LA Galaxy in their rivalry encounter thanks to goals from Denis Bouanga and Kei Kamara.
Heading into the contest at the Shell Energy Stadium, LAFC sit at the top of the Western Conference table, three points ahead of Real Salt Lake.
Cherundolo’s side are now unbeaten in their last 10 MLS fixtures, and the 45-year-old was able to detail the secret formula behind his team’s impressive run.
“I think it’s down to the basics,” Cherundolo said. “It’s always reminding the group what they do well and what we need to do in order to win games.
“These are things we talk about and work on daily, but at the same time you have to create an atmosphere and a culture that is comfortable for the players and put them in a position to succeed week in, week out.
“Not to push too hard, but not too little, and you have to find that sweet spot with the group.
“Judging by what I see in the locker room before the game, at half-time and after the game, this is a very healthy group, mentally, and they take care of each other. It’s a tough group to beat.”
Meanwhile, Houston were compounded to their first defeat in six matches at the hands of Salt Lake, despite taking an eighth minute lead through Ibrahim Aliyu.
Ben Olsen’s side sit in seventh place heading into the encounter, level on points with Portland Timbers and just a point behind Vancouver Whitecaps.
The loss proved to be a disappointing one from the Houston head coach’s point of view, but he was able to take the positives from the game, having seen his side score 13 goals in their last six league fixtures.
“I don’t think we learned anything that I already know about our team,” Olsen said.
“I was disappointed with our mentality and the start with the attention to detail, the urgency.
“But we scored two goals. We should have had three or four, but it came down to some moments.
“The goal-scoring, we can still put up numbers and I guess that is a positive. But the negative is the goals themselves that we conceded as a team.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Houston Dynamo – Ibrahim Aliyu
Should the Dynamo put an end to their winless run, Ibrahim Aliyu will be key for Olsen’s side on home turf.
Aliyu netted back-to-back goals for the second time this season, taking his tally to six for the campaign, and is the joint-top scorer alongside Latif Blessing for Houston.
LAFC – Denis Bouanga
Denis Bouanga’s recent hotstreak in front of goal has contributed to LAFC’s success in the league, and the Gabon international will be keen to add to his 14 MLS goals this weekend.
Bouanga has formed a great understanding alongside Mateusz Bogusz with the pair both notching goal contributions in their win over LA Galaxy. Their goal and assist were a league-leading 10th time they have both contributed to a goal in the same match this season.
MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW
While LAFC slightly edged Opta’s data-led simulations, Houston boast an impressive record against their opponents when welcoming them to the Shell Energy Stadium.
The Dynamo have lost only one of their six home matches against Los Angeles FC (W2 D3), winning each of the last two on home soil after failing to win any of the first four in all competitions.
However, Olsen’s side have just one victory to their name in their last 14 league matches, (D5 L5) dating back to mid-April after winning four of their previous five games (L1).
The Black and Gold are the in-form team in the Western Conference and will be keen to extend their lead at the summit of the table. LAFC became the first team since Sporting Kansas City in 2011-12 season to win 11 times in a span of 12 matches in all competitions.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Houston Dynamo – 34.9%
Draw- 25.9%
LAFC – 39.2%
Coralisle Group (CG) Limited has once again partnered with Cricket West Indies (CWI) in a big way, as both move to enhance cricket coaching for Bermuda’s youth and local coaches.
This initiative, being undertaken in tandem with the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB), and Bermuda Government’s Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, is not only aimed at fostering talent and passion for the sport, but also leverages CG’s longstanding relationship with CWI to bring advanced coaching and support to Bermuda.
Through this collaboration, Bermuda’s young cricketers will benefit from expert coaching and guidance, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to excel. The initiative will culminate on July 25, at the Annual Summer Day Camp Mini Cup Classic, where youth cricket campers will showcase their talents on a level playing field in an event sponsored this year by CG.
Two distinguished CWI coaches, Ryan Austin and Britney Cooper, will lead the coaching sessions.
Austin, an Assistant Coach and Specialist Spin Bowling Coach, has a wealth of experience, having completed the CWI Level Three Coaching qualification in 2023. He currently serves as an Assistant Coach for the senior West Indies women's team and previously worked with the West Indies male and female Under-19 and Academy Programmes.
Meanwhile, Cooper represented West Indies women’s team in 125 matches across a 12-year career and was a key player in their 2016 T20 World Cup-triumph. Over the past year, she has contributed to the CWI HP pathway, assisting the female Under-19 and Academy/Emerging Player programmes.
Naz Farrow, CEO of CG, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative.
“Our goal has always been to leverage our relationship with Cricket West Indies to support and develop cricket in Bermuda, our home country. We aim to instil a deep love and excitement for our national game among the youth, fostering a lifelong passion for cricket,” Farrow said.
“The support given to this year’s Government Summer Day Campers and the CG-sponsored Mini Cup match is a significant step towards achieving this goal. Additionally, the opportunity for Bermuda Cricket Board's coaches and players to interact with CWI coaches is a fantastic bonus, and we look forward to the positive impact of this initiative,” she added.
Bermuda Cricket Board’s Calvin Blankendal also expressed excitement.
“We are grateful to CG for facilitating the arrival of these advanced coaches to Bermuda. Their expertise will be invaluable to our local players and coaches, creating a lasting legacy that will benefit Bermuda cricket for years to come,” he noted.
For Senator Owen K. Darrell JP, Bermuda’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the initiative will go a far way in leaving a lasting impact.
“We are thrilled that CG has taken the initiative to foster a love for cricket among our youth. The collaboration with the Bermuda Cricket Board and the expert coaching from CWI will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our local campers and coaches. We look forward to seeing the enthusiasm and skills that this programme will inspire,” Darrell said.
Finally, CG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and developing Bermuda’s cricketing talent through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in promoting cricket among Bermuda’s youth, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed on and off the field.
Minnesota United head coach Eric Ramsay believes they will bounce back from their recent disappointing run against LA Galaxy on Sunday.
The Loons have not won any of their last six matches in MLS, losing each of the last five on the bounce, and dropped to eighth in the Western Conference.
Minnesota have been without players due to injury and international duty, but with some of those starting to return, Ramsay is hopeful it will be the spark they need to snap their losing streak.
"In the grand scheme of this difficult run that we're on and the circumstances that surround it, there were elements of the last performance where we looked back at our best," Ramsay said.
"I think it's as simple as welcoming players back from injuries and internationals to get us back to the feeling before all of this took place.
"That's a very realistic take on the situation, though we will look back at this period with some real regret and disappointment that we haven't picked up the points we could and should've done."
Meanwhile, the Galaxy's four-game winning streak was ended by Los Angeles FC in Thursday’s El Trafico derby.
Now three points off top spot, having slipped to third, head coach Greg Vanney was left to bemoan LA's failure to create chances at the Rose Bowl.
"I'm not interested in being a possession team for the sake of passing the ball around," Vanney said.
"We need to use possession to put the opposition on their heels to score goals, to bury them and make them feel like we're relentlessly coming at them, not so they can set up and be comfortable and turn us over and go the other way."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
LA Galaxy – Gabriel Pec
Gabriel Pec scored against Los Angeles FC and has now been involved in a goal in five straight appearances, tied for the second-longest active streak in MLS.
The Brazilian is the second Galaxy player this season to record a streak of five games with a goal contribution, after Dejan Joveljic in February-March.
Minnesota United – Bongokuhle Hlongwane
Bongokuhle Hlongwane has recorded a goal and an assist in two consecutive away matches, one of two players (Lionel Messi) to do so in consecutive road games this season.
Only two players in MLS history have a goal and an assist in three straight road games – Junior Agogo in 2000 and Ante Razov in 1999.
MATCH PREDICTION: LA GALAXY WIN
The Galaxy won six of their first eight matches against Minnesota United (drawing two) from the Loons' MLS entry in 2017 through August 2021. Since then, LA have won just one of seven meetings with Minnesota (drawn three, lost three).
The Galaxy's 2-1 defeat to LAFC on Thursday was their fourth loss of the season, and the second against their derby rivals. They have not lost two straight matches since last October, with the second of those defeats coming against Minnesota.
However, Minnesota have lost five straight regular-season matches for the first time in club history. The Loons had suffered only three defeats in 16 league matches this season prior to this run (won eight, drew five).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
LA Galaxy – 49.9%
Draw – 25.3%
Minnesota United – 24.8%
Peter Luccin was thrilled with FC Dallas' comeback against the Portland Timbers, but still sees plenty of ways they can improve.
Dallas came out on top from a topsy-turvy match in midweek, winning 3-2.
It saw Dallas bounce back from successive defeats, and they sit 11th in the Western Conference ahead of Sunday's clash with Sporting Kansas City, who are six points behind in 13th.
Asked what he liked about his team's performance against the Timbers, Dallas interim boss Luccin said: "Resilience, resilience from the team. That was huge.
"After the first half, we were very passive with nothing offensively. The only thing about the first half that I liked was the compactness of the team. We were compact, but no one making runs, no one even putting more pressure on the ball or playing with the ball.
"The half-time talk, maybe it's better for me to not say anything. It was a hard talk, but at the same time, we told them to believe.
"We felt that we could score in the second half. The second half we showed character.
"We are in a very hard situation right now in the club and with the team, with so many injuries to very important players."
Petar Musa got on the scoresheet for Dallas to move into double-figures for the season.
"I am happy with my goals but for me, it's not about just the goals," said the striker.
"We want to win every single game and I want to help the team. I'm more focused on winning every game. So if I score I'm happy, but it's more important that we won."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sporting Kansas City - Daniel Salloi
Salloi has scored eight goals in 15 career regular-season matches against Dallas, three more than he has scored against any other opponent. Salloi has six goals in his last six matches against Dallas.
FC Dallas - Petar Musa
Musa has scored five goals in his last three matches, taking his total to 10 in his first 20 MLS games for Dallas. The last player to reach 10 goals faster for Dallas was Carlos Ruiz in 2005 (16 games).
MATCH PREDICTION: SKC WIN
Dallas are winless on the road in the 2024 regular season (D3 L7) with its three road points being the fewest in MLS this season. It is the second time the club has been winless through at least 10 away matches of a season as they failed to win any of their first 11 on the road in 2000.
SKC beat Austin FC 2-0 in their last home game. The win ended a streak of 14 straight home regular-season games of SKC conceding, the second-longest such streak in team history (22 straight from June 2002 to October 2003).
The home side has won each of the last four meetings between Kansas City and Dallas in all competitions. There have been at least three goals scored in each of the last six meetings with both teams scoring in all six.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
SKC - 41.3%
Dallas - 32%
Draw - 26.7%
John Herdman insists that Toronto FC’s defeat to Orlando City must be a turning point in their MLS campaign ahead of facing in-form Columbus Crew this weekend.
Toronto had taken an early lead through Derrick Etienne but were compounded to a fifth straight defeat that leaves them in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, two points behind Nashville SC.
Head coach Herdman acknowledged his side’s poor recent form, and ensured conversations would be had with his players and staff to ensure they return to winning ways sooner, rather than later.
“This has to be a turning point for the club tonight,” Herdman said. “I said that to the players after the game, ‘It has to be the turning point.’
“There's going to be some hard conversations in the next two days starting with all of us looking at ourselves in the mirror for that 20-minute period.
“What happened there? And why is it happening? Why do we fall into that trap game after game after game?”
However, they will have to do so against a Columbus side in a rich vein of form having earned a third straight triumph with their 2-0 win over Nashville last time out.
The Crew currently occupy third place in the Eastern Conference and are one of three sides chasing runaway leaders FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami.
Head coach Wilfried Nancy commended his team’s recent displays and said he intends to do everything possible to keep that feel-good feeling in the camp before welcoming Toronto to the Lower.com Field.
“I'm going to talk about the present moment because it's a fact: They are really good,” Nancy said of his side.
“They are really good. We are going to try to do everything to help them to stay like this because
for me, it's a key point. It's a key point about the way we want to play.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Columbus Crew – Cucho Hernandez
There is arguably no one better in the MLS right now than Cucho Hernandez as he kept up his impressive recent form for the Crew.
Since returning from injury, the Colombian has registered six goals and four assists in his last five matches, with his most recent coming in their 2-0 win over Nashville as he set up Christian Ramirez to open the scoring at the Lower.com Field.
Toronto FC – Federico Bernardeschi
Federico Bernardeschi continues to be an attacking force for Toronto, and he will be needed on top form if his side are to halt their current five-game winless run.
The Italian has been involved in 14 goals in his last 10 MLS matches (eight goals, six assists), including an assist against Orlando City last time out.
MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS CREW WIN
Columbus are expected to emerge victorious, with Nancy’s side winning 76.7% of Opta’s data-led simulations heading into the encounter.
The Crew have an impressive home record, losing one of their last 30 home matches in all competitions dating back to May 2023 (W20 D9). In that streak, 12 of those victories have been by a margin of two or more goals.
Columbus also boast an impressive record over their opponents and are unbeaten in their last five league matches against Toronto. Before this run, Columbus had won just two of their previous 14 meetings with Toronto dating back to 2016.
Toronto, however, will be out to cause an upset. Their current five-game losing run is the seventh losing streak of five or more matches since the start of the 2021 season.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Columbus Crew – 76.7%
Draw – 13.9%
Toronto FC – 9.4%
New York Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwarz believes his side must improve against a ‘tough’ Philadelphia Union side ahead of their encounter at Subaru Park.
The Red Bulls maintained their four-match unbeaten run with a 2-2 draw against DC United last time out, aided by Cristian Dajome’s early dismissal for the visitors.
Schwarz’s side sit fifth in the Eastern Conference and are among a cluster of teams tightly packed in the middle of the division, with every victory important at the halfway stage of the season.
The Red Bulls head coach praised his side’s mentality to gain a point against the Black and Red’s last time out but expects a difficult match against the Union.
“I think what we have to improve, especially with our ball position is the structure which we have lost in some moments which we will analyse ahead of the game,” Schwarz said.
“But the mentality to come back was good to not lose the last game and to get this important point at home. We analysed this and it is very clear how we want to play, and we want to create these situations and these moments.
“They are a very good team with a good structure, they are aggressive in their pressing and have that individual quality as well.
“They have the quality to build-up with the centre-backs and have good deep runs, and it will be a tough game for us.”
For Philadelphia, their winless run continued against fellow strugglers Chicago Fire as they were edged out of a seven-goal and are now without a win since their 3-0 win against New England Revolution back in May.
The Union had led 3-1 entering the final 10 minutes of play before conceding three goals in nine minutes to lose 4-3, marking the first time in the club’s history that they had lost a match in which they led by multiple goals entering the 80th minute.
Their latest defeat was their fifth in a row and leaves them second-bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, level on points with DC United at the foot of the table.
Curtin was left hurt by the loss and highlighted their inability to defend set-pieces as something to work on before facing the Red Bulls.
“The guys did well to get themselves from 3-1 up, from there it was pretty comfortable until about the 82nd minute, and we started conceding corners that we didn’t need to concede,” Curtin said.
“The little things then became big issues. The thing that we have been pretty good at over the years which has been defending set-pieces, we have come up really small and we get punished.
“It hurts, but again, I sound like a broken record, but the group will have to regroup quickly and go again against New York.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Philadelphia Union – Daniel Gazdag
Following his return from international duty with Hungary at Euro 2024, Daniel Gazdag found himself on the scoresheet once again in the Union’s 4-3 defeat to Chicago Fire last time out.
Gazdag’s goal and assist at Soldier Field took his tally 12 goal involvements in 17 MLS appearances, and his influence in attack will be needed if Philadelphia are to return to winning ways.
NYRB – Cameron Harper
After scoring in three consecutive MLS matches in May, Cameron Harper has rediscovered his goal-scoring touch for Schwarz’s side.
The American has scored two goals in his last two games against Toronto FC and DC United and should he find the back of the net again, he will become the first player since Bradley Wright-Phillips in 2016 to have multiple streaks of three or more games with a goal in a single season.
MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW
Despite Philadelphia slightly edging Opta’s data-led simulations, their recent form suggests that the encounter at Subaru Park will be an evenly contested affair.
The Union have lost their last five league matches for the first time in the club’s history following a 4-3 defeat to Chicago Fire on Wednesday.
However, Curtin’s side can take confidence from their recent record against their opponents. Philadelphia are unbeaten in their previous 12 meetings with the Red Bulls in all competitions (W8 D4) dating back to 2019.
But New York will take confidence from their 2-2 draw with DC United. It marked the 12th time this season the Red Bulls have scored multiple goals in a match after doing so just eight times during the entire 2023 season.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Philadelphia Union – 38.9%
Draw – 26.5%
NYRB – 34.5%
In the wake of recent controversy, the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) has moved to clarify that the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) president Garth Gayle was fully aware of the team size calculator or formula which then, and currently prescribes for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
The JOA’s clarification comes after widespread speculation and disappointment over allotment given to the JAAA, which was said to have resulted in the exclusion of renowned coach Glen Mills from the officials list.
According to the JOA, the JAAA was advised that a 14-member management team for track and field could increase if more athletes qualify. Following that notification, the JOA in a recent release stated that the JAAA submitted a 17-member official list which did not include Mills.
The list comprises; Ludlow Watts (manager), Ian Forbes (assistant manager), Julette Parkes-Livermore (assistant manager), Maurice Wilson (head coach), Lennox Graham (coach), Paul Francis (coach), Mark Elliott (coach), Julian Robinson (coach), Reynaldo Wallcott (coach), Marlon Gayle (coach), Lacena Golding-Clarke (coach), Warren Blake (doctor), Pier-Ann Brown (physiotherapist), Troy Evans (massage therapist), Everette Rowe (massage therapist), Damion Rowe (massage therapist), and Okeile Stewart (massage therapist).
“The JOA must again point out that the JAAA further made a specific request of the JOA for seven personal coaches, in addition to the fourteen primary team officials, and this was granted by the JOA without any reservation whatsoever. Essential to consensus and trust are transparent conduct and a readiness to admit when one falls into error. The JOA, therefore, awaits courtesy,” the JOA release dated June 27, declared.
Though the JOA release was aimed at clearing the air against statements made by Gayle, it also sheds light on why Mills tore into the Olympic body about the fact that they allotted only 14 slots to the JAAA for team officials, a figure he cited as woefully inadequate given that the country is expected to field at least 60 track and field athletes at the global multi-sport showpiece.
“It is a disgrace that you have to be fighting to get the required number of coaches, the required number of therapists and doctors to go with an Olympic team that is probably rated number two or three in the world,” Mills said during a JAAA’s press conference last Monday.
“I find it very unfortunate that track and field, and what it represents in the Olympic movement, not just in Jamaica but worldwide, along with Jamaica’s history (has come to this). We are not beggars, we have earned it,” he added.
While expressing his annoyance, Mills, who has been instrumental in the development of some of Jamaica's most successful sprinters, including the legendary Usain Bolt, revealed that he could have opted to travel with another country.
“I could have gone to the Olympics with other countries. I was offered two full accreditations, full funding, but I could never see myself wearing another country’s colours, but if I am forced to, then I will have to,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the JOA said Gayle was well aware of the process.
“For clarity, in his role as Chairman of JOA’s Games Commission, he had full knowledge of team size calculators (which host cities of games use to determine the sizes of country delegations), including that contained in the Olympic mandate regarding Olympic games. The JOA does not control at all the team size calculator for games. In meetings with several associations and federations Mr. Gayle emphasised this and explained JOA policies as they relate to games management,” the JOA statement said.
FC Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan is relishing going up against Inter Miami in an enthralling clash at the top of MLS.
Eastern Conference leaders Miami, who will be without Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez due to their continued Copa America duties, visit Cincinnati on Saturday.
The defending Supporters' Shield champions are second in the East, just two points behind Miami.
Both teams have won four of their last five league games, and Noonan is anticipating a stern test of his team's quality.
"They're a very deep team. You can see with key pieces missing the team that they're fielding is very strong," Noonan said.
"There's a reason they're still winning games and doing it home and away.
"They have a lot of quality and a lot of guys that have played meaningful minutes and now are getting more consistent starts.
"But they still look very strong and will be a great test for us."
Cincinnati have a game in hand on Miami, and come into the clash on the back of a record-setting 3-2 win over D.C. United.
Noonan's team have now won seven straight away matches.
"I give the guys credit because we've gone on the road two games here and gotten results, and it's not easy to do," Noonan said after the win.
"I told them before the game... 'You guys are a good team on the road,' and it might not always be the way we want it to look.
"That's credit to the opponent, that's credit to going on the road in tough atmospheres, but you have to be able to adjust at times and adapt to the conditions, and I think they do a good job of that."
The task for Cincinnati now is to repeat that form at home.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
FC Cincinnati - Luciano Acosta
Acosta has been involved in seven goals (three goals, four assists) in his last four home matches. Since the start of the 2022 season, Acosta has been involved in 52 goals in regular-season home matches (23 goals, 29 assists), seven more than any other player in that time.
Inter Miami - Jordi Alba
With Messi and Suarez absent, fellow superstar Alba has been helping to plug the gap.
He scored a stunner against Nashville SC last week, and adds another potent threat even from left-back.
MATCH PREDICTION: CINCINNATI WIN
Miami have won 11 of their last 14 matches (D2 L1) including the last four in a row. All four wins in Miami’s current run have been by 2-1 scorelines.
But Cincinnati are made the slight favourites for this one.
The win over D.C. was their 11th win in their last 13 matches (L2). The only team in the post-shootout era (since 2000) to record 12 wins in a span of 14 matches in a single regular season was the Seattle Sounders in July-October 2018.
Miami won each of their first four matches against Cincinnati in 2020 and 2021. Since the start of the 2022 season, however, Cincinnati are unbeaten in four regular-season meetings with Miami (W3 D1).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
FC Cincinnati - 43.7%
Inter Miami - 29.5%
Draw - 26.8%
Claude Bryan, the agent representing World Championships 400m finalist Sean Bailey, has strongly refuted statements made by JAAA Vice President Ian Forbes regarding the last-minute withdrawal of top athletes from the 4x400m relay at the Jamaica National Championships on Sunday night. Bryan clarified that his athlete had provided an explanation for his withdrawal, contrary to Forbes' claims.
Forbes had stated that none of the top three finishers in the 400m—Deandre Watkin (44.48), Bailey (44.65), and Jevaughn Powell (44.79)—nor the 400m hurdles champion Malik James-King, who were expected to run in the relay, offered any explanation for their decision to pull out. The relay was crucial for Jamaica's last-ditch effort to qualify for the 4x400m relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics, needing a time of 2:59.12 to secure a spot among the top 16 teams in the world.
In a response to Forbes' statements published by Sportsmax.TV, Bryan set the record straight, emphasizing the communication efforts made by Bailey and his team.
"For the JAAA VP to say that 'no explanations had been provided by the athletes for their late withdrawals' is wholly inaccurate," Bryan stated. "Sean Bailey’s physio, Sean Bailey, and myself went and spoke directly with Coach (Maurice) Wilson about his issue. Further to that, out of respect for the JAAA, an email was sent early on Monday morning detailing what had transpired, and said email was acknowledged by the JAAA."
Bailey had been experiencing discomfort in his hamstrings, and the decision to withdraw was made to prevent potential injury, which could jeopardize his chances of winning an individual medal in the 400m at the Olympic Games.
Speaking with Sportsmax.TV earlier this week, Forbes expressed his disappointment with the late withdrawals, noting the extensive preparations made to ensure the athletes were in optimal condition for the relay. "We need to have a pow-wow to look at what really transpired because the information from the coaches was very fast, things moved very quickly, so we haven’t gathered all the information. But it was most distressing that at the last minute, persons were pulling out," Forbes said.
To ensure the athletes were ready, meetings with athletes, coaches, and agents were held before the National Championships. On the recommendation of the athletes, the top 16 runners advanced to the semi-finals, with heats and semi-finals run on Thursday and the finals on Friday night. This schedule aimed to give the runners ample time to recuperate before the 4x400m relay, scheduled for 8:05 pm on Sunday. The athletes were also provided with hotel rooms for adequate rest and transportation. Additionally, two companies had put up JMD$1 million as an incentive for the runners to achieve the qualification time.
Despite the last-minute changes, four other athletes—Raheem Hayles, Zandrian Barnes, Tarees Rhoden, and Kimar Farquharson—stepped in to run the relay. They clocked a time of 2:59.87, which was just shy of the required time for Olympic qualification.
Bryan's clarification aims to ensure transparency and protect the integrity of the athlete he represents.
The three-day warm-up match between the touring West Indies and a County Select XI ended in a draw on Friday.
The tourists entered day three at the Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham on 57-2, leading by 23 runs in their second innings.
They eventually progressed to 196-5 off 44 overs before declaring, leaving the County Select XI needing 163 to win.
The West Indian second innings batting effort was led by a well-compiled 66* from Alick Athanaze, his second half-century of the game.
The 25-year-old Dominican faced 99 balls, hitting 11 fours in the process.
He was well supported by wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva who finished not out on 51 off 69 balls including six fours.
Medium pacer Sonny Baker took 2-49 off eight overs for the Select XI.
The hosts then lost a pair of early wickets before play was brought to a close due to rain with them on 30-2 in the 11th over.
The West Indies will now turn their attention to the first Test against England which starts on Wednesday, July 10 at Lord’s.
Full Scores:
West Indies 339 off 72.1 overs (Kavem Hodge 112, Alick Athanaze 74, Kirk McKenzie 73, Mikyle Louis 50, Farhan Ahmed 4-48, John Turner 4-60) & 196-5 dec. off 44 overs (Alick Athanaze 66*, Joshua Da Silva 51, Mikyle Louis 28, Sonny Baker 2-49)
County Select XI 373-4 dec. off 85 overs (William Luxton 112*, Hamza Shaikh 84, Tom Prest 53, Harry Duke 46*) & 30-2 off 10.3 overs
Atlanta United interim head coach Rob Valentino is hoping his side can find their end product when they face a tough road test at Real Salt Lake in MLS.
The Five Stripes' four-game unbeaten streak was snapped with a 2-1 midweek defeat to the New England Revolution as they stay ninth in the Eastern Conference.
They were also unbeaten in their last four road games before travelling to the Revs, and Valentino has urged his team to improve their play in the final third to get back to winning ways.
"There were chances [against New England], but the expected goals and chances don't mean anything to me unless they end up in the back of the net," the head coach said.
"The team were persistent. They were putting in different deliveries and different movements to get into the area, but we need the goals to actually go in.
"The group have shown they are capable of winning games. The tactics will change from game to game along with roles and responsibilities, and we will adapt in-game as well in an attempt to win."
Meanwhile, Salt Lake are back up to second in the Western Conference after a comeback win over the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday.
A 1-0 defeat to LA Galaxy at the end of June snapped a 15-game unbeaten streak for RSL, but they bounced back to leapfrog the Galaxy in the table, and now sit just three points behind leaders Los Angeles FC.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Real Salt Lake – Braian Ojeda
Braiain Ojeda scored his first goal for RSL in MLS, netting what turned out to be the winner against Houston Dynamo in midweek in what was his 63rd appearance for the club.
Atlanta United – Daniel Rios
Daniel Rios has been involved in three goals in his last three games for Atlanta. The Mexican has scored two and assisted one, including their lone goal in the defeat to New England Revolution last time out.
MATCH PREDICTION: REAL SALT LAKE WIN
With LAFC not playing until Sunday, RSL could go level on points with them in the table if they can get a second consecutive win.
Their 15-game unbeaten run in MLS set a new club record for the longest single-season streak in their history – they scored in all but one of those matches, only failing to find a way past CF Montreal in a 0-0 draw.
While current form is in Salt Lake's favour, they have only won one of their previous four meetings with Atlanta, with the Five Stripes winning the other three.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Real Salt Lake – 54.6%
Draw – 23.3%
Atlanta United – 22%
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