With broadcast being a vital part of any competition as it brings fans closer to the action, Kerry Gibbons, head of creative production at SportsMax, called out the powers that be to address the lack of available venues for the Secondary Schools' Football League (SSFL) season.
Gibbons voiced his concern as he explained that the issue is one that has hindered SportsMax’s broadcast schedules and logistics for the past season.
As such, with the upcoming season scheduled to get underway on September 7, Gibbons believes those charged with the responsibility of maintaining the facilities in Trinidad and Tobago must do their part to ensure the best quality SSFL product.
“There are also struggles with venues, which also affect our broadcast schedules and logistics. In a country rich with stadia and football facilities, those responsible must do better,” Gibbons said during the event’s launch at the BRIX hotel on Wednesday.
SportsMax has been the official sponsor and broadcaster for the SSFL since 2016. The broadcast company again underscored its tagline as the ‘Home of Champions’, with a stellar production of the recently-concluded Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the Caribbean.
“The same equipment used to produce Olympics and international football games, that's the equipment used to produce the SSFL." SportsMax broadcaster Hans Des Vignes declared.
Earlier this month, president of the SSFL, Merere Gonzales, also pointed out that there are obstacles hindering the partnership with SportsMax.
Though pleased that SportsMax would like to broadcast more doubleheaders, which would be more exposure for the tournament and players, Gonzales said available venues remain their Achilles heel.
“What we have working against us is the availability of the venues, so we can have games not too early in the afternoon, because we would like the spectators and support groups that come after school to attend. If we are having a game at 2:00 pm, it's negating even students from coming and supporting,” Gonzales told T&T Newsday, adding that starting games any later would also pose a problem due to the unavailability of light in some venues.
One such venue without light is the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, while the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva has broken and discoloured seats as well as rusting beams.
Meanwhile, the Hasely Crawford Stadium was closed in July for renovations.
Still, Gibbons expressed SportsMax’s delight at supporting the SSFL in exposing future stars. He also urged other corporate entities to "come off the sidelines and walk onto the pitch."
Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen has called on his team-mates to make good on the side's excellent 2024 to date and finish the season strongly, starting with Saturday's trip to FC Dallas.
Colorado sit fourth in the Western Conference standings as they resume MLS action after finishing third in the Leagues Cup, beating the Philadelphia Union in the bronze-medal match.
Chris Armas has the Rapids eyeing home advantage in the playoffs in his first year at the helm, and Steffen says it is all about mental strength as they enter the run-in.
"It's been a long month with a lot of games and travel and everything. It's been good to come home and have a full week to look ahead to Dallas," Steffen said.
"It's back to MLS for us now, so we're fully focused on Dallas and making sure we pick up three points on Saturday.
"We're getting better every day, it's been fun. We have a great group of guys who are hungry to compete and to grow. It's been a great start but now it's about finishing strong."
Dallas, meanwhile, are down in 10th, albeit just one point of Austin FC, who occupy the final play-in spot in the West.
Interim coach Peter Luccin oversaw a thrilling 4-3 victory at D.C. United last time out – Dallas' third win in four regular-season games, and he thinks it could be a major turning point.
"For us to win on the road, it wasn't easy," said Luccin. "We knew that they were going to fight until the end, they fought hard.
"We need to stay focused. We need to have the same energy. We need to keep playing the football that we have been playing."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
FC Dallas – Sebastian Lletget
Lletget had a goal and two assists in FC Dallas' win at D.C. United last Saturday, his second career match with three goal contributions in MLS, having also achieved the feat in September 2019 versus Sporting Kansas City.
Colorado Rapids – Rafael Navarro
Navarro (11) and Djordje Mihailovic (10) are the second pair of Rapids team-mates to each score 10 goals in a single regular season since 2010, after Kei Kamara and Diego Rubio in 2019).
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
Colorado have won five of their seven meetings with Dallas since the start of 2021 (one draw, one defeat), including a 2-1 home win when the sides last faced off on April 20.
The Rapids had won just five of their previous 24 meetings with Dallas from July 2012 through 2020 (eight draws, 11 defeats).
It appears difficult to split the teams for this one, with Dallas winning three of their last four regular-season matches (one draw), but not inspiring much hope in defence, conceding five times in their last three matches.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
FC Dallas – 39.1%
Colorado Rapids – 34.3%
Draw – 26.6%
Newly appointed Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren has made a bold move ahead of Jamaica's CONCACAF Nations League match against Cuba, set for September 6 at the National Stadium in Kingston. McClaren has recalled Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, whose recent history with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has been marked by controversy.
In June 2024, the JFF temporarily suspended Bailey from the senior Men's National Team due to his public comments and decision not to participate in the Copa America 2024, despite being selected. The federation cited Bailey's expressed desire to take a break from national duties, and the suspension was intended to prevent further miscommunication and manage the situation.
However, McClaren, who took over as head coach recently, has decided to give Bailey a fresh start, offering him a chance to rejoin the national team. The JFF stipulated that Bailey must first clear the air with the federation through a formal letter before being considered for selection. This condition has apparently been met, as Bailey is now named in the squad for the crucial encounter against Cuba.
Joining Bailey in the squad is Demarai Gray, who returns after recovering from injury to strengthen the Reggae Boyz's attacking options. Norman Campbell, who currently plays for Randers FC in Denmark and last represented Jamaica in 2021, has also been recalled. The attacking line-up is further bolstered by Shamar Nicholson and Kaheim Dixon, the latter having recently joined Charlton Athletic.
In midfield, McClaren has selected Kasey Palmer, Karoy Anderson, Bobby Reid, Jon Russell, and Adrian Reid Jr., all of whom will play pivotal roles in controlling the game against Cuba.
The defensive unit includes Dexter Lembikisa, Di’Shon Bernard, Greg Leigh, Damion Lowe, Michael Hector, Richard King, Amari’I Bell, Joel Lattibeaudierre, and Ethan Pinnock. These defenders will be tasked with keeping Cuba’s attack at bay in what promises to be a competitive fixture.
The goalkeeping responsibilities will be shared among Andre Blake, Coniag Boyce Clarke, and Jahmali Waite, who have all been named in the squad.
This September 6 clash marks a significant moment for the Reggae Boyz as they aim to assert their dominance in the CONCACAF Nations League and move past the controversies that have recently surrounded the team. McClaren's decision to recall Bailey is sure to draw attention, and all eyes will be on the National Stadium to see how the team performs under his leadership.
The target is clear for Inter Miami this season, and that is to win MLS Cup, so says goalkeeper Drake Callender.
Miami clinched their place in the playoffs thanks to a 2-0 win over FC Cincinnati, with Luis Suarez on target.
The Herons have taken 56 points in MLS this season, and are eight points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference.
And with Lionel Messi still yet to return to full fitness, Miami are setting their sights on MLS Cup glory.
Callender said: "Of course, our goals are set super high and our standards are set super high.
"We want to win – we want to win the Eastern Conference, we want to win MLS Cup."
The Chicago Fire are next up for Miami, and Gerardo Martino wants to see his team replicate the level they displayed against Cincinnati.
"What we have to do is continue to maintain our performance," Martino said.
"We don't want to try to modify the way in which the team is facing each of the matches because we're at the final stretch, and then have to review how to play the last few games before the playoffs because they're completely different situations."
Midfielder Diego Gomez said: "We achieved our first objective, which is to make it to the playoffs. We have to keep going, we still have to keep training, we have to keep improving."
When asked about Messi's comeback, Martino explained: "Leo, like I said the other day, I can't tell you exactly what time, but he's already on the field. He is working with his physical therapist, he's out of the medical ward, he is training with a ball.
"So he has to get back in shape or recover most of his fitness that any player loses when they are out for five or six weeks and to feel confident that his injury is behind him. But it is something that I believe is not very far from happening."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chicago Fire - Brian Gutierrez
Gutierrez scored the equaliser from the penalty spot in the fourth minute of stoppage time in Chicago's draw with New York City FC last time out.
It was the Fire's first result-changing penalty in stoppage time of an MLS match in club history.
Inter Miami - Luis Suarez
Suarez's two goals came in the opening six minutes against Cincinnati, which is the fastest from kick-off any player has scored twice in an MLS match since Ross Paule (also two goals in the first six minutes) for the Colorado Rapids in 1998.
MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN
Miami have won 14 of their last 18 regular season matches (D2 L2), including the last three in a row. The Seattle Sounders, in July-October 2018, are the only team in the post-shootout era (since 2000) to win 15 times in a span of 19 matches in a single regular season.
The Fire scored in the 78th minute and in second-half stoppage time to earn a 2-2 draw with NYCFC, the third time this season Chicago have avoided defeat in a match in which they trailed by multiple goals in the final 15 minutes.
The home side have won five of the seven all-time meetings between the Fire and Miami, including Chicago winning all three of their home matches against the Herons by a combined score of 8-2.
However, Miami are firm favourites according to Opta's model.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Chicago Fire - 24.6%
Inter Miami - 52.4%
Draw - 23%
Jamaica’s Cavalier FC maintained their perfect start to the Concacaf Caribbean Cup as they registered a comfortable 4-1 over Trinidad and Tobago’s Miscellaneous Police FC in a lopsided Group A affair at Sabina Park on Thursday.
A brace each from Shaquille Stein (22nd and 65th) and Dwayne Atkinson (77th and 90+2) got the job done for the Rudolph Austin-coached Cavalier, which now sits comfortably atop the group on six points, three ahead of Jamaican counterpart Mount Pleasant FA.
Kevon Woodley (32nd) got Police's consolation as they remain fourth in the standings with a point.
Riding high from their opening 2-0 win over Mount Pleasant, Cavalier were always expected to start slight favourites, and they justified that with the opening strike less than 30 minutes in.
Suriname’s Stein, who is proving a valuable asset to Cavalier’s attacking line so far, got on the end of a through pass from Christopher Ainsworth and tucked home a right-footed effort from deep inside the 18-yard box.
However, Police were back on level terms 10 minutes later as Woodley converted an expert diving header from Alvin Jones’ perfectly weighted cross to make it 1-1 at the break.
Like they did at the start, Cavalier showed more purpose and regained the lead five minutes past the hour-mark, when Stein drove an effort past Adrian Foncette, in goal for Police, from a low pass from Atkinson.
Atkinson then added his name to the scoresheet 12 minutes later when he applied to finishing touches to a blistering counterattack to put Cavalier 3-1 up.
With Police down and unable to find a response, Cavalier continued to apply pressure and added a fourth when Atkinson fired home on the volley after Police’s custodian Foncette punched clear from a corner kick in time added.
Cavalier will next meet Haiti’s Real Hope FA in Kingston on September 17, while Police FC will seek its first victory of the campaign against Arnett Gardens FC in Couva on September 19.
On Thursday, Dominican Republic’s Ciabo FC climbed to second in Group B on four points with a 2-1 win over Antigua and Barbuda’s Grenades FC, who were wetting their feet for the first time in the tournament.
Phil Neville knows the Portland Timbers' meeting with the Seattle Sounders on Saturday will be "pivotal" to the outcome of their season as the Cascadia Cup rivals battle for a playoff place.
Portland enter Saturday's game seventh in the Western Conference standings, two places and three points behind the in-form Sounders.
The Timbers were beaten 2-1 on home soil by their rivals when they last faced off in May, but they have not lost a regular-season home game since, winning seven and drawing two of their last nine.
Neville knows the importance of carrying that form into this weekend, saying: "We're looking forward to another big game.
"When we looked at the fixtures at the start of the season, to play Seattle home and away in the last eight games, we knew these games would be pivotal to our success.
"That's how it's panned out and we're all excited for it. When you get into football, you want to be involved in the biggest games.
"It's against our biggest rivals. I think both teams are in really good form, outstanding form. They get success with their group of players but this is about us. We're playing for three big points."
Seattle, meanwhile, have only lost one regular-season game since early June, though they were dumped out of the U.S. Open Cup at the semi-final stage by Los Angeles FC in midweek, losing 1-0 on home soil.
Boss Brian Schmetzer, though, senses a desire to set the record straight in this week's derby.
"They understand the importance of Portland. This is a proud group that has overcome a lot of adversity already this year," he said.
"I don't see any reason why they can't continue that and do it again."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Portland Timbers – Evander
Evander has recorded an assist in seven straight home matches, equalling the longest single-season streak in MLS history.
The only player to record an assist in eight straight regular-season home matches was Eric Wynalda, who did so spanning the 1996 and 1997 seasons.
Seattle Sounders – Raul Ruidiaz
Ruidiaz has scored 13 goals against the Timbers in the regular season and playoffs. No other player has more than 10 goals against a single opponent since Ruidiaz made his MLS debut in July 2018.
MATCH PREDICTION – PORTLAND TIMBERS WIN
The Sounders are unbeaten in three straight matches against Portland (one win, two draws) including a 2-1 road win on May 12. Seattle haven't gone four straight MLS matches without defeat against Portland since 2014-15, though.
The Sounders have won six of their last seven regular-season matches (one loss), but they are facing a Timbers team that have won seven of their last nine at home (two draws), scoring 28 goals throughout that run.
Portland drew 4-4 with St. Louis City last week, marking the fourth time they have scored four goals in a match but failed to win since joining MLS in 2011. If they can tighten things up at the other end, they could continue their fine record on home turf.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Portland Timbers – 42.9%
Seattle Sounders – 30.4%
Draw – 26.7%
A thrilling final ball victory for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots over Antigua & Barbuda Falcons kicked off the twelfth iteration of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua on Thursday night.
Patriots captain Andre Fletcher called the coin correctly and elected to field first and South African pace merchant Anrich Nortje, who would play a crucial cameo with the bat later in the game, skittled Falcons opener Teddy Bishop for just 1. Fakhar Zaman then opened his muscular shoulders, hitting five fours and two sixes in making 43 off 32 balls with Kofi James ably supporting with a 22 off 24.
England’s Sam Billings was spectacularly caught on the boundary rope at deep midwicket, Odean Smith showcasing pristine footwork and clear thinking in juggling the catch to himself on the boundary edge.
The star of the Falcons innings though was 17-year-old Jewel Andrew, who showed maturity beyond his years and an eye-catching talent by striking 50 off just 30 balls to post a challenging target of 163-4 for the Patriots to chase.
An ebb and flow of runs and wickets followed as a dramatic match headed down to the final over and then the final delivery. Nortje held his nerve to get the single needed off Roshon Primus to give the Patriots a last gasp win, they equal their win tally of last year’s tournament after just one game.
Kyle Mayers was awarded Player of the Match for a crucial 39 off 24 balls from number three but when he was dismissed by Mohammad Amir in the 16th over it left the Patriots on 133-6 and with plenty still to do. Despite wickets falling steadily, including two in the final over, the Patriots lower order managed to get over the line and chalk up a win to kick off their campaign.
“I’m happy we won this game” Patriots captain Andre Fletcher reflected in the moments after victory. “I want us to be positive but at the same time, we have to be smart about it. Enjoy the cricket as much as possible, enjoy each other's success and stick together as a team. Once we do that, we have the personnel to do well.”
The 2024 CPL is up and running and the opening match well and truly whetted the appetite for the next five weeks of action.
The Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) trophy will once again reside in Barbados as the Royals won their second consecutive title with a four-wicket win over the Trinbago Knight Riders in the final at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Thursday.
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, the Royals bowlers made use of some good conditions with the early wickets of TKR captain Deandra Dottin for six and ace Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues for two.
With the loss of their two premier batters, the Knight Riders never recovered, eventually crawling to 93-8 from their 20 overs.
Shikha Pandey (28) and Jannilea Glasgow (24) were the main contributors with the bat as Aaliyah Alleyne bowled beautifully on her way to 4-21 from her four overs.
Captain Hayley Matthews took 2-13 from her four overs in support.
The Royals then made tough work of what should’ve been an easy chase, eventually reaching 94-6 with five overs to spare.
Chamari Athapaththu led the way with a patient 39* off 47 balls including seven fours.
The Royals were, at one point, cruising at 66-1 in the 11th over before losing five wickets for just 19 runs before Athapaththu and Afy Fletcher brought them over the line.
16-year-old Samara Ramnath bowled well for the Knight Riders with 2-18 from her four overs.
Dean Smith has set his Charlotte FC players the challenge of remaining unbeaten from now until the end of the season, starting with their MLS fixture against Atlanta United.
The Crown returned to league action after their Leagues Cup exit with a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls, as Karol Swiderski saw his penalty cancelled out by Elias Manoel.
Smith’s side extended their unbeaten run in the MLS to four matches, sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference standings but four points off fourth place.
And with the playoffs growing ever closer, Smith is keen to build a winning mentality among his players and is confident that his side will improve as the campaign progresses.
“I want them to be sharper,” Smith started. “They have worked really hard in the last three weeks, and they have had some rest when they have needed it. They will be good.
“I don’t worry about the players fitness wise; they are a strong group and I think as the season goes on now we will get better.
“The challenge for them now is keeping this unbeaten run going until the end of the season and I believe we can go and do that.”
Atlanta, meanwhile, marked their return to MLS action with a 2-0 defeat to LA Galaxy, halting their two-game winning run in the competition.
The Five Stripes currently occupy the final playoff place in the Eastern Conference, but a win will see them close the gap to the sides above them with the luxury of a game in hand over Toronto.
But after their showing against the Galaxy, interim head coach Rob Valentino is hoping for a quick start at the Bank of America Stadium this time around.
"I feel like we gave them the first one, or they didn’t have to earn it as much which is really disappointing because they defended so hard and aggressive for a good chunk of time," Valentino said.
"I was hoping that as we got the subs on they could make an impact. Unfortunately, we were chasing the game 1-0 and that changed quite a bit for us."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Charlotte FC – Karol Swiderski
Karol Swiderski scored Charlotte's only goal in their 1-1 draw with the Red Bulls, his second strike in two regular season games since returning from a loan spell with Hellas Verona.
Swiderski is the only player in club history to score in three straight league games (October 2023).
Atlanta United – Saba Lobjanidze
Saba Lobjanidze attempted five shots in the Five Stripes’ defeat at the Galaxy last time out.
It was the 141st time an Atlanta player took at least five shots in a regular season match, more than any other MLS team since they joined the league in 2017.
MATCH PREDICTION: CHARLOTTE WIN
Charlotte have won each of their last two matches against Atlanta, with both wins coming away from home. In fact, three of the last four meetings between the two sides have been won by the visitors.
The Crown, however, have drawn five of their last seven home matches (W1 L1) in all competitions. They have lost only two of their last 24 at home dating back to June 2023 (W10 D12).
Atlanta United have lost four straight regular season away matches for the first time since a six-match run in 2019. The Five Stripes have won just two of their last 17 matches away from home dating back to last September (D7 L8).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Charlotte FC – 50.3%
Draw – 25.1%
Atlanta United – 24.5%
As they continue to bask in the impressive run by the young Reggae Boyz at the just-concluded Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under-14 Challenge Series, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts and General Secretary Dennis Chung are setting their sights on the future.
In fact, both underscored the importance of sustained development to ensure the team’s continued success as they progress toward higher levels of competition, including a possible FIFA Under-17 World Cup qualification.
The Andrew Peart-coached young Reggae Boyz clinched the CFU title with a 7-1 hammering of French Guiana in the final in what was an exceptional display of talent and cohesiveness throughout the tournament hosted in Trinidad and Tobago.
However, both Ricketts and Chung recognize that winning this title—the first for the country in a while—is just the beginning. The challenge now is to maintain the momentum, ensuring these players are nurtured and developed as they transition to the Under-17 level and beyond.
“Congratulations, coach Peart. You have shown the highest level of commitment to this program, and we want to assure you that the JFF will give you as much support as we can to ensure that there is some longevity, there is major productivity, and that the process will continue leading up to our Under-17 qualification for the World Cup,” Ricketts declared during a virtual press conference on Wednesday.
Ricketts spoke passionately about plotting a strategic approach for player development and, by extension, the need to keep players active and together as they transition to the next level.
“When you participate in a competition with 23 teams and you come out scoring 25 goals and conceding two, it is indeed impressive. This is something that will put us in a situation where we will now have to put in place a contingency plan to ensure that all of our teams, from 14 up to 17, are, of course, in training so that we can all make that transition from 14 to 15, 15 to 16, and 16 to 17.
“That certainly will present a huge challenge, but just like how we were able to be successful in our journey just completed, I think we can achieve success at other levels,” Ricketts reasoned.
“What we really need is for private sector, the government, and, of course, our parent organizations to come on board because we want to certainly qualify for the Under-17 World Cup next year and we want to run up a sequence of qualifications. But we must have an organized plan in place to ensure that the U-14s make the transition, likewise, U-15 and U-16, so that every year we can participate in this global tournament,” he added as he alluded to the support provided by FIFA for the U-14 campaign through its Talent Development Scheme (TDS) program.
Chung also highlighted the importance of continuity, as he pointed out to the fact that Jamaica’s winning team was made up solely of local-based players.
“Nobody came from overseas, which shows that we have the talent here. If we put the infrastructure in place to hold everyone together, then we could be producing the world class footballers, just like athletics now locally is producing the world-class athletic stars. That's our intent to the program,” Chung stated.
He stressed that the focus should be targeted on ensuring these players continue to build together as a unit and strengthen their chances for future successes.
“Everything that you see here is based on strategic decisions that have been taken, the work that we've been doing to grow things incrementally and have cumulative benefits. We want to ensure that this Under-14 team is the one that goes on, after qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, that will qualify also for the 2030 World Cup and continue that going forward. This success doesn't come just overnight; this is something that is coming from a seed that was planted just over a year ago,” Chung explained.
Meanwhile, Peart believes that with dedicated leadership and a clear roadmap, the future looks bright for the young Reggae Boyz, as their performances are not to be taken lightly.
“The quality of opposition we played against was really at a good level for Under-15s. When you look at Trinidad and Tobago or Puerto Rico, with an influx of diaspora players from the United States, and Aruba, who had players coming down from the Netherlands, the quality was really good,” Peart declared.
Cincinnati assistant head coach Dominic Kinnear insisted that the team’s slow starts were "alarming" and needed to be put right ahead of the visit of CF Montreal.
With head coach Pat Noonan serving a suspension, Kinnear watched on as his side conceded two goals in six minutes against Inter Miami, with Luis Suarez netting both in a 2-0 victory for the Eastern Conference leaders.
Despite the result, the Orange and Blue remain second in the standings, but have Leagues Cup winners Columbus Crew breathing down their necks and the advantage of having two games in hand.
Kinnear believes that starting fast will set the tone for the remainder of the season, explaining that it must start sooner rather than later ahead of the playoffs.
“It's cause for alarms,” Kinnear said of the team conceding early in four of their last six matches. “It's the intensity and the, you know. I think at times, the lack of understanding of how the other team is going to come out.”
“These are some very important games. There are playoff positions and trophies on the line. You know, for me, that was a flat 10 minutes. As flat as I've seen coming out of the locker room.
“Are we out of shape? No. Is the preparation not there; are they understanding the opponent? I think everything is in line there. Sometimes that's the unknown answer. But you know, I won't disagree. We have come out flat and it's something we need to address for sure."
Montreal, meanwhile, returned from their Leagues Cup campaign with a whimper as they were thumped 5-0 by New England Revolution - their heaviest defeat of the season.
The result leaves the team in 11th place in the Eastern Conference table, but just a point behind Atlanta United, who occupy the final playoff spot in the division.
Head coach Laurent Courtois criticised his players for a combination of individual errors that led to the defeat, bemoaning his squad for a lack of discipline during the contest.
"We thought we had made the personal or tactical adjustments in the second half to turn things around, but when you lose your discipline, it becomes complicated,” Courtois said.
“There were individual errors that hurt. It's difficult for me to talk about positives tonight, even if we thought there was room for improvement.
“We struggled in transition and ran out of ideas in the second half.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Cincinnati – Luciano Acosta
Luciano Acosta has been the standout for Cincinnati this season, registering 26 goal involvements (11 goals and 15 assists) in 25 league appearances.
In his 15 appearances against Montreal, Acosta has found the back of the net seven times, level with the San Jose Earthquakes as the most he has struck against an MLS opponent.
Montreal – Joseph Martinez
Josef Martinez has scored seven regular-season goals against Cincinnati, tied with Gyasi Zardes for the most in regular season play.
MATCH PREDICTION: CINCINNATI WIN
While Cincinnati are the favourites to emerge victorious at the TQL Stadium, they have lost their last four straight regular season matches after losing just four of their previous 24 league games (W16 D4) dating back to last October.
The Orange and Blue conceded two goals in the opening six minutes of their loss to Inter Miami. Prior to that encounter, Cincinnati had conceded just once in the opening six minutes of matches since the start of the 2023 season.
But Montreal have struggled away from home and are winless in 13 straight away matches in all competitions (D4 L9) dating back to March. This is the club’s longest road winless run since going 34 without a win on their travels from September 2013 to May 2015.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Cincinnati – 63.3%
Draw – 19.5%
Montreal – 17.2%
Sandro Schwarz is keen to turn New York Red Bulls’ recent draws into wins heading into the business end of the season, starting with Philadelphia Union this weekend.
The Bulls returned from their disappointing Leagues Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC away from home, marking their 12th of the term, three more than any other side in the Eastern Conference.
Despite this, they sit fourth in the standings, four points behind Columbus Crew, and while Schwarz was happy with a draw in their last encounter, he acknowledged the momentum that comes with victories will be crucial for the playoffs.
“We have 12 draws this season and it’s too much, but this is what we have to analyse differently moving forward,” Schwarz said.
“I think the draw we had last time out was good against a solid team and especially in the first game after the break to come directly back into our rhythm.
“The whole team adapted but I don’t want to compare now this draw with other draws, especially in our home games. Our main goal every Saturday is to win games.”
Philadelphia, meanwhile, returned to MLS action in midweek against Columbus Crew, the side who beat them in the semi-finals on their way to lifting the Leagues Cup title.
And the same result transpired, with Yaw Yeboah’s 75th minute strike compounding them to a 1-0 defeat to leave them 10th in the Eastern Conference table and a point behind Atlanta United.
With the quick turnaround in matches, head coach Jim Curtin expressed his concerns about the level of fitness within his Union squad, revealing that rotation in the coming weeks will help aid his sides push for the playoffs in the final stretch of fixtures.
"We'll see how guys recover again tonight. Definitely took a lot out of our guys,” Curtin said. “We put a lot into the game. So did Columbus.
“Lot of tired bodies on the field at the end of the game. We'll have to assess things, see where guys are at, and then kind of go from there.
"Yeah, we'll need guys to step up for sure. We'll have a few changes, but not a ton, just because it's a big game again so we can't really afford to just rest and rotate a ton."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
NYRB – Elias Manoel
Elias Manoel scored the Red Bulls’ lone goal against Charlotte FC on Saturday, his seventh in six meetings with Charlotte (incl. playoffs), equalling the total from his other 57 MLS matches (incl. playoffs).
Philadelphia Union – Daniel Gazdag
After being so prolific for the Union this season, Daniel Gazdag did not attempt a shot or create a chance for a teammate in the Union’s defeat to Columbus Crew.
It was the first time Gazdag started a match but was not involved in a shot since May 2022 as he had recorded at least one shot involvement in his previous 69 MLS starts, and he will be hoping to have a bigger impact this time around.
MATCH PREDICTION: NYRB WIN
The Bulls extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 11 matches (W2 D9, incl. two penalty shoot-out defeats) with their draw against Charlotte FC. Only Los Angeles FC (13 straight in May-July) have a longer unbeaten streak in all competitions this campaign.
Philadelphia, however, are unbeaten in 13 straight matches against the Red Bulls in all competitions (W8 D5). New York’s last win over the Union was a 2—0 victory in the 2019 regular season.
The Union’s defeat to the Crew last time out was their 11th defeat of the regular season. They haven’t lost more than 11 games in any single regular season since losing 14 times in 2018.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
NYRB – 43.9%
Draw – 26.8%
Philadelphia Union – 29.3%
Despite being swept 0-3 by Northern Ireland Warriors in a three-match Paradise Cup series, Barbados Gems head coach Denise Alleyne took heart from her team’s performances, as she believes the experience will serve them well going forward.
For Alleyne, the fact that young players from the 15th-ranked Gems were exposed to rubbing shoulders with more seasoned players was an even bigger highlight of their campaign against 11th ranked Northern Ireland, which ended at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium on Tuesday.
Northern Ireland won 53-43, 66-39, and 55-45.
“The biggest takeaway from the Northern Ireland Test series for me was the introduction of the new young players, especially ones that came forward from the Under-21, and just having a glimpse of what the future of netball could be,” Alleyne said.
“I was so very proud of their performance, even the ones who only played for a quarter. They went on and gave 100 per cent. So it gave me some hope, because, as you know, the team does have a mix of older and younger players, and then there are some in between who would have been Under-21 nationals just a couple of years ago, so it is a good mix,” she added.
Alleyne explained that tournaments like these are important to the Barbados’ netball development and that of younger players, in particular, as they displayed grit and commitment throughout, even as the odds were stacked against them in more ways than one.
“I did see a lot of individual improvement, in terms of player development both on and off the court. The girls played with a lot of heart. I knew that it would have been a challenge – I did believe that we could have won at least one of the games, because I don’t think Northern Ireland is 20 or 30 goals better than we are,” Alleyne told Barbados Today.
“But you know, we had circumstances with injuries and stuff, and we also had situations where people had to go to work and then hustle to get there for the game in the evening time. So that too would have played a part in how rested and prepared people were for the game on the night. But it is a circumstance beyond our control,” she noted, adding that she anticipates significant growth over time.
Nick Cushing said his New York City players must use the pain from recent results to progress as a team when they head to the Lower.com Field to face Columbus Crew this weekend.
The Pigeons returned from an impressive Leagues Cup display with a 2-2 draw against Chicago Fire but were left disappointed with the result after squandering a two-goal lead to share the spoils thanks to Brian Gutierrez’s late penalty.
NYCFC are now without a win in the MLS in their last five fixtures, with Cushing describing the mood in the dressing room as “flat” following their latest setback.
Despite their run of form, Cushing’s side sit fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, and he is looking for his team to show character during the difficulties they are experiencing.
“In the good moments you realise you are making progress, and you are maturing and learning in that side of the game,” Cushing said.
“In the side of the game we are strong we are building the play and pressing the game, the other side of the game that experience gives you and going through those moments gives you.
“Progress is really difficult in the moment, but we have to make sure this isn’t every four weeks. We have to take the pain and I have said this before that tough times make top teams.”
Columbus returned to MLS action in midweek after their Leagues Cup success and continued their winning momentum with a 1-0 win over Philadelphia Union, a team they beat in the semi-finals on their way to the title.
They ended an almost nine-year losing streak at Subaru Park, with substitute Yaw Yeboah coming off the bench to strike the decisive blow in the 75th minute.
The Crew moved to within two points of second-placed Cincinnati with the victory and have the comfort of two games in hand, but head coach Wilfried Nancy has a difficult task in navigating their hectic fixture schedule.
Only Malte Amundsen and Sean Zawadzki kept their place from their Leagues Cup triumph over LAFC, with Nancy acknowledging the fighting spirit of his players, with special praise for Yeboah’s patience this campaign.
"They are human beings," Nancy said. "We cannot minimise the fatigue of the body and of the brain. They were exhausted, simple as that.
"What a game. This is a winning team, but the fact that everybody was involved, and we were able to start with a few guys and, after that, to finish with other guys, and they kept the level great (though) everybody was tired.
"To be a player, it's a beautiful job, but it's not easy. Sometimes you play, sometimes you don't play. But the idea was to be honest with him and to tell him the situation. When the moment would come, I knew that he was able to help us win the game."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Columbus Crew – Cucho Hernandez
Cucho Hernandez has found a place he can call home at the Lower.com Field, and his comfort on home soil has been replicated in his sensational contributions up front.
He has been involved in 20 goals in 17 home matches in all competitions in 2024 (14 goals and six assists), totalling 14 goal involvements in his eight matches at Lower.com Field since the beginning of June (nine goals and five assists).
NYCFC – Alonso Martinez
Alonso Martinez was on target in NYCFC’s last match against Chicago Fire, scoring twice in the same match for the third time this season.
Only Spanish great David Villa and Valentin Castellanos (both three times) have recorded more multi-goal games in a single campaign in club history.
MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS CREW WIN
Columbus are unbeaten in nine straight home matches against NYCFC in all competitions (W6 D3 including a penalty shoot-out win in this year’s Leagues Cup quarter-final). The Pigeons' only win in 13 visits to Columbus was a 3-2 victory in April 2017.
The Crew have lost only one of its last 37 home matches in all competitions (W25 D11) dating back to May 2023. They have won seven of their last nine matches at Lower.com Field, culminating in their Leagues Cup Final win over Los Angeles FC on Sunday.
NYCFC conceded in the 78th and 94th minute in their draw with Chicago Fire last time out, marking the first time in club history that they have failed to win a match that they led by multiple goals in the 75th minute or later (previous W85 D0 L0).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Columbus Crew – 64.5%
Draw – 19%
NYCFC – 16.5%
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