Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man, is eager to deliver a fast performance in the 100m at the Racers Grand Prix in Kingston, Jamaica, later today. The 28-year-old will face World Champion Noah Lyles, Jamaica’s Oblique Seville, and Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes in a highly anticipated race expected to be the highlight of the meet.
At a press conference at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston on Friday, Omanyala discussed his goals and the significance of competing in Jamaica.
“Since the start of the season, I haven’t had good weather to run in because I have been running in rain, cold weather, so I’m happy I’m in Jamaica and it’s very hot," Omanyala said. "Looking at my previous runs in hot weather, my best one was in Botswana where I ran 9.78, so I am looking forward to running and I am looking for a very fast time.”
Omanyala expressed his excitement about finally making it to Jamaica after multiple invitations.
“I am happy to be in Jamaica. I’ve been invited more than twice, so I’m glad I made it this time because it’s far from home. I am glad at this time it came up at a point where we are having our US tour, so it was close, and I am happy to be here. I’ve been told I have so many fans, so I want to see that on Saturday.”
The Kenyan sprinter also explained why he has set his sights on Usain Bolt’s 100m world record of 9.58 seconds, set in August 2009 at the Berlin World Championships.
“When I started running, the African record was far, and nobody thought that it could be broken, but we broke it twice. So, the same thing I say for all records—it is not that it is impossible, so we’ll get there,” said Omanyala, who holds the African record of 9.77 seconds set at the Kip Keino Classic in 2021.
With favorable weather conditions and a strong field of competitors, Omanyala is poised to make a significant impact at the Racers Grand Prix. Fans are eagerly awaiting his performance, hoping to witness a thrilling race and potentially record-breaking time.
Adversity often serves as the catalyst for greatness, and Latanya Wilson’s path to being a formidable force for Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League franchise Adelaide Thunderbirds and, by extension, Jamaica, is a testament to that.
Wilson’s journey has been one of perseverance, talent, and an unyielding drive for success as being told she wasn’t good enough, coupled with tragic losses along the way, shaped her ascent in netball to the point where she is now a force to be reckoned with.
The rangy wing defence, who possesses the ability to both hunt and find the loose balls, recently celebrated her 50th game milestone in the SSN, and as she reflected on the path to achieving the feat, Wilson is even more determined to add another chapter to that legacy.
“Reaching 50 games in the SSN is truly surreal. It feels like a huge accomplishment, especially considering what the journey was like and the dedication and hard work it took to get here. To say it was rough would be an understatement, you know, the setbacks and obstacles that I faced along the way, but I was always focused on the bigger picture,” Wilson told SportsMax.TV from her base in Australia.
“I am grateful for everyone who supported me in overcoming those challenges to make it this far, and I'm excited to see what the future holds because I still have so much more to give, and so it is just about pushing even harder from here to accomplish even more,” she added.
Latanya Wilson produced a Player of the Match performance on her 50th outing.
Having worked her way through the ranks of Jamaica’s netball teams, Wilson’s career initially took flight when she was drafted by Cardiff Dragons in England’s Vitality Netball Superleague in 2020, which is where she first paraded her prowess to create turnover balls, as well as her impressive vision and take off speed.
However, it wasn’t until she arrived in Australia a year later that Wilson really honed her craft as a defensive powerhouse. The 23-year-old’s agility, keen sense of positioning, and ability to read the game have made her an indispensable asset to the Thunderbirds team.
“The growth has been immense because Australian netball is incredibly fast-paced and strategic. Moving here forced me to refine my skills, improve my decision-making under pressure, and develop a deeper understanding of the game. The competition is fierce, and playing alongside and against some of the best players in the world has pushed me to become a more well-rounded and confident athlete,” Wilson shared.
Despite her consistency and resilience, the Mico University alumna attributed her success to the support of her coaches and teammates, her Sunshine Girls compatriots Shamera Sterling-Humphrey and Romelda Aiken-George in particular.
Latanya Wilson (left) share a light moment with compatriot Shamera Sterling-Humphrey.
“My success is a combination of factors. My unwavering passion for the sport keeps me motivated to train hard and push my limits, and that along with having dedicated coaches who believe in my potential and provide constant guidance has been instrumental. Additionally, the unwavering support system of family, friends, and teammates fuels my drive to succeed,” Wilson noted.
“Playing alongside Shamera and Romelda is truly an honour. They're not just exceptional players, but also big sisters to me who share their knowledge and experience. Also, having other familiar faces like Shanice [Beckford] and others in the league fosters a sense of camaraderie and competition,” she reasoned.
Besides her 50th game milestone, Wilson also boasts another significant achievement of assisting Thunderbirds to the title last year. But for every remarkable feat, the soft-spoken player pointed out that there were lessons that she had to learn.
“Winning the SSN championship with my team was a dream come true, and the feeling of celebrating with my teammates is unforgettable. There have also been personal achievements, like being named in the team of the year twice in a row, but there have been low moments as well. Being away from my loved ones and missing out on family celebrations are among them, but it taught me resilience and the importance of mental strength. Both the highs and lows have made me a stronger and more resilient player and so I relish each when they come,” Wilson revealed.
Wilson and her Adelaide Thunderbirds teammates.
Looking ahead, Wilson remains grounded and motivated by the support of her family, fans, and teammates. For her, the road ahead is filled with promise and challenges, but she is undeterred and is unflinching in her desire to help the Thunderbirds secure another SSN crown.
With seven games gone in the season so far, Thunderbirds sit third on five wins and two losses and Wilson is eyeing more improvements heading into round eight.
“There's always room for improvement, but overall, I'm happy with how the team is gelling. We're building momentum, learning from each game, and finding our rhythm. It’s still early days, but every team is strong, and the competition is fierce. We are focusing on each game one at a time and hopefully that will land us in the finals,” the bubbly personality stated.
“Personally, my ultimate goal is to continue contributing to my team's success and also to maintain my high standard when I’m representing my country at the international level. I'm constantly striving to improve my skills, develop new strategies, and become a beast on court, as I hope to inspire young athletes and show them that hard work and dedication can lead to achieving their dreams,” she ended.
Caleb Porter has praised New England Revolution's performances in recent weeks but admitted they are still working hard to improve their finishing, as they prepare to travel to Nashville SC.
New England sit bottom of the Eastern Conference with seven points having won just two of their 13 games so far this season.
More worryingly, the Revolution have scored just nine goals this campaign, and have failed to score in either of their last two defeats.
Porter said he is pleased with the progress his team are showing in their performances, but it would not matter if they could not hit the back of the net.
"It's easier when you can show them the film and there are a lot of positives, but it's tough when you're not getting results because the confidence isn't sky high," the Revs head coach said.
"These guys have had a great mentality and great attitude. They've come every day to training to work and improve, and we've focused a lot this week on the final third. I really feel that's the missing piece right now.
"The players know we're playing well from box-to-box, but to win games, you have to actually score a goal."
Nashville, meanwhile, sit in ninth, occupying one of the playoff spots after a four-game unbeaten run.
Interim head coach Rumbani Munthali earned his first win in charge with a 2-0 victory over FC Cincinnati in midweek.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nashville – Hany Mukhtar
The Revolution are one of just five teams Hany Mukhtar has faced but never scored against in MLS.
He has only played more games against Cincinnati (six) and Philadelphia (five) without scoring against them than he has against New England (four).
New England – Carles Gil
New England's goal difference dropped to -17 following their defeat to New York City FC last Saturday.
The Revs have scored just nine goals all season, split among four players, with Gil their top scorer on four.
MATCH PREDICTION: NASHVILLE SC WIN
Nashville defeated New England 3-2 in the last meeting between the sides in October 2023. The first five encounters featured five total goals - also split 3-2 - in favour of the Boys in Gold.
Nashville are unbeaten in four straight MLS matches (won two, drawn two) following a 2-0 win over Cincinnati on Wednesday.
It has been nearly a year since the Coyotes have won consecutive league matches, last doing so during a four-match winning run between May and June last season.
The Revolution are the fifth team in the post-shootout era (since 2000) to lose 10 of their first 13 matches of a season, and the first since Montreal in 2018.
No team in the post-shootout era has recorded 11 defeats in their first 14 matches of a season.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Nashville – 51.2%
Draw – 24.8%
New England – 24%
Vanni Sartini enjoys being able to take a different approach to their match against Colorado Rapids, as he does so following a win.
The Whitecaps snapped a six-match winless run in MLS last time out, seeing out a 2-1 victory against Sporting Kansas City in midweek.
It moves them up to sixth in the Western Conference, where they will have the chance to keep their name in the mix at the top with another win.
Sartini was upbeat following their victory, but was quick to point out they would not be thinking about that result for too long.
"The good vibes [after the win] ended on Friday morning. Then we start thinking about Colorado, but we think about it in a completely different way after a win," Sartini said.
"If we beat them, we get away from them [in the table] and it would put us in a good position going into the [international] break. It's a completely different feeling, but we're very happy to approach the game in this way."
Colorado are also on 26 points, only behind Vancouver due to their inferior goal difference.
The Rapids have won only one of their last five outings, and head coach Chris Armas admits there is still work to be done if they want to get back to winning ways.
"We're a work in progress," he said. "We're going to make mistakes, we have a fairly young squad, so we will make mistakes, and we need to work on that."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Vancouver Whitecaps – Ryan Gauld
Gauld scored his fourth regular-season brace in Vancouver's win at Kansas City on Wednesday.
That saw him equal Eric Hassli, Fredy Montero, and Pedro Morales for the second-most multi-goal games for the Whitecaps, behind only Camilo Sanvezzo (eight).
Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic
Mihailovic has been involved in a goal in five of his last six MLS appearances (two goals, three assists), including the last three in a row.
The American has recorded a goal contribution in four straight appearances once before in his MLS career, doing so with CF Montreal between September and October 2021.
MATCH PREDICTION: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS WIN
The Whitecaps have lost only one of their last nine matches against the Rapids in Vancouver (won four, drawn four) dating back to October 2014, including going unbeaten in the last three at BC Place (won one, drawn two).
However, Vancouver have lost two of their last three home matches, including a 2-1 defeat to Inter Miami on Saturday.
The Whitecaps have suffered back-to-back home defeats in MLS only once since returning to BC Place in 2021, doing so in July 2022 against Minnesota United and Chicago Fire.
Colorado have lost their last two away matches, conceding eight goals along the way. The Rapids had lost only one of their previous six on the road (won three, drawn two), allowing a total of six goals in those games.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Vancouver Whitecaps – 50.3%
Draw – 25.1%
Colorado Rapids – 24.5%
Jim Curtin believes maintaining an organised, coordinated press will be key for the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, when they take on CF Montreal at Subaru Park.
The Union sit eighth in the Eastern Conference standings, five places but just three points clear of Montreal, after playing out a goalless draw with Toronto FC in midweek.
Philadelphia have only won one of their last nine MLS matches but have taken five points from their last three (one win, two draws), while keeping three straight clean sheets.
Curtin feels picking their moments to strike is the way to go against Laurent Courtois' team, saying: "We expect a really tough test against Montreal. You can tell they're well-coached, they're well-drilled in the way that they try to pass out of the back.
"They have some really intricate movements within their group. They're brave home and away in the way they try and play.
"We'll have to do a good job of being organised, and try to turn them over as close to their goal as possible, and create chances."
Montreal ended a run of seven league games without a victory (three draws, four losses) by beating D.C. United 4-2 last time out, with Ariel Lassiter among the scorers.
Lassiter hopes that result can be a turning point in their season, saying: "Winning changes everything, winning changes the outlook of the locker room and the mentality.
"It's the victory, the three points that we need to go into Philadelphia to get points there, and then to finish for the international break on a high."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Philadelphia Union – Daniel Gazdag
The Union have failed to score in back-to-back MLS matches for the first time since April 2023. They have not gone three straight MLS matches (including playoffs) without finding the net in over a decade, last doing so in September 2013.
His team's leading scorer with nine goals in 14 league games this term, Gazdag will look to end their barren run.
CF Montreal – Sunusi Ibrahim
Ibrahim scored a brace off the bench for Montreal on Wednesday, becoming just the third player in club history to score multiple goals off the bench in an MLS match.
He was the first Montreal player to achieve the feat since Ahmed Hamdi in July 2021.
MATCH PREDICTION – PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN
The Union have won only one of their last nine matches (four draws, four losses) following their scoreless draw with Toronto on Wednesday.
Philadelphia's seven points during this time is their fewest in a nine-match span in a single season since they took seven points from nine games between March and May 2017.
However, they have only lost one of their last eight games against Montreal (four wins, three draws), who were winless in nine across all competitions before their midweek victory. Home advantage makes them favourites.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Philadelphia Union – 58.5%
CF Montreal – 19.9%
Draw – 21.6%
Dejan Joveljic has his eyes on the Western Conference summit as LA Galaxy bid to make it a nine-point week on Saturday, when they face the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field.
The Galaxy have won back-to-back games against Houston Dynamo (2-1) and FC Dallas (3-1) and sit second in the West, just two points behind Real Salt Lake.
Greg Vanney's team have now lost just one of their last nine matches (four wins, four draws), but Joveljic wants even more, starting in Chicago.
"We would like to win four or five games in a row," the forward said. "But first, we have to win three and then we will see. We are in second place, so it's good, but it could be better.
"In the playoffs, I would like to start with the first game at home. So, that means we have to be in the top four teams but, of course, our top goal is to be first."
Chicago, meanwhile, are winless in nine MLS matches (four draws, five defeats) following their 1-1 draw with Orlando City on Wednesday.
Only the New England Revolution, with seven points, sit below them in the Eastern Conference standings. However, boss Frank Klopas has seen signs of improvement.
"I think in these last two games, we've changed how we wanted to play. We haven't got the wins, but I feel we're improving as a team," he said.
"There's a big belief in the group, but there's also frustration, for sure. There are a lot of emotions because of where we are.
"We have to keep going. It's great that we're playing on Saturday again, it's going to be a great crowd, and we have to come out with the same attitude against Galaxy."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chicago Fire – Hugo Cuypers
Cuypers scored the Fire's goal in their draw with Orlando on Wednesday.
The Belgian forward has now either scored (four) or assisted (one) five of Chicago's last nine MLS goals.
LA Galaxy – Riqui Puig
While Gabriel Pec assisted Joveljic for Galaxy's first goal on Wednesday, Puig scored the third (Joveljic netted the second from the penalty spot).
At least one of Pec or Puig have been involved in 12 of the Galaxy's last 13 non-penalty goals in MLS, including the last nine in a row.
MATCH PREDICTION – LA GALAXY
Galaxy are unbeaten in six straight MLS matches (two wins, four draws), including winning their last two in a row.
This is LA's 18th two-match winning streak since the start of the 2021 season, but Galaxy have not won three straight matches in all competitions since a four-match streak between August and September 2020.
Galaxy have a great chance to achieve that feat this week, though, with Chicago winless in nine league games. They have gone 10 or more consecutive matches without a victory in a single regular season three times before, most recently between April and May 2022.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Chicago Fire – 32.9%
LA Galaxy – 41.5%
Draw – 25.6%
Pablo Mastroeni believes Real Salt Lake's mindset has been the key to their long unbeaten run, which they will look to extend to 13 matches when they host Austin FC on Saturday.
RSL made it 12 MLS games without defeat in dramatic circumstances on Wednesday, as Andres Gomez scored nine minutes into stoppage time in a 1-1 draw with the Seattle Sounders.
Salt Lake remained two points clear of LA Galaxy at the top of the Western Conference with what was their third straight comeback, following a 5-3 win over the Colorado Rapids and a 3-3 draw at FC Dallas – who had led by three goals.
"I think one of the things we pride ourselves on is being a team that shows a strong mindset," Mastroeni said this week.
"You can use it in all aspects of life, it's five per cent what happens to you and 95 per cent how you react.
"Unfortunately, in the last few games, we've found ourselves on the wrong side of the scoreline, and it's really easy to put your head down when things aren't going your way.
"There's this belief within the group that, regardless of what's happening, we're going to stay in it, we're going to keep our heads and not quit. Fortune favours the brave."
Austin are seven points behind RSL in fifth, though their momentum has stalled in recent weeks.
Since recording back-to-back wins over Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City, Josh Wolff's team have played out a 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes and been beaten 2-0 by the Portland Timbers.
To make matters worse, that latter match saw forward Sebastian Driussi suffer an injury that is expected to keep him out for several weeks.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Real Salt Lake – Andres Gomez
Gomez has contributed to at least one goal in five straight league matches, becoming the second Real Salt Lake player to do so this year after Cristian Arango (six).
This is the first time since 2016 (Joao Plata and Yura Movsisyan) that multiple RSL players have had a run of five or more games with a goal contribution in the same season.
Austin FC – Gyasi Zardes
Zardes' importance could be heightened after Driussi suffered a muscle injury during Austin's midweek loss.
He is yet to score in 16 MLS appearances this season, though only three have been starts.
MATCH PREDICTION – REAL SALT LAKE WIN
The visiting side won both meetings between Real Salt Lake and Austin last season, including a 2-1 win for the Verde at America First Field in March.
The six regular-season meetings between the sides have been split evenly, with each team winning three times.
However, RSL are favourites here, having gone unbeaten in 12 straight league games to equal the second-longest streak in their history.
Since the start of 2019, the Sounders are the only MLS team to record a longer run, going 13 unbeaten to start the 2021 campaign.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Real Salt Lake – 60.3%
Austin FC – 18.9%
Draw – 20.8%
Alonso Martinez scored a hat-trick as New York City FC maintained their impressive MLS form with a 5-1 rout of San Jose Earthquakes.
Hannes Wolf and Santiago Rodriguez were also on target for Nick Cushing's side, who made it five wins on the bounce to move into third place in the Eastern Conference.
After a goalless first half at Yankee Stadium, the hosts broke through within five minutes of the restart through Wolf. However, the lead only lasted three minutes, with Amahl Pellegrino levelling the contest.
Rodriguez drove City back in front in the 80th minute before Martinez took centre stage late on. The Costa Rica international struck with five minutes remaining, while completing a quickfire treble with a further goals in stoppage time.
Data Debrief: Martinez makes franchise history
That was, indeed, a quickfire hat-trick from Martinez - in fact, it was the fastest registered by an NYCFC player in MLS history.
The hosts have now won five successive matches for the first time since 2019, while their ninth win of the season matches their tally for the whole of last term.
Triple World Champion Noah Lyles has his sights set on Yohan Blake's stadium record of 9.75 seconds, set in 2012, as he prepares to compete in the 100m at the Racers Grand Prix at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday night. Lyles, who wakes up every day with Usain Bolt's world records of 9.58 for the 100m and 19.19 for the 200m on his mind, believes he is getting closer to breaking both records each year.
Speaking at a Racers Grand Prix press conference at the Jamaica Pegasus on Friday, Lyles shared his thoughts on his progress and ambitions.
"Every day, it's (Bolt's records) in the back of my mind. Every day I train as if I'm getting closer and closer because every year I get closer and closer," Lyles said. "Especially this year, we've made a lot of headway in our 100m training, and I'm very eager to show everybody how much headway we've made on Saturday because it's been consistent."
Lyles highlighted the progress he has seen in his training, emphasizing that his improvements are not just occasional but have been consistently evident.
"You know, it's one thing when you get it once or twice in practice, but we've been seeing it happen week after week, run after run, and I believe that the 150m proved that we've been making progress on both ends, on the 200 side and on the 100 side," he said in reference to the American record to the 14.41 he ran at the Adidas Atlanta City Games a week ago.
"And, of course, the world record is always going to be in the back of my mind, but Olympic golds are Olympic golds, and nobody can take those away from you."
While Lyles acknowledges that the 200m world record might be easier to achieve, he remains determined to excel in both events.
"Definitely the 200m is going to be easier. I have a firm, firm chokehold on the 200m right now, and I'd say I'm kind of just letting everybody play their cards for now," he said. "I'm very excited. Tomorrow is gonna be a magical day."
When asked about Blake's stadium record, Lyles responded with enthusiasm and determination. "75? Let's go after that!" he exclaimed.
Lyles' confidence and determination set the stage for an exciting race on Saturday night, as he aims to make history at the National Stadium in Kingston.
Reigning World Championships triple gold medalist Noah Lyles expressed his admiration for Jamaica and its vibrant track and field culture during a press conference at the Jamaica Pegasus on Friday. Lyles, who will be competing at the Racers Grand Prix at Kingston's National Stadium on Saturday night, shared how he is treated like a rock star in Jamaica and the influence his Jamaican girlfriend, Junelle Bromfield, has had on him.
Lyles, who donned a full Jamaican-inspired Adidas kit at the press conference, highlighted the stark contrast between the reception he receives in Jamaica compared to the United States.
"Yeah, I'd say especially in the US, you have to pick and choose your places where you're going to run at. You know, if you go to Eugene, Oregon, of course, they're going to turn out a good crowd for Prefontaine and for US championships, but they're mostly a distance-involved love. Of course, they love all the events, but really distance.
"I'll go to New York, but all the other cities, it's like, 'Ah, you might get something good, you might not'. It's a coin flip, unless it's the Olympics. When you go to Jamaica, I tell everybody you're treated like a freaking rock star. It's nothing that you're gonna get anywhere else.
"Like all of a sudden, people know who you are and they're giving favours for you and they act like you're freaking Will Smith or something. I'm like, goodness gracious. Me and Junelle were here last year in October, late October, and we were just here for three days, and I went to the hotel and once they figured out who I was, and it was like, 'Oh, no, no, you can't stay in that room, you gotta stay in this room.' I'm just like, 'it's just three days.'
"It's like, 'no, no, no, no, you gotta stay here. You gotta stay here.' I'm just like, oh, wow. I'm not used to that treatment."
Lyles also spoke about the significant influence of his girlfriend, Junelle Bromfield, on his style and connection to Jamaica. Bromfield, herself a notable athlete, encouraged Lyles to embrace the local culture through his attire.
"So, you know, my girlfriend, Junelle Bromfield, she saw that the kit on the Adidas website probably about two, three weeks ago, and she was like, 'Oh, we all gotta get the kit. Cause, you know, she's gonna be here and my pops is probably gonna come down with her during Olympic trials just to have somebody close by. And she was like, 'We all gotta have our kits.' And she's like, 'Well, we should go down in matching gear, so I got mine.
"She doesn't like the media, so she's not here, so you can't see her physically, but she also has hers."
Lyles' presence at the Racers Grand Prix is highly anticipated, with fans eager to see him perform in the Jamaican capital. His enthusiasm and respect for Jamaican culture, coupled with his stellar track record, make him a standout figure in the athletics world. On Saturday night, he will line up in a quality field of sprinters that will include Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala, Great Britain's Zharnel Hughes and Jamaica's Oblique Seville, who will be making his 100m debut.
As Lyles prepares to take the track at Kingston's National Stadium, his embrace of Jamaican culture and his charismatic personality continue to endear him to fans both locally and internationally. The Racers Grand Prix promises to be an exciting event, with Lyles undoubtedly adding to the thrill and spectacle of the night.
John Herdman described Toronto FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson as an MLS legend ahead of Saturday's meeting with D.C. United at Audi Field.
Toronto sit sixth in the Eastern Conference standings after playing out a goalless draw with the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday.
That was their first clean sheet since April 21 (a 2-0 win over the New England Revolution) but their sixth overall in MLS play this year. Only Charlotte FC have more, with seven.
"When the big man is called on, he brings it," Herdman said after their win over the Union. "This man, he's starting to become a bit of an MLS legend.
"He's on 400 games now in MLS and probably doesn't get the recognition he deserves… 10 clean sheets for TFC.
"I can't say enough about the big man. He's done a hell of a job for us this season."
D.C. sit 10th in the standings after going four games without a victory, losing 4-2 at CF Montreal in midweek.
Troy Lesesne criticised his side for making rookie mistakes after that game, saying: "We put ourselves in a hole and we can't make these types of mistakes, those are hard lessons to learn.
"Particularly on the road, with some of the form we've been in over the last three matches… it just sets the tone."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
D.C. United – Christian Benteke
Benteke scored both of D.C. United’s goals in their midweek defeat, his fourth multi-goal MLS match of the season.
The only D.C. United players with more in a single regular season are Luciano Emilio (five) in 2007 and Raul Diaz Arce (five) in 1996.
Toronto FC – Federico Bernardeschi
Bernardeschi attempted five shots and set up four chances for team-mates on Wednesday.
The Italian has been directly involved in 94 shots this season (57 shots, 37 chances created), the fourth-most in MLS.
MATCH PREDICTION – D.C. UNITED WIN
Toronto's scoreless draw with Philadelphia on Wednesday took them to 23 points for the season, surpassing their total from the entirety of last year (22).
However, D.C. are unbeaten in their last seven home games against Toronto (three wins, four draws), also losing just one of their last four on home soil overall.
Toronto have also won just one of their last five regular-season games after winning their previous three. D.C.'s energetic approach could catch them out.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
D.C. United – 48.8%
Toronto FC – 25.5%
Draw – 25.7%
Denis Bouanga believes Los Angeles FC got a much-needed wake-up call when they lost to San Jose Earthquakes, as they prepare to face FC Dallas on Saturday.
LAFC lost 3-1 to the Earthquakes on May 5, but have since won all six of their games in all competitions, keeping a clean sheet in each of the last five.
They extended that run with a 2-0 win over Minnesota United at home on Wednesday and are now just three points behind Western Conference leaders Real Salt Lake in third.
Bouanga has praised the response from LAFC, saying, "I think that losing to San Jose was a good wake-up call for us.
"We are LAFC but every club against us wants to win. The MLS is starting to have good players in good teams. We also have good players, but that was a big wake-up call.
"We've come back with a simple base - the forwards are scoring; the defenders are defending well and that's why we've had six wins and five clean sheets. I'm really happy, and I think everybody else is about the results."
Dallas sit in 12th with just 13 points following a three-match winless streak, including a 3-1 loss on the East Coast against LA Galaxy in midweek.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
LAFC – Denis Bouanga
Since May 11, all eight goals scored by LAFC in MLS play have been scored or assisted by either Denis Bouanga (three goals, three assists) or Mateusz Bogusz (three goals, one assist).
The only MLS players who had at least three goals and three assists in the month of May were Bouanga and Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta.
Dallas – Patrickson Delgado
All three of Delgado’s goals this season in all competitions have come in Dallas' last three matches.
The Ecuadorian is one of five MLS players currently under the age of 21 with at least three goals in 2024 and one of two of those from outside the United States (also Venezuela’s Kevin Kelsy).
MATCH PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES FC WIN
The home side won all four meetings between Los Angeles and Dallas over the previous two seasons. LAFC has never lost at home against Dallas (W4 D1), winning the last four in a row after drawing the first meeting in 2018.
Indeed, Los Angeles have won six straight matches in all competitions with the last five all being shutouts. LAFC have one longer winning run in team history (seven straight in July-August 2022), but the five straight clean sheets make for the longest shutout streak by the club.
Meanwhile, Dallas suffered a 3-1 defeat to LA Galaxy on Wednesday, their second straight game allowing three goals and the fourth time doing so in league play this season. Over the previous two seasons, the club allowed three or more goals in four total league games (twice in both 2022 and 2023).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
LAFC – 57.2%
Draw – 22.2%
Dallas – 20.6%
Eric Ramsay wants Minnesota United to move on quickly from their poor run of form, starting with Sporting Kansas City on Saturday.
Minnesota were on a five-match winning run in the MLS, but have failed to win either of their previous two outings, drawing with Colorado Rapids before losing to Los Angeles FC in midweek.
They still sit fourth in the Western Conference, though, and are only five points behind leaders Real Salt Lake.
Ramsay remains optimistic despite their recent form, but admits they need to address the problems sooner rather than later.
"The general level of performance [in the last game] was obviously far better than the one before," he said.
"We certainly showed some positive steps, but I know the big thing for us is that we approach Saturday's game with real positivity in a real constructive way. We've got to see [the loss to LAFC] for what it is and move on swiftly.
"We really want to look in the mirror hard, and we've got to go and meet the conditions on Saturday with everything that we've got."
Kansas City sit at the opposite end of the table, with just 11 points after winning only two of their games so far this season.
After suffering their sixth consecutive loss, Peter Vermes admitted they have a tough test ahead of them due to their poor start.
Not good. We're in last place in our division, so we're not in a good spot," said Vermes.
"We've got to keep fighting. I can't sit here and say there's no effort because there is, for sure. We've just got to cut down these mistakes. We've got a good group, and something's got to turn our way, and then we can ride that."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Minnesota United – Robin Lod
Lod has recorded a goal contribution in six straight home matches. This is the third-longest regular-season streak of goal contributions in home appearances in the Loons’ MLS history after a 13-match streak by Lod himself in 2020-21 and a seven-match run by Darwin Quintero in 2018.
Sporting Kansas City – Martinos Tzionis
Tzionis scored his first goal of the season on Wednesday, becoming the 12th different Kansas City player to score in regular-season play in 2024, most in MLS.
MATCH PREDICTION: MINNESOTA UNITED WIN
Minnesota ended a four-match losing streak against Kansas City with a 2-1 victory on April 27. Minnesota have never defeated Kansas City twice within a single regular season.
The Loons recorded a 2-1 win over Portland in their last home match. Minnesota have not won two straight at Allianz Field in all competitions since wins over Austin FC and Houston Dynamo in August 2022.
Meanwhile, Kansas City have lost six consecutive regular-season matches for the first time since a seven-match losing streak in 2006. Sporting are winless in nine straight league matches and could equal the longest single-season winless run in club history at 10 (set in 2011, matched in 2023).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Minnesota United – 52.5%
Draw – 24.3%
Sporting Kansas City – 23.2%
Emil Forsberg has praised the New York Red Bulls' confident attacking threat ahead of their game against Orlando City on Saturday.
The Red Bulls currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference, only behind city rivals New York City FC due to having one less win than them this season.
They bounced back in style from their derby defeat to NYCFC in midweek, beating Charlotte FC 3-1 with an impressive second-half performance.
Forsberg was full of praise for the way his team play, particularly in the final third.
"When we play with tempo, it's hard to get us," he said. "And I think that's the most important thing - to play with confidence.
"When we are straightforward, that's key for us. When we win the ball, we put those hard passes forward and go with everybody."
Orlando City, meanwhile, sit eight points below them in 11th after winning just one of their last four matches.
While they only drew with Chicago Fire on Wednesday, they did end a run of three games without hitting the back of the net.
Oscar Pareja reiterated the Lions’s need to improve if they want to reach the final series.
He said: "It's important that we can keep our minds calm and see the things that we need to get better. We take [the draw against Chicago Fire] and look to improve against New York."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
New York Red Bulls – Emil Forsberg
Forsberg scored goals one minute and 45 seconds apart in the Red Bulls' win on Wednesday. It was the fastest two goals by a Red Bulls player since Daniel Royer scored one minute and 43 seconds apart against Seattle Sounders in July 2017.
Orlando City – Facundo Torres
Torres has scored four goals against the Red Bulls in regular-season play, tied for his most against any opponent along with Chicago Fire, whom he scored against on Wednesday.
MATCH PREDICTION: NEW YORK RED BULLS WIN
The Red Bulls have not lost any of their last nine MLS home matches (W6 D3, incl. playoffs) dating back to last October. New York has not had a longer home unbeaten run in MLS play (incl. playoffs) since a 14-game streak in April-October 2016.
However, Orlando are unbeaten in five matches against the Red Bulls in all competitions (W4 D1) after having never gone more than two in a row without a loss against New York before.
Orlando have lost only six of their 24 regular-season away matches since the start of last season, including going unbeaten in five straight on the road. Only FC Cincinnati (four) have fewer road losses since the start of last season than the Lions (tied with Real Salt Lake).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
New York Red Bulls – 51.3%
Draw – 24.7%
Orlando City – 23.9%
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