Pat Noonan insists FC Cincinnati must improve defensively ahead of welcoming the New England Revolution to the TQL Stadium on Sunday.
Cincinnati edged a seven-goal thriller in their latest MLS fixture against the Philadelphia Union, with Luciano Acosta scoring in the 10th minute of injury time to secure a 4-3 win.
Noonan's side have now won nine of their last 10 league games and sit second in the Eastern Conference, two points behind Inter Miami.
But there were some concerns at the back, with Cincinnati having now conceded eight goals in their last four games, something Noonan is keen on addressing.
“Certainly, how we have gotten results has shifted to scoring goals and struggling defensively from an early stretch when defensively we were much stronger and didn’t need four goals to win a game,” Noonan said.
“We gave another set-piece goal which has been a little bit of a theme. Against Philadelphia, it was defending crosses.
“We will continue to look at the best combination of guys to help us from the frontline to the backline to be better defensively because I think right now, with how we are creating chances, that hasn’t been a concern. But we need to get better defensively.”
Meanwhile, New England continued their impressive recent form with a 3-2 win over Vancouver Whitecaps last Sunday and have now won three in a row.
The Revolution have closed the gap at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and are now two points behind Orlando City and the Chicago Fire.
Head coach Caleb Porter was pleased with his side's reaction to conceding late in their latest fixture and believes the mentality within his squad has significantly shifted.
“We have still got to score more though,” Porter said. “But I loved that we scored three goals and I loved that we responded after conceding to take the game to 1-1.
“That shows mentality is changing. I also loved that the guys were a little ticked off at the end of the game. We have won three in a row, and they were kind of mad that they didn’t score more and they conceded.
“That’s a great mentality to have. We’re not relieved to win; we’re expecting to win now. If we play like we did against Vancouver, we can beat anybody in this league.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
FC Cincinnati – Luciano Acosta
The Argentine took his assist tally to 13 in MLS this season during Cincinnati's win over Philadelphia, more than any other player in the division this season.
Acosta has now assisted 92 goals since arriving at Cincinnati in 2021, moving up to ninth in the all-time assist charts in MLS.
New England – Giacomo Vrioni
The Albanian scored his second goal in three games during New England's victory over Vancouver, taking his tally to 16 for the club since arriving in 2022.
Of his 10 goals scored in the MLS, Vrioni has scored against just seven sides, with Cincinnati being one of those.
MATCH PREDICTION: CINCINNATI WIN
The Revs should enter this game in high spirits, having won three straight matches after only collecting seven points from their first 13 games in MLS this year.
Their last four-game winning streak came in August 2021, and the fourth win in that run came against Cincinnati.
A repeat is not expected here, though, with Cincinnati winning nine of their last 10 matches (one defeat). No team in the post-shootout era has ever won 10 games in a span of 11 regular-season outings before.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Cincinnati – 64.6%
Draw – 18.9%
New England – 16.4%
Portland Timbers head coach Phil Neville has urged his players to raise their performance levels against the Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS on Saturday.
Portland are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak in the competition and made a winning return from their mid-season break by beating the San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 on Wednesday.
They sit seventh in a tightly contested Western Conference, and Neville admits they need to improve if they want to keep their current form going.
"Even though we got the win against San Jose, the performance was nowhere near good enough," Neville said. "We had 10 days off, and I hope that kind of performance is out of the way.
"Saturday's a big game against Vancouver, and we can't play to that level. We have to keep raising the level. We need to keep pushing and stay in the pack by winning games.
"We're developing a mentality of not accepting defeat, making people accountable for what they're doing, and guys are stepping up."
Meanwhile, Vancouver sit one place and one point above Portland but suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat to the New England Revolution last weekend.
Having won back-to-back games by 2-1 scorelines before that loss, head coach Vanni Sartini is hopeful his side can make some big improvements ahead of this week's Cascadia derby.
"The challenge is to play better than we did in the last game," he said. "Offensively, we will need to do a lot of things that we normally do well, creating chances and getting men in the box.
"I didn't like the performance of last week, so this week we're focusing on the things that we can do better."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Portland Timbers – Jonathan Rodriguez
While Evanilson is a constant threat for Portland (and their joint-top scorer of the season with eight goals), Rodriguez is close to equalling his tally.
He scored the winner against San Jose on Wednesday, netting his seventh goal of the campaign.
Vancouver Whitecaps – Ryan Gauld
Gauld was a bright spark for Vancouver in their disappointing defeat to New England last weekend, scoring both goals.
He was clinical; despite amassing an xG of just 0.09, he had the joint-most shots (three), scoring with both of his attempts on target and also creating three chances.
MATCH PREDICTION: PORTLAND TIMBERS WIN
The Whitecaps are unbeaten in their last five Cascadia rivalry matches against Portland and the Seattle Sounders (three wins, two draws), their longest such run since a seven-match streak between 2013 and 2014.
They have also won their last two games against the Timbers, recording 3-2 victories both home and away in August 2023 and March 2024.
However, Portland are in great shape, going unbeaten through their last five matches (three wins, two draws), and netting multiple goals in 13 different MLS games this year. Only Inter Miami, with 14, have recorded more such matches.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Portland Timbers – 43.6%
Draw – 23.8%
Vancouver Whitecaps – 29.6%
Petar Musa scored a hat-trick in FC Dallas’ thrilling win over Minnesota United in midweek, and he is thrilled with the attacking set-up under interim coach Peter Luccin.
Dallas beat Minnesota 5-3 at home on Wednesday, making it three games unbeaten.
The club dismissed Nico Estevez on June 9, and Musa suggested Luccin has let the team off the leash from an attacking standpoint.
“I think we play more vertically towards the goal,” said Musa.
“We are more offensive now, we have a lot of players who run behind and we started playing more attacking football.
"We scored five goals at home so you can see from the build-up that we play attacking soccer. I am very happy about the new style we are implementing.”
Luccin added: “I’m thankful and grateful for the effort from the players. It’s very important for me that the effort has been fantastic. I’m very pleased with some of the sequences that we had, playing good football and very vertical.
“Overall, the goals that we conceded, sometimes we need to be a little bit smarter. All the players have been fantastic. Five goals at home, I think the fans were very happy.
“I’m sure they would’ve liked fewer goals conceded but it’s part of the game. We are making progress. It’ll be step-by-step but you can see the attitude from the players is excellent. They want to play, they understand. Now we need to adjust to find that balance. I really think we deserved to win.”
Next up for Dallas is a trip to the northwest, to face the Seattle Sounders.
Dallas are one place and two points below Seattle in the Western Conference.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Seattle Sounders – Jackson Ragen
Ragen scored his first MLS goal in Seattle's 2-2 draw with the Houston Dynamo last time out. He is the seventh different player from the United States to score for the Sounders in MLS play this season, equalling their number from all of last season.
FC Dallas – Petar Musa
Musa’s hat-trick took him onto eight MLS goals for the season, four more than any other team-mate.
He is the sixth Dallas player with a hat trick for the team since the beginning of 2017, tying them with D.C. United for most such players with a hat-trick in that time.
MATCH PREDICTION: SEATTLE WIN
The Sounders are unbeaten in 20 straight home matches across all competitions against Dallas (16 wins, four draws), in a run dating back to August 2011.
They could equal the longest ever unbeaten home run by one MLS team against another here (21, achieved twice).
With Dallas winless in 11 MLS road games dating back to last October (three draws, eight defeats), we expect the Sounders to claim a slice of history.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Seattle Sounders – 47.5%
FC Dallas – 26.4%
Draw – 26.2%
Since assuming operations of Caymanas Park in 2017, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) has invested billions of dollars in rebranding and revolutionizing the park as well as improving the commercial route to market strategy. The company’s latest investment comes in the form of a strategic partnership with market research company Bluedot Insights to conduct a comprehensive survey to gain insights into the industry locally.
According to Solomon Sharpe SVREL Executive Chairman, the company’s unwavering vision is to make making the premier destination of racing and entertainment in the region.
“Over the past seven years we’ve consulted with our stakeholders and made significant investments into improving the overall racing product. We’re very proud of what we have achieved so far. Even with the success and the enduring popularity of Caymanas Park and horseracing in Jamaica, we know there’s still more work to be done. Understanding our customers is at the core of our strategy. With that as our mission, we’ve engaged Bluedot Insights to conduct a comprehensive island wide consumer survey on our behalf.
"This survey is aimed at providing us with verifiable data from sports bettors, racing stakeholders and the general public that will further guide our strategic decisions and investments that will bring us further towards our ultimate goal – to make Caymanas Park the premier destination of racing and entertainment in the Caribbean,” said Sharpe.
“Our vision for Caymanas Park and the horseracing industry in Jamaica is one of growth and innovation. We will continue to invest in the park, introducing new features and enhancements that elevate the experience for all our visitors. Our commitment to the community and the sport remains steadfast, and we are excited about the future,” he added.
It was disclosed that Bluedot will provide a comprehensive report presenting quantitative and qualitative findings that details consumer profiles highlighting demographic, psychographic, and behavioral characteristics. This will be done in three phases.
"Bluedot aims to use our skills and expertise to provide SVREL with comprehensive insights that will be pivotal in allowing SVREL to refine their marketing strategies, customize their offerings to align with consumer preferences, and nurture stakeholder relationships essential for advancing the horse racing business," stated Bluedot CEO Larren Peart.
SVREL's investments in Caymanas Park have spanned various areas, from infrastructure upgrades like the installation of the largest digital tote board in the Caribbean and implementation of AmTote totalizer system, improved product offerings such as the new bet type options like Reggae-6 and Ketch-9 as well as fixed odds betting, to the integration of cutting-edge technology like the recently launched GMax digital timing system.
To say that Jody Brown’s signing of her first professional contract with Portuguese women’s top-flight club, SL Benfica, is a milestone achievement for both her career and Jamaican football would be a great understatement.
Not only will she be the first player from Jamaica or the Caribbean to parade her skills for the club, which is one of Europe’s most prestigious setups, but she will also realize a lifelong dream on a journey that started on the streets of Lime Hall, St Ann, where she honed her skills with a makeshift ball and an insatiable passion for the game.
It was during that time, when she rubbed shoulders with the boys in her community, that her talent quickly became evident, resulting in her inclusion in local teams and, eventually, Jamaica’s national programme.
Now, the 22-year-old takes a significant step forward in her career with the three-year move to Benfica, where her athleticism and nippy footwork will certainly be an asset.
“Signing with Benfica is a dream come true," Brown told SportsMax.TV, the pride and emotion evident in her tone.
Brown puts pen to paper
“I remember when I just started playing football with the boys in my community, I always aspired to play professionally, and to do so with a club like Benfica is an incredible honour. It’s a nice club, with a lot of history and I always strived to ensure that whichever club I join is one where I can improve and develop my game at a different level. So I’m really excited to join Benfica and can’t wait to get started,” she declared.
Brown's rise in football has been somewhat meteoric, as she first captured international attention at the Under-15 level and she hasn’t looked back since.
In fact, Brown is one of only a few players who have so far represented the country at all four levels — Under-15, Under-17, Under-20 and now the senior level. And she has done so with distinction, as she played a crucial role in Jamaica's historic qualification for the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups.
"Being a part of Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz has been an amazing experience. It's where I learned to handle pressure and developed my game against some of the best players in the world and I can say that those experiences have prepared me for this next step in my career,” she shared.
“If I should attribute my rise to this level to anything, I would say it is a testament of all the hard work, dedication, and support from my family, coaches, and teammates over the years,” added Brown, who recently assisted Florida State University to the NCAA Division 1 Women's Championship and their retention of the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship title last season.
Brown shares the occasion with former Reggae Girlz Head coach Hue Menzies.
Standing at a shade over 5ft 2in, Brown’s physical presence is by no means imposing, but when the ball is at her feet, she is bound to cause all kinds of problems. It is that explosiveness and the ease at which she glides past opponents on occasions that will make the Reggae Girlz winger a key factor at SL Benfica.
Beyond that, Brown, who has a Bachelor's degree in Humanities, believes the club’s strong commitment to developing talent, coupled with the fact that the Portuguese league is known for its technical style of play, provides the perfect environment for her to continue her growth.
“The opportunity to train and play at such a high level is something I'm really looking forward to as I always aim to grow more as a player and a person, so I can't wait to learn from my new teammates and coaches and to contribute to the team's success. Benfica has a fantastic reputation, and I'm excited to be part of this club's journey,” she noted.
Still, Brown is aware that adjusting to live in Portugal and her club will by no means be easy, but she remains grounded and focused, with a stubborn determination to make a positive impact both on and off the field.
Benfica, the current champions of Portugal, will be involved in Champions League football next season.
“I’m just ready to get settled and hopefully achieve all the goals of the team. I’m ready to adapt in every way possible because that’s a part of the journey of wanting to be the best person or player in an environment where you are not afraid to be yourself. I know what I’m capable of doing and I’m just going to continue learning and improving,” the soft-spoken player said with an air of confidence.
Brown shows off her team scarf.
Meanwhile, former Reggae Girlz Head coach Hue Menzies, who along with Lorne Donaldson, Andrew Price and others were instrumental in Brown’s move from Jamaica to an overseas university, pointed out that her signing is not only a personal achievement, but also a significant moment for Jamaican women's football.
For him, it highlights the growing opportunities for talented players from the island to make their mark on the global stage, as he expressed optimism that Brown’s success will serve as an inspiration to young footballers in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
“It shows that with talent and determination, they too can reach the pinnacle of the sport. We knew she was going to be a special player, so we invested the effort to get her through the process, because she was only 14, so we had to get her acclimated academically and then get her into the youth club system.
“From there, we got her into high school academically and then having opportunities to go to a four-year school immediately after. And then into a really good programme at Florida State where she won two national titles, and four conference titles and she's now becoming a professional player,” Menzies explained.
“So everything that we kind of set forward for her has come through so far, and we are very optimistic that she will continue. We can't take credit for Jody’s football development because she is a natural, we just assisted in the environment that we got her in, and then she took it from there with the goals that she set for herself,” he ended.
Jamaica's senior Reggae Girlz winger Jody Brown inked her first professional contract, having agreed to join Benfica of Portugal on a three year deal.
The former Florida State University standout, officially announced her move on her social media on Thursday, as she expressed delight about her transition to the professional realm.
"Becoming a professional players has been my dream since i started playing soccer as a kid in Jamaica, and I can't wait to win many titles with this club," Brown posted on her Instagram account.
"I am proud and honoured to sign my first professional contract for such a big institution as Benfica. I would like to thank my family, MVA [Montverde Academy], FSU, Hue Menzies and everyone who helped me get to this point," she added.
Brown, 22, has represented Jamaica at every level, including at two FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments and has scored 12 goals for Jamaica at the senior level.
She recently assisted Florida State University to the NCAA Division 1 Women's Championship and their retention of the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship title last season. Benfica are the current champions of Portugal and have also secured Champions League football for next season.
More to come.
The disciplinary hearing for Jamaican sprinter Tyquendo Tracey has been adjourned indefinitely, casting uncertainty over the two-time national champion's future in athletics. The decision came as a surprise after Tracey's attorneys had been expecting to receive a crucial statement on Monday, ahead of the scheduled June 25 hearing.
The suspension of the hearing was communicated in a letter received by Tracey's legal team on Wednesday, June 19. The letter, issued by the Chairman of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association's (JAAA) disciplinary committee, stated: "The Chairman of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association's disciplinary committee has further reviewed the complaint against him and decided that the matter be adjourned sine die."
Tracey faces charges for two breaches of the JAAA's disciplinary policy following his public criticism of the selection process for Jamaica's 4x100m relay team at the World Championships in Budapest last year.
His allegations, made in a 15-minute YouTube video in August 2023, accused Maurice Wilson, the technical director of Jamaica's delegation to the World Athletics Championships, of “bias” and “favouritism.” Tracey claimed Wilson favoured Kadrian Goldson, a sprinter from GC Foster College, where Wilson serves as principal, for the relay team despite Goldson not qualifying through the National Championships.
Tracey finished fifth in the men's 100m final at those championships, while Goldson placed seventh. According to established protocol, the top six finishers are typically selected for the relay pool. In his video, Tracey alleged a pattern of such behaviour by Wilson and labelled him "a very evil and vindictive person."
The fallout from Tracey's video was immediate and severe. He reported that after discussing the issue with reporters in Budapest, he was approached by Security Liaison Officer Steve McGregor, who informed him that his accreditation would be withdrawn and he would be asked to leave the team village.
Wilson, responding to Tracey's accusations, described them as “libellous and defamatory.” He stated, “My family is coming under attack on social media. The posts are out there. There is no way I will not have to seek redress in reference to my reputation. Track and field is a part of what I do. I’m also involved with youngsters that I mentor and try to assist so there is no way that I can allow this to just be a passing fire.”
The disciplinary hearing was initially set for over a week ago but was postponed until June 25, two days before the start of the Jamaica National Championships on June 27, where the team for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games will be selected. With the hearing now suspended indefinitely, the situation remains unresolved, leaving Tracey's immediate athletic future in limbo.
Ian Fray made a scoring return from his long injury lay-off, helping Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over Columbus Crew in the MLS on Wednesday.
Miami, who are without Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez due to their Copa America participation, ensured they stayed top of the Eastern Conference with their second win on the bounce.
Making his first appearance since July 2023, defender Fray marked his comeback with an early goal, flicking Julian Gressel's corner into the back of the net after just 10 minutes.
The Herons cemented their control just 11 minutes later when Leonardo Campana latched onto the rebound of his own saved shot to put them 2-0 up.
However, Cucho Hernandez halved the deficit just before half-time, poking a low effort past Drake Callendar into the bottom-left corner.
Despite Miami's dominance in the second half, Columbus almost got the deciding goal, but Callendar prevented Cucho from getting a second with a sharp save to ensure the hosts did not drop points.
Data Debrief: Herons on scoring run
Miami have now scored in each of their last six matches in the MLS, their longest run since a seven-game streak between March and May earlier this year.
Gressel has played a key part in that run, contributing to goals in each of his last three appearances for the Herons (one goal, two assists).
John Herdman wants to see the real Toronto FC take to the pitch when they welcome Nashville to the BMO Field on Wednesday.
The Reds were comfortably beaten by Chicago Fire last time out, continuing their recent poor form which has seen them lose three of their last four games in front of their home supporters.
Toronto sit seventh in the Eastern Conference, three points behind Colombus Crew, who have the advantage of three games in hand in the coming weeks.
Herdman was animated following the full-time whistle last Saturday, and is looking for his side to be harder to beat as he looks for his side to return to the one he has managed for much of the season.
"While there was effort there and opportunities, we're too soft. We gave goals away tonight," said Herdman. "We've discussed this. We've got to be harder to beat, at home there's got to be an identity that fans can be proud of. That's the first night in my time where I've really shared the disappointment of the fans.”
"I always look for that silver lining, whether it's the effort, being tough, creating opportunities, but tonight we were flat," Herdman levelled. "It's very raw at the moment. We've had some conversations in the dressing room, but we can’t see that again."
"We've got three days to turn this around," he added. "And as I've said to them, 'The real us has to show on Wednesday.' The real us, because that wasn’t us."
Meanwhile, Nashville have the opportunity to close the gap to their opponents should they emerge victorious away from home, something they have been incredibly successful at in recent weeks.
Their draw against New York Red Bulls last time out saw them remain unbeaten in their last three games away from Geodis Park but they will be hoping for a better attacking display from their plethora of forward options.
Nashville attempted six shots against the Red Bulls, failing to register one on target, with those in Rumba Munthali’s ranks not having more than one shot during proceedings.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Toronto FC – Lorenzo Insinge
The experienced Italian will once again be pivotal in Toronto's forward line as the 33-year-old looks to add to his goal against Chicago Fire last time out.
Since arriving in the MLS in 2022, Insigne has scored twice against Nashville, the joint-most he has scored against any other side he has faced.
Nashville – Hany Mukhtar
Hany Mukhtar has once again been in fine form for Nashville, and he will once again look to be the creative spark for the visitors.
The German has notched two assists and a goal in his last three MLS appearances.
MATCH PREDICTION: NASHVILLE WIN
Nashville come into the encounter as favourites and will be hoping to continue their impressive form away from home, having gone unbeaten in their last three away matches (W1 D2), keeping clean sheets in all of those games.
This is the second time Nashville have kept clean sheets in three straight away games, last doing so in 2021, and they look set to continue that record this time around.
Meanwhile, Toronto have won just one of their last seven league games following a three-game unbeaten run, losing three of their four home fixtures in that time.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Toronto – 30.1%
Draw – 24.9%
Nashville – 45%
New York Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwarz insisted he is not worried about his side's lack of firepower as they travel to the Stade Saputo on Thursday.
The Red Bull Army failed to find the back of the net in their encounter against Nashville last time out, registering 14 shots with only six on target in front of their home supporters.
Schwarz's side sit third in the Eastern Conference table, six points behind second-placed FC Cincinnati, but are hopeful of closing the gap with a win over their opponents.
The Red Bulls head coach has said he will pass on his own experiences he went through as a player to try and combat their recent struggles in front of goal, but is confident his side can create those moments against Montreal.
"I am not worried about that," Schwarz said. "The only way, and this is my experience as a player and as a head coach, is to create every time in the next situation and to try it again in the next situation.
"To come into the box position, this is what we have to do. I am sure, and I think this season we have scored a lot of goals, but against Nashville it was 0-0.
"It is good that if you don’t score it is not necessary you didn’t concede a goal. Now, we have to create these moments against Montreal on Wednesday."
Meanwhile, Montreal played out the same scoreline in their encounter with Real Salt Lake last time out but remained in 12th place in the Eastern Conference.
Laurent Courtois' side are now unbeaten in their last four matches (W1 D3) in all competitions for the first time since a six-match winning streak between April and May last year.
Montreal had lost five of its previous six games (D1) and will be looking to continue their recent momentum in front of their home supporters.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Montreal – Joaquin Sosa
Sosa won five of the nine tackles he attempted against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, which is the most tackles won in a match by a CF Montreal player this season.
Sosa had won just 10 tackles in his first nine appearances for the club.
New York Red Bulls – Elias Manoel
With top scorer Lewis Morgan away with Scotland at Euro 2024, and Emil Forsberg out with a foot injury, it offers the chance for Elias Manoel to take centre stage.
The Brazilian has scored three goals in 17 appearances this season, with his last coming in May against DC United.
MATCH PREDICTION: NEW YORK RED BULLS WIN
It looks set to be a tightly contested affair at the Stade Saputo on Thursday, but NYRB should have enough to edge the contest away from home.
The Red Bulls' defensive rearguard was a big positive from their goalless draw with Nashville, not allowing their opponents a shot on target – the fourth time they have managed this since 2022.
Schwarz's side reached the 30-point mark on Sunday with their draw at home to Nashville, reaching that total in fewer games just twice in the club's history, which came in the 2012 and 2018 campaigns, taking just 16 games to achieve.
The two sides have alternated wins over the last eight meetings, with New York winning the last match 2-1 in May 2023. None of the last 17 regular-season meetings between the sides have ended in a draw.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Montreal – 31.6%
Draw – 25.3%
NYRB – 43.1%
Latanya Wilson, affectionately known as "Latty," has emerged as a leading contender for the Suncorp Super Netball MVP Award, thanks to her exceptional performances this season for the Adelaide Thunderbirds. Despite facing significant personal challenges, including a devastating fire last August that destroyed her home in Kingston and most of her belongings, Wilson has shown remarkable resilience and determination on the court.
Wilson, a Jamaican defender, has been a standout player in her fourth Super Netball season. She has been instrumental in the Thunderbirds' success, particularly in her role as a wing defender. Known for her light footwork, closing speed, and vertical leap, Wilson has excelled in intercepts, leading the competition with 37. Her defensive prowess has made her a nightmare for opposing wing attacks and a critical asset in the Thunderbirds' lineup.
In addition to her success in wing defense, Wilson has also proven to be a formidable option in the goal defense circle. Teaming up with fellow Sunshine Girl and last year's Super Netball MVP, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, Wilson has helped create one of the most formidable defensive units in the league. Sterling-Humphrey, who is second behind Wilson for intercepts with 33, leads the league in defensive rebounds (23) and deflections (68). The duo's combined efforts have lessened the Thunderbirds' reliance on Sterling-Humphrey as the last line of defense, allowing the team to pressure opponents higher up the court.
Wilson's outstanding play this season is even more impressive given the personal adversity she has faced. Last August, a fire, suspected to be arson, swept through her Kingston neighborhood, destroying multiple homes and leaving up to 50 people homeless or displaced. Wilson lost all her belongings, including her original World Cup bronze and Commonwealth Games silver medals. Despite this tragic setback, she has maintained her focus and elevated her game to new heights.
On Saturday, Wilson delivered another stellar performance against the Giants, earning the Player of the Match award. Her game-changing presence and ability to disrupt opponents' plays have made her a vital part of the Thunderbirds' strategy, contributing significantly to their success.
The last six seasons have seen the overall MVP award go to a Jamaican player (Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard/Sterling-Humphrey) and Wilson is poised to continue this trend. Her resilience, skill, and impact on the court make her a strong candidate for this prestigious honor.
Dean Smith will hope to utilise the experience of former Orlando City midfielder Junior Orso when his new team Charlotte FC host them in MLS on Thursday.
Charlotte head coach Smith says the influence of Orso, who spent four seasons with Orlando, could benefit the home side at Bank of America Stadium.
"It helps," Smith said of Orso's knowledge. "Little insights of information that can help.
"The fact that Junior will know a lot about them will certainly help us as well."
The Crown are fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, too, owing to their remarkable defence that has helped them to ninth in the Supporter's Shield rankings.
"Defense wins championships,” said Brandt Bronico, reflecting on the team's success this season. "If you can get the defense right, you can [then] start creating and having fun on the offensive end.
"The collective defense-first mindset is probably the most important thing in the locker room."
Orlando are struggling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table, sitting just one point ahead of New England Revolution, who still have a game in hand.
Oscar Pareja's side were beaten 3-1 by Los Angeles FC last time out, extending their winless streak to four games.
The Orlando head coach acknowledged improvements are needed.
"We need to have a deeper analysis about what's happening on the pitch," Pareja said.
"But once again, it's not enough at this point. We need to win games and that's not happening."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Charlotte FC – Kristijan Kahlina
Charlotte have kept clean sheets in five straight home matches for the first time in club history, thanks to the efforts of goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.
With a shutout against Orlando, Charlotte would become the sixth team in MLS history to keep six straight home clean sheets within a single season, equaling the second-longest run in league history.
Orlando City – Nicolas Lodeiro
Nicolas Lodeiro completed 107 of 115 pass attempts on Saturday against LAFC, a new career high in his 208th regular-season match after never completing more than 88 passes in a match before.
It was the most passes ever completed by an Orlando player in an MLS match, though Lodeiro may not have as much control for this meeting.
MATCH PREDICTION – CHARLOTTE FC WIN
The pre-match predictions fall in the favour of the home side as Charlotte appear the most likely victors on Thursday.
Charlotte FC went unbeaten in all three meetings with Orlando in all competitions last season (W2 D1), after Orlando won both matches in 2022.
Expect another nervy encounter, however, as all five matches between this pair have been decided by one goal or drawn.
Yet the hosts will be confident as Charlotte have lost only one of their last 19 regular-season home matches, dating back to the beginning of June 2023 (W9 D9).
Only last season's MLS Cup finalists Los Angeles FC (40) and Columbus Crew (38) have earned more points at home than Charlotte (36) over that span, and Orlando are struggling heading into this one.
The visitors have lost eight matches in the 2024 season, one more than they had all of last year.
Yet not all hope is lost given the Lions have lost only one of their last six away from home (W3 D2).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Charlotte FC – 42.8%
Orlando City – 30.5%
Draw – 26.7%
FC Dallas interim head coach Peter Luccin will continue to give his players freedom as they welcome Minnesota United to the Toyota Stadium on Thursday.
The Frenchman earned a victory in his first game in charge of the Toros over St. Louis City last Sunday, ending a run of five games without a win.
Dallas occupy 12th in the Western Conference table and will be looking to win consecutive matches within a single league season in over a year on home turf.
Luccin was pleased with his new side returning to winning ways, and insists that allowing his players freedom on the pitch is equally as important as the tactics he implements.
"In the end, I think that is the only way," Luccin said. “I think you saw that the best way is to give them the freedom to play.
"We are talking so much about tactics, and tactics are very important, but the freedom, I will say sometimes, with the ball, is even more important.
"We have some players who are very creative. I am not going to tell them how to pass a ball, but the only thing I can help them with is to read moments and what phase we are in."
Meanwhile, Minnesota suffered just their fourth defeat of the season in a 2-0 defeat away to Seattle Sounders, leaving them in fourth place and two points behind LA Galaxy with a game in hand.
The Loons travel to Dallas unbeaten in their last five visits to North Texas, winning twice and drawing three times and will be looking to continue that run this time around.
But an uncharacteristic part of their most recent defeat was their failure to find the back of the net. It was just the fifth time in Minnesota's last 40 league matches that they did not score.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
FC Dallas – Petar Musa
The Croatian is Dallas' top scorer this season with five goals, but has failed to find the back of the net since their draw with Houston in May. However, he will be hopeful of returning to the scoresheet in front of his home supporters.
Minnesota United – Robin Lod
Lod has continued to impress for Minnesota, not only in the wide positions but centrally too. The 31-year-old has five goals and eight assists this season for Ramsay's side.
MATCH PREDICTION: DALLAS WIN
Having gone five games without a win, Dallas halted their winless run with a victory over St. Louis last time out but have failed to win consecutive matches in a single season in over a year against Austin and Vancouver, but are well-placed to buck that trend.
Nkosi Tafari's headed goal against St. Louis was the sixth time Dallas have scored from a corner this season, tied for the second most in the MLS and two behind San Jose Earthquakes.
But Minnesota will be confident of returning to winning ways against their opponents, having lost one of their last 11 games against Dallas. The Loons are also unbeaten in their last five visits to Dallas (W2 D3), the club’s longest road unbeaten run against a team in the MLS.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Dallas – 41%
Draw – 26.7%
Minnesota – 32.3%
FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan expects a tough test against the Philadelphia Union despite their recent form, as he faces his former side this Thursday.
The Orange and Blue come into the contest as the overwhelming favourites having won eight of their last nine matches, the latest coming in a 4-2 win over San Jose Earthquakes last time out.
Noonan's side are just two points behind the Eastern Conference league leaders, Inter Miami, but have played two games less than the side directly above them.
However, Noonan was quick to look past the two sides' differing recent form, insisting the game will be a tougher encounter than many will expect.
“They've been stable for a long time, and when you're stable and at the top of the league for so long, anytime there's a stretch where you're not winning games, you're not getting results, there's going to be criticism,” Noonan said.
“That's a part of what we're all dealing with. So I think the compliment there is it's been so long since we've seen them have struggles. But I can tell you, with Jim (Curtin) and with some of those leaders, they're going to be fine.”
“That's my view of it, and it doesn't make me any more comfortable about Wednesday. If there's anything that you know, anytime their backs are against the wall, these guys step up. Jim knows how to lead that group, so we have to be very cautious about an opponent that, while they might be struggling with results, has been in these situations before and come out on top.”
The Union come into the encounter at the TQL Stadium having won one of their last 11 league matches, leaving them in eighth place in the East table following their 2-1 defeat to Inter Miami last Saturday.
Their recent meetings with their opponents have also ended on the wrong end of the scoreline, losing their last three meetings.
Prior to this run, the Union were unbeaten in their first seven meetings with Cincinnati (W5 D2) and they will be hopeful of gaining a much-needed triumph to gain some belief back into their squad.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
FC Cincinnati – Luciano Acosta
Acosta's creative spark shone in Cincinatti's win victory over San Jose, recording three assists for the second time in his MLS career, last coming in September 2018 with DC United.
The Argentine became the 13th player in MLS history to have two such games, something no player has done three times, hoping to add to 19 goal contributions from 17 league games this season.
Philadelphia Union – Mikael Uhre
Uhre netted his sixth goal of the season on Saturday, becoming the third different Union player with six or more goals (Daniel Gazdag – 10, Julian Carranza – six).
The only other team with three players with six or more goals this season are Portland (Felipe Mora, Evander, Jonathan Rodriguez).
MATCH PREDICTION: FC CINCINNATI WIN
FC Cincinnati have won three of their last five matches against the Union (D1 L1), including eliminating Philadelphia from last season's playoffs.
FC Cincinnati have won eight of their last nine matches (L1), and are looking to become just the fourth team in the post-shootout era (since 2000) to win nine times in a span of 10 league matches.
Meanwhile, The Union have won one of their last 11 league matches (D5 L5) following their loss to Inter Miami on Saturday. The eight points Philadelphia have collected over that span are their fewest in any 11-game stretch of league play since 2015.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Cincinnati – 50.8%
Draw – 25%
Philadelphia – 24.3%
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
