While the New York Red Bulls have accomplished their mission of reaching the playoffs, head coach Sandro Schwarz has laid down the law to his players ahead of their trip to Toronto FC.
The Red Bulls suffered a humiliating 5-1 home defeat against cross-city rivals New York City last time out, going 2-0 down within just six minutes and 55 seconds of kick-off.
They did, however, clinch a playoff place due to other results going their way, boasting a seven-point cushion over eighth-placed Toronto, who only have two games remaining.
"It was different emotions last weekend," Schwarz said. "We were very disappointed about the game, and on the other side we were satisfied with qualifying for the playoffs.
"When we see the big picture, this was good, but it's more about the emotions from the last game to be honest.
"We had a lot of individual talks, me with individual players, about the game and the behaviour. Now the feeling it was necessary to have this open communication."
Toronto conceded a late equaliser against the Chicago Fire – who are out of playoff contention – on Saturday to damage their postseason hopes.
After that 1-1 draw, John Herdman's side only occupy a wild-card place due to having more wins than the Philadelphia Union and CF Montreal, both of whom have a game in hand.
"We were six minutes away from taking three points, so it's a big missed opportunity," Herdman said.
"Results in MLS went our way. We could have been two points clear of the other teams. But it is what it is.
"That last goal, if we're fresh, that doesn't happen. All in all, given it's been a heavy week, I thought the lads put a hell of a shift in."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Toronto FC – Prince Osei Owusu
Owusu scored Toronto's lone goal in their draw with the Fire from the penalty spot. It was just their second penalty goal this season and first on the road since the opening day of the 2023 season. He will hope for a shorter wait for his next opportunity from the spot.
New York Red Bulls – Dante Vanzeir
Vanzeir has scored in each of the Red Bulls' last two matches. He has 13 goal involvements in MLS this term (four goals, nine assists), with only Lewis Morgan registering more for the Red Bulls (14 – 12 goals and two assists).
MATCH PREDICTION – NEW YORK RED BULLS WIN
The Red Bulls are unbeaten in 11 straight meetings with Toronto in all competitions (seven wins, four draws). New York have also kept clean sheets in each of the last five meetings.
They have won their last two games against Toronto by a 3-0 scoreline, including when the sides last faced off in June. With Toronto winless in four matches in all competitions, they may fancy their chances of another victory.
None of Toronto's last 27 home matches have ended in a draw (12 wins, 15 draws). This equals the longest streak without a home draw in all competitions for an MLS team in the post-shootout era (since 2000), along with the New England Revolution from 2001-02.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Toronto FC – 30.1%
New York Red Bulls – 45%
Draw – 24.9%
Colorado Rapids head coach Chris Armas is adamant his team will bounce back from defeat when they face LA Galaxy in MLS on Wednesday.
The Rapids suffered a 3-0 defeat to Minnesota United on Saturday, only managing one shot on target in an underwhelming performance.
They have already clinched a playoff spot, sitting fourth in the Western Conference, but have now lost two of their last three outings (winning the other one).
And Armas is confident his team will once again bounce back from defeat, based on their mentality throughout the season.
"I can tell you that our group responds, they respond when we have losses," Armas said. "We've done it all year in a big way.
"So, we'll look to do that again. We around here at the Rapids this year, from the very first game, we've not gotten too low, we've not gotten too high – this is another case of that.
"We rebound, take a hard look, we recover, and we get things ready for Wednesday."
Meanwhile, LA Galaxy bounced back from a 4-2 defeat to Portland Timbers with a 4-2 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps last time out.
They may have a six-point lead in the table, but head coach Greg Vanney is still looking to make improvements so they can finish the season strong.
"We have two on the road and one at home, and we'll take any advantage we can get to finish on top," Vanney said.
"Sometimes our unselfishness is that we're trying to make a more perfect moment to finish, but you want to try and just keep it as smooth as possible down the stretch."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic
Colorado's 3-0 loss at Minnesota United on Saturday was just the third time the club was shut out this season with only Inter Miami (twice) failing to score less often.
They were kept quiet in front of goal in that defeat, with only Djordje Mihailovic registering more than one shot (two), and he was the only one to hit the target.
LA Galaxy – Joseph Paintsil
Joseph Paintsil's goal against Vancouver Whitecaps on September 21 was his 10th of the regular season, joining teammates Dejan Joveljic (14), Gabriel Pec (13) and Riqui Puig (11) in double figures.
The Galaxy are the first team in MLS history with four double-digit goalscorers in a single season.
MATCH PREDICTION: COLORADO RAPIDS WIN
The Rapids are unbeaten in five straight home matches against the Galaxy (W3 D2). This is Colorado's longest home unbeaten run against LA in all competitions since a seven-match run (W6 D1) in 2006-09.
Indeed, Colorado are unbeaten in 10 straight regular-season home matches (W8 D2), including winning the last three in a row. The Rapids have had only three longer home unbeaten runs in a single season in club history, most recently a 16-match run in 2021.
The Galaxy have totaled 58 points this season, already their most in a single season since 2014 (61). The Galaxy are two points away from becoming the first team in MLS history to record four seasons with at least 60 points (1998, 2011, 2014).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Colorado Rapids – 42.1%
Draw – 26.7%
LA Galaxy – 31.2%
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews and all-rounder Deandra Dottin are among players from across the globe that have welcomed the ICC’s landmark decision to offer equal prize money between men’s and women’s competitions.
Matthews, Dottin, and others hailed the move by the sport’s governing body, which came ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to get underway in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.
The tournament winners will receive US$2.34 million after the final on October 20, with the runners-up receiving US$1.17 million as part of a total prize pot of just over US$7.95 million.
That represents an increase of 225% from last year’s edition and makes cricket the only major team sport to have equal prize money for its men’s and women’s World Cup events.
The significant moment in cricket history has been met with acclaim from players ahead of the start of competition on Thursday, with Bangladesh set to take on Scotland at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
“It puts a lot of respect on the game. As women and as professional cricketers, we go out there and work super hard every day, just as hard as the men do,” Matthews said ahead of their opening match on Friday.
“We are all on the world stage the same way so to get equal prize money is a huge thing. Hopefully we can see more stuff like that being done and going across the board all the way,” she added.
West Indies, who won the tournament in 2016, welcomed back Deandra Dottin into the international fold after two years away, and the legendary all-rounder was pleased to see the ICC lead the way on tournament prize money.
“It is really good to see. Change is good, it just goes to show that women’s cricket is getting taken seriously, which is a great thing. This shows we are going forward in the right direction, and we are being more respected in that area,” Dottin noted.
Bangladesh seamer Jahanara Alam is among those hoping to be in action in the opener, and the 31-year-old believes the move to equal prize money will have a long-lasting impact on the sport.
"This is inspiring for us. I believe this will be motivating and inspiring for the next generation. It is good for us as we will get financial support,” Alam reasoned.
“Parents in Bangladesh who don't want to let their daughters take up sports and only want them to study for a job or business will be inspired by this and will be motivated to send their daughters to play cricket,” she opined.
Bangladesh’s captain, Nigar Sultana, believes the move represents the broader positive changes happening within women’s cricket.
"Money is always motivating. This is a good thing, and in women's cricket, we are seeing that a lot of changes are made. That is happening in Bangladesh as well. For the whole team, it looks like if we can do well, we can achieve good things in life. So from that point of view, it really makes us happy,” Sultana stated.
The tournament will see 10 teams vying for supremacy. Australia are defending champions, having won a year ago in South Africa.
South Africa were runners-up last year and begin their campaign against West Indies in Dubai on Friday.
Portmore United finally broke their winless run in the 2024/25 Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season when they edged Tivoli Gardens in a come-from-behind 2-1 scoreline at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Monday night.
The victory, secured by a late strike from substitute Javier Brown in the 89th minute, marked the St Catherine-based club’s first taste of success after three games, lifting the weight of early season pressure from their shoulders.
Junior Grizzelle (45+1) also struck for Portmore United, after 19-year-old Nickalia Fuller gave Tivoli Gardens a 40th-minute lead.
With the win, Portmore United moved up the standings from 13th to 10th, giving their fans and coach Rudolph Austin reason to hope that a revival is on the cards.
“It was a really good performance by the team; they went out there and they executed what we planned throughout the week, so hats off to them. They showed a lot of character when they went down and came back and won the game so that was brilliant. The fight they showed is the Portmore United I know, work hard, play to the end, and win games.
“That is why we won seven championships, so that is what I want my players to always do; go out and express themselves. Even if you make a mistake, keep going. So hopefully this is the start of a successful run for us but one thing I can tell you is that I won’t let up,” Austin declared in a post-game interview.
Romeo Guthrie marshalled Portmore United's midfield.
The former Reggae Boy turned coach also heaped praise on former Arnett Garden stalwart Romeo Guthrie, whose performance—marked by two assists—reinforced the importance of the team’s creative spark.
But the night belonged to former Vere United captain Brown, the unlikely hero who ensured Portmore United ended with three precious points.
“When I used to play against Vere United, he [Brown] was always in our box, so I knew he had that in him, and he was hungry to deliver for us. But I can’t leave out Guthrie; I think he had a very good game... all the guys played well, but I think Guthrie was outstanding,” Austin added.
The match unfolded as a one-sided affair for the most part, as Portmore United dictated the pace and forced Tivoli Gardens back for long spells. In fact, they peppered Tivoli’s goal with 15 shots, 10 of which were on target, displaying a level of control and intent that had been missing in their earlier fixtures.
Grizzelle fired Portmore United’s first warning shot in the third minute that caught Tivoli Gardens’ goalkeeper Diego Haughton off his line, but the effort kissed the crossbar on its way out.
Five minutes later, Jahien Rose also pulled the trigger from a distance, but that shot was tipped over by Haughton diving full stretch.
Tivoli Gardens later settled and went close through Fuller, who drove into the 18-yard box and got off a left-footed effort that was kept out by Daniel Russell in goal for Portmore United.
However, Fuller, a former Excelsior High standout, broke the deadlock on his second attempt, as he released a delightful left-footed strike from a tight angle outside the 18-yard box that had Russell well beaten.
That was all the West Kingston team would get as they only mustered four shots, with Fuller’s efforts the only two on target.
Such was Portmore United’s dominance from that point on as Guthrie stamped his mark on the game. The industrious playmaker, who was at the heart of most of Portmore United’s attacking moves, provided the assist for the equaliser on the stroke of the interval.
He dispossessed a defender deep in Tivoli Gardens quarters and played off a pass for Grizzelle, whose tap in left Haughton rooted to the spot as they went to the break with the score levelled at 1-1.
Junior Grizzelle scored the opener.
But even with the scores level, the momentum never truly shifted away from Portmore after the interval. They pressed forward relentlessly in a sustained attacking spell that forced Tivoli to defend deep and absorb pressure.
Tedj Bryan should have put Portmore United ahead in the 47th when he picked up a poor clearance from Haughton, but his tame effort was kept out by the custodian, who stuck out the right leg.
They thought they had the breakthrough in the 65th when Okelo Howard played a timely through pass into the final third for Tarick Ximines to finish, but the goal was called back for an offside.
Ximines was at it again in the 75th as he outmuscled a defender on his way towards goal. However, his final effort was denied by Haughton's outstretched right leg.
As the clock ticked down, it seemed the go-ahead goal would elude Portmore United, and they would have to settle for another frustrating draw.
Enter Brown, who replaced Ximines in the attack.
In the dying embers of the match, Guthrie once again turned provider, threading a clever pass into Brown’s path. With a burst of pace and a clinical finish, Brown drove a firm right-footer past the slightly advanced Haughton to send the Portmore bench and fans into frenzy.
Tivoli Gardens Head coach Jerome Waite acknowledged that his team needs to be sharper and more assertive as their defensive effort was found wanting, while their inability to match Portmore United’s intensity was glaring.
“We defeated ourselves because the two goals came from poor defensive errors and Portmore United capitalised on both of them. It is our second game, so we still have a lot of work to do, and at the same time they will have to learn and understand where the system of play is concerned,” Waite said.
Matchweek 3 Results
Harbour View 2, Molynes United 1
Vere United 1, Humble Lion 1
Waterhouse 0, Cavalier 2
Arnett Gardens 1, Racing United 1
Chapelton Maroons 0, Montego Bay United 1
Portmore United 2, Tivoli Gardens 1
Dunbeholden vs Mount Pleasant (Postponed)
Caleb Porter says New England Revolution need to show they are fighters against Houston Dynamo as they look to build on their latest win.
The Revs beat Nashville SC 1-0 at the weekend to move off the foot of the Eastern Conference, snapping a five-match winless streak in the process.
They are just six points off a playoff spot with four games left to play, and Porter is hoping for more of the same mentality to come away with three points.
"We talked a lot last week about just having a better mentality, not being quite as emotional, and just being more steady and having ice in our veins a little bit more," Porter said, as quoted in the Blazing Musket substack.
"We are going to have to, at times, absorb. [Houston] are one of the best possession teams in the league.
"We are going to have to keep the game tight. From here on out, we have to be tough to play against. We are going to keep showing we are fighters, and we are going to be organized."
Meanwhile, Houston clinched their playoff spot at the weekend, despite a 1-0 defeat to Seattle Sounders due to FC Dallas' loss, as they sit sixth in the Western Conference.
It is the second year running they are in the postseason, and head coach Ben Olsen is hopeful they can use that as motivation to get back to winning ways.
"We are excited about being in the postseason and that's a big deal," Olsen said.
"These guys have worked really hard all year to get us into this position. We have a tough team in town in New England, so we have to focus on that as we turn the page on a disappointing result in Seattle."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Houston Dynamo – Griffin Dorsey
The Dynamo held 62.4% possession against the Sounders on Saturday, the 14th time Houston held at least 60% of the ball in 2024, the third-most games on record in an MLS season since Opta began detailed data collection of MLS in 2010.
Griffin Dorsey finished the game with a 100% pass completion rate in that defeat, not misplacing any of his 41 passes in the 80 minutes he was on the pitch.
New England Revolution – Aljaz Ivacic
After conceding multiple goals in each of their previous five league matches, New England secured a 1-0 win over Nashville on Saturday.
The Revolution have not kept consecutive regular-season clean sheets since the opening two matches of the 2023 season, with the second of those coming against Houston, and Aljaz Ivacic will be keen to get another shutout.
MATCH PREDICTION: HOUSTON DYNAMO WIN
New England have won seven of their last nine matches against Houston (D1 L1) dating back to the beginning of the 2014 season. However, the Dynamo's only win in that time came in the last meeting between the sides in Houston, a 3-1 victory in September 2022.
Houston's five-match unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday with a 1-0 loss at Seattle. The Dynamo have not lost consecutive matches in all competitions since losses to Austin FC and FC Dallas in late April.
Meanwhile, New England have lost 13 of their last 17 MLS away matches (incl. playoffs) dating back to the start of October 2023. The Revs have lost their last three on the road, being outscored 9-0 in those games.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Houston Dynamo – 61.1%
Draw – 20.5%
New England Revolution – 18.4%
Trinidad and Tobago’s caretaker head coach Derek King has assembled a group of home-based players to kick start preparations for the two upcoming Concacaf Nations League Group B League A matches against Cuba in Santiago on October 10 and at the Dwight Yorke Stadium on October 14.
King, who led the team in last month’s matches against Honduras and French Guiana, is focused on strength and conditioning, and will later switch to outfield work throughout the sessions, which will be conducted at the Larry Gomes and Hasely Crawford Stadium this week.
Among the players in the provisional mix are regulars Duane Muckette, Ross Russell Jr., Alvin Jones, Kevon Woodley, Denzil Smith, Christopher Biggette, Michel Poon-Angeron and Justin Garcia.
Recalled is Miscellaneous Police’s Joevin Jones, while Kevin Molino has also been invited and has participated in the sessions.
“We have maintained a strong focus on fitness, strength and conditioning, along with mental fitness training. Our primary goal remains ensuring that each player is both physically and mentally prepared to compete at the highest level. The commitment and energy from the team thus far have been exemplary, and we are confident in our progress as we build toward these crucial fixtures,” King told TTFA Media.
“I want to thank the local clubs, the TTPFL, and the TTFA for all the cooperation so far. We will continue to refine our strategies, improve individual and collective performances, and ensure the team is in peak condition to achieve the results we need,” King added.
Among other players King has invited to be part of the provisional squad are John-Paul Rochford, Jelani Peters, Ezekiel Kesar, and Jamal Jack.
The final squad will be announced on the weekend, with the contingent departing for Santiago on October 6.
King's side is currently at the foot of Group B with a point and must win both games against Cuba to keep their chances of progressing alive. In fact, should they fail to secure those six points, they will face relegation to League B.
The 12 matches that will be played in October will determine the winners and runners-up that will join Concacaf’s four top-ranked teams—Canada, Mexico, Panama, and the United States—in the quarterfinals, while the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth-place finishers will progress to the 2025 Gold Cup Prelims and Concacaf Nations League Play-In, respectively.
The Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals will be played in a home-and-away format in November 2024, with the aggregate score winner in each matchup advancing to the 2025 Concacaf Nations League Finals and qualifying for the 2025 Gold Cup. The losing quarterfinalists will advance to the 2025 Gold Cup Prelims.
Jim Curtin is confident the Philadelphia Union have put themselves in a good position, but admits they need to stop dropping points ahead of their trip to Orlando City.
The Union had recorded back-to-back wins in MLS before last weekend, when they let a lead slip to draw 1-1 with Atlanta United.
It leaves them ninth in the Eastern Conference, one of three teams on 37 points, as they push for a place in the playoffs.
Despite the tight table, Curtin is optimistic that their solid work to this point will be enough to help them qualify.
"We're at a point in the year that every team in and around that red line are very desperate," he said.
"It's going to go down to the last day for sure, and we've put ourselves in a situation where we're still in control of our own destiny, but our margin for error is small.
"Not taking the extra two points against Atlanta makes it a little more challenging, no doubts about that."
Meanwhile, Orlando clinched their playoff place last time out with a 3-1 win over FC Dallas.
Sitting fourth in the table, Oscar Pareja was proud of how his team turned around a poor start to the campaign but is still pushing them to finish the regular season strongly.
"We're so excited, and we have a lot of gratitude with the club and with the fans that have supported us this year," Pareja said. "One more time we qualify for the playoffs.
"It's great for a group of players that have a big heart and a big love for the club too, and a lot of passion for what they do. So, I'm very happy.
"We still have a journey to navigate. The boys are in a good mentality."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando City – Facundo Torres
With a goal on Saturday, Facundo Torres has contributed to at least one goal in five straight regular season matches, equalling the longest streak of his career.
The Orlando City club record for consecutive games with a goal contribution is six, done three times before, including by Martin Ojeda earlier this season.
Philadelphia Union – Nathan Harriel
The Union drew, 1-1, with Atlanta United on Saturday despite taking a 1-0 lead, with Harriel scoring their lone goal.
Philadelphia have now dropped 24 points from winning positions this season, the second-most in MLS in 2024 (St. Louis City – 25) and most in a single season in club history, and Harriel will want to help his fellow defenders ensure it does not happen again.
MATCH PREDICTION: ORLANDO CITY WIN
Orlando defeated the Union 3-2 at Subaru Park on May 11. The Lions have never defeated Philadelphia twice in a single season before.
Indeed, Orlando are unbeaten in nine straight home matches (W6 D3) in all competitions, including keeping clean sheets in each of the last four. This is the first time they kept clean sheets in four straight home matches in all competitions in club history.
Meanwhile, the Union have won two of their last three regular-season away matches (L1), including a 5-1 victory at New York City FC on September 18. Philadelphia had won only one of their previous eight road league matches prior to this run.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Orlando City – 45.9%
Draw – 26.7%
Philadelphia Union – 27.4%
Phil Neville knows his Portland Timbers team have their fate in their own hands, and says they are "exactly where we want to be".
The Timbers drew 1-1 with their Pacific north-west rivals the Vancouver Whitecaps last time out.
With FC Dallas losing to Orlando City, Portland are eight points clear in the final playoff wildcard spot in the Western Conference with only nine points left to play for.
It means that a win against Austin FC on Wednesday would guarantee the Timbers' place in the postseason.
A draw may also be enough, depending on Dallas' result elsewhere, though Portland then face the team from Texas in their penultimate regular-season match.
Neville said: "It's in our own hands.
"What I've said to the players is that at the start of the season, when we were in preseason and setting the goals for the season, if we'd have known with three games to go, our destination is in our hands, then I think we would have snatched their hands off.
"Now it's over to us, it's up to us to do what we do at home.
"Two really tough games against two really well-coached teams but it's in our own hands. We’re exactly where we want to be and we want to chase down the people in front of us."
Austin are not mathematically out of the equation for the playoffs, though they would have to win to keep their slender hopes alive.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Portland Timbers - Evander
Evander has recorded an assist in an MLS-record nine straight home matches.
The Brazilian has 12 assists in home matches this season and could equal the third-most in a single season in league history with one more as only Carlos Valderrama (15 in 2000) and Preki (15 in 1997) had more than 13 in a single season.
Austin FC - Sebastian Driussi
Two years ago, Driussi plundered 25 goals in MLS. Last year, he scored 11.
It has been slim pickings in comparison this term for the Austin playmaker, who has netted five times, and has not scored since May in the league. If he is to come good, this is the time to do it.
MATCH PREDICTION: PORTLAND WIN
Austin scored in the 81st and 89th minutes to come from 2-0 down to earn a draw against Real Salt Lake on Saturday.
It marked the second time Austin have overcome a two-goal deficit in the 80th minute or later also doing so in a 3—2 win against D.C. United in April 2022.
However, the Timbers are made the favourites by Opta's model.
Austin have managed just six wins in 38 away from home in all competitions (D9 L23), while the Timbers have won 10 of their last 12 home matches in all competitions (D2). Portland have scored four times in five of those 12 matches, including three of the last four.
The Timbers have won five of their last six matches against Austin (D1) after losing each of the first two meetings, both in Austin.
Austin scored seven goals in their first two matches against Portland but have managed just five goals in the six meetings since.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Portland Timbers - 53.4%
Austin - 22.7%
Draw - 23.9%
Los Angeles FC coach Steve Cherundolo labelled Denis Bouanga as "unstoppable" when the forward is at his best.
Bouanga came off the bench to score the winner as LAFC beat FC Cincinnati 2-1 over the weekend.
That victory saw LAFC, fresh from winning the US Open Cup, clinch their spot in the playoffs.
Bouanga, who has scored 18 goals and set up a further eight in MLS this season, was not impressed with having to settle for a super-sub role, but Cherundolo cares not.
"Denis always wants to play; he never wants to rest," Cherundolo said.
"He was quite upset with me for not starting. And that's okay. Everybody can hate me, that's fine.
"But I think freshness and also making sure he's getting enough rest makes him also better.
"Obviously, he's physically capable of playing every game, but when he loses his explosiveness, he is still extremely good and we're happy to have him.
"But with explosiveness and freshness, he's unstoppable."
Ahead of playing St. Louis City SC on Wednesday, the challenge that now faces LAFC is to go on and secure a home playoff seed.
"To have that sort of response, it's going to be huge going forward for us," defender Ryan Hollingshead said after the win over Cincinnati.
"The team's already confident. And then you throw that result on top of it, I think it's going to be exactly what we need to go get a really good seed in the West moving forward and then go make another run for a cup."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
LAFC - Kei Kamara
Kamara set up LAFC's opener against Cincinnati.
It was Kamara's 49th assist in MLS. He is now one away from becoming the fifth player in league history with 100 goals and 50 assists.
St. Louis City SC - Cedric Teuchert
Teuchert has recorded eight goal contributions in his first seven MLS matches (five goals, three assists), including three in Saturday's win over Sporting Kansas City.
He is the first player to record eight goal contributions in his first seven MLS matches since Alejandro Pozuelo (10) in 2019.
MATCH PREDICTION: LAFC WIN
St. Louis, who are 12th in the Western Conference, are unbeaten in four straight away matches for the first time in club history. Indeed, they have lost only six of their last 15 on the road dating back to the beginning of March (W1 D8).
However, LAFC are nevertheless backed by Opta's predictor. They have now hit 50 points in five of their six full MLS seasons, becoming one of two teams, along with the Philadelphia Union, to reach 50 points five times in the last six full seasons dating back to 2018 (excluding the shortened 2020 season).
The omens are good for LAFC, who are unbeaten against St. Louis, winning two of the three meetings (D1). In fact, LAFC have kept clean sheets in all three matches against St. Louis, making them the only opponent the latter have faced but never scored against.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
LAFC - 62.1%
St. Louis City - 17.8%
Draw - 20%
After 30 matches in the preliminary phase, we have finally come to the portion of the 2024 Caribbean Premier League where a champion will be crowned…the playoffs.
The four-match spectacle, all to take place at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, is set to bowl off with the eliminator on Tuesday evening between the Trinbago Knight Riders and the Barbados Royals.
The loser of that encounter will unfortunately see their 2024 CPL campaign come to an end while the winner will advance to the second qualifier to face the loser of Wednesday’s Qualifier 1 between hosts, defending champions and league-phase table toppers, the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the St. Lucia Kings.
That game will take place on Friday and the winner will face the winner of Qualifier 1 in the final on Sunday.
The Kings are the only team in these playoffs yet to lift a CPL title, finishing as runners up in consecutive years in 2020 and 2021.
The Knight Riders will be looking to add to their record four titles, with the last one coming in 2020.
The Royals are two-time champions, with their wins coming in 2014 and 2019 when they were named the ‘Tridents.’
The Amazon Warriors won their first title last year after being beaten finalists five times from 2013-2019.
With all that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the key players for each franchise heading into the business end of the tournament.
Guyana Amazon Warriors
Shimron Hetmyer
The 27-year-old left-hander has had an excellent season with the bat for the defending champions. The former West Indies U-19 World Cup-winning captain scored 353 runs in 10 innings at an average of 39.22 and a phenomenal strike rate of 186.77.
He hit four fifties including a highest score of 91 against the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots on September 3. Against the Kings, Hetmyer hit 58 in their second-to-last game of the league phase and will hope that form carries over to Wednesday’s game.
Gudakesh Motie and Imran Tahir
On those spin-friendly pitches in Guyana, the Amazon Warriors will need their spin twins Gudakesh Motie and Imran Tahir to shine with the ball. They’ve both been in excellent form this season with 31 wickets between them.
Motie’s 16 wickets have come at an average of 14.37 while Tahir’s 15 have come at 16.37.
St. Lucia Kings
Johnson Charles
The no nonsense right-hander has always had a reputation of being a hit or miss type of batsman. This season, he’s been doing more of the former. He scored the third most runs this season with 366 in 10 innings at an average of 40.66 and a strike rate of 152.50. He’s had scores of 19 and 12 against the Amazon Warriors this season and will be hoping to make a significant contribution against them on Wednesday.
Noor Ahmad
Still only 19-year-old, Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad was the pick of the bowlers this season with a tournament-leading 18 wickets in 10 matches at an average of just 13.16. In his two outings against the Amazon Warriors, he recorded figures of 3-22 and 2-26 and should get a lot of assistance from the pitch in Guyana on Wednesday.
Trinbago Knight Riders
Nicholas Pooran
2024 has been a phenomenal year in T20 cricket for Nicholas Pooran. He recently broke Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan’s record for most T20 run scored in a calendar year and followed that up with a brilliant 101 in his team’s final league phase game against the Amazon Warriors on Sunday.
In total, Pooran finished with 413 runs in 10 innings at an average of 45.88 and a strike rate of 174.26. In his two games against Tuesday opponents the Royals this season, he recorded scores of 35 and 27.
Waqar Salamkheil
The second Afghan left-arm wrist spinner on this list, Salamkheil has been the Knight Riders’ strike bowler this season with Sunil Narine missing the final four games of the league phase. The 22-year-old took 15 wickets in 10 games at an average of 21.73 with his best figures of 3-13 coming against the Royals in Bridgetown on September 12.
Barbados Royals
Quinton de Kock
One of the premier T20 batsmen in the world over the last few years, the South African has shown his class all season for the Royals. His 434 runs in 10 innings at an average of 54.25 put him at the top of the list for most runs. The Royals have been heavily reliant on de Kock’s production this season as he is the only Royals batsman in the top 15. He also had the highest individual score this season, 115 against the Amazon Warriors in Bridgetown on September 13.
Maheesh Theekshana
In his first CPL season, the Sri Lankan mystery spinner has been the best performing bowler for the Royals. He played all 10 games, taking 15 wickets at an impressive economy of just 5.87 and an average of 15.26.
All the matches can be viewed live on Sportsmax and the Sportsmax app.
FC Dallas forward Logan Farrington urged his side to "take care of what we can control" as they bid to qualify for the playoffs.
Dallas' hopes of clinching a playoff spot took a blow as they lost 3-1 to Orlando City last time out.
The result left Dallas eight points behind the Portland Timbers, who occupy the final wildcard spot in the Western Conference.
Next up is a trip to the San Jose Earthquakes, who sit bottom of the West with just 18 points.
And Farrington, who had a goal disallowed for offside in Saturday's match, is taking confidence from a strong finish to their game against Orlando, despite the defeat.
As quoted by Big D Soccer, he said: "I think it shows what we can do and we know what we can do, but it needs to be a lot earlier in the game to get results and we know that. We're disappointed with the result.
"Right now we need to take care of what we can control. Go on the road, get six points, come back, and hopefully get another three points.
"We need to take care of business and hope the rest falls in place for us."
Reflecting on the loss to Orlando, Farrington added: "I think we definitely underperformed in the first half, especially after the game we had last week against LAFC. We came out flat, and they came out sharp and killed us on the ball.
"I think we were lucky to only be down by one. In the second half, we put in a better performance and came out stronger. We almost made the comeback but it was just too late."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
San Jose Earthquakes - Cristian Espinoza
It has been a dismal season for the 'Quakes, but that has not been for the efforts of Espinoza, who has provided 11 assists in MLS this season.
He is the star player Dallas must keep under lock and key if they are to get their playoff push back on track.
FC Dallas - Paul Arriola
Arriola got the goal for Dallas against Orlando, taking his tally for the season to five in MLS.
He is Dallas' second-highest scorer, behind Petar Musa (15).
MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW
The Earthquakes have lost seven of their last eight home matches (W1) including the last four in a row.
San Jose's only longer regular-season home losing streak (excluding breakaway shootouts) was a six-match run in July-August 2000.
Dallas, however, have won just one of their last 15 regular-season away matches in 2024 (D5 L9). The only season in which Dallas did not manage at least two road wins over a full campaign was 2003 (one).
Seven of the last 10 meetings between these teams have ended in draws, with Dallas winning twice and San Jose winning once.
San Jose are winless in seven straight meetings with Dallas (D2 L5).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
San Jose - 33%
Dallas - 41.4%
Draw - 25.6%
Nicolas Wilson and Dianne Brown took home the top awards at last Saturday’s Mayberry/JOA Jamaica Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (JABBFA) National Senior Bodybuilding Championships at the AC Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica.
Wilson took home the biggest prize of the day, taking home the trophy as the overall bodybuilding champion or Mr. Jamaica Bodybuilding.
Like he did last year, Wilson also won top spot in the Light Heavyweight bodybuilding category. The other bodybuilding category winners were Andrew Chisolm-Heavyweight, Wendell Martin-Middleweight and Steve Rodgers-Lightweight.
Chisolm also took top spot in the Bodybuilding Masters category.
Rayon Henry, winner of the medium class men’s physique category, beat out tall class winner Sheldon Harper and short class winner Malik Griffiths to take the overall men’s physique crown.
On the women’s side, tall class winner Dianne Brown was crowned Ms. Jamaica Bikini Fitness after beating out short class winner Donaith Anderson for the overall title.
Ashane Gordon-Morrison, just like she did in 2023, took the titles for Women’s Body Fitness and Women’s Physique.
Other winners on Saturday included Kymani Kirby-Classic Bodybuilding, Bryana Johnson-Bikini Wellness and Nicole Lewis-Bikini Fitness Masters.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Monday announced the appointment of Lynford Inverary as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This decision was made by the Board of Directors during a meeting held in Port of Spain on September 28, 2024.
With over a decade of experience at CWI in various roles, Inverary, an Antiguan national, born in Guyana, has played a pivotal role in driving the organization’s strategic and operational initiatives. Most recently, he spearheaded the formation of CWI's 2024-27 Strategic Plan, titled 'The Long Run', which outlines a comprehensive roadmap focused on improving governance, enhancing cricket development, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term growth and sustainability for the organization.
A graduate of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Inverary holds a First-Class Honors Bachelor of Science in Management with a major in International Business. He also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of South Wales.
Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of CWI, remarked on the appointment noting, "Lynford brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and a deep understanding of CWI’s strategic goals, paired with an operational capacity to execute with precision. Over his decade-long tenure, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding critical projects to successful completion while steering key initiatives with purpose and vision. His unyielding commitment and expertise leave us confident in his ability to lead CWI through this pivotal phase of growth and transformation."
Reflecting on his appointment, Lynford Inverary stated, "I am honored and grateful to the CWI Board of Directors for their vote of confidence in my ability to lead. I embrace this new challenge as a platform to continue contributing to the development of the sport that means so much to me and the people of the West Indies. I look forward to working with the Board, management, and staff to implement our four-year strategic plan, improve operational efficiency, and shape a strong future for West Indies cricket."
During his career at CWI, Lynford Inverary has led multiple high-impact projects, including contributions to the Wehby Report on Governance Reform, the 2018 -2023 Strategic Plan, and the development of the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) Business Plan and Master Plan. As Business Planning Manager, he has overseen the organization’s strategic planning process since 2018 and has contributed to critical business decisions, establishing himself as a leader within the organization. Inverary, has also previously served as Acting Corporate Secretary.
Lynford Inverary’s appointment as COO will be effective from October 1, 2024, and his role as Acting CEO will commence on November 1, 2024, following the departure of Johnny Grave.
Nick Cushing credited New York City's resilience after they inflicted a crushing derby loss on the New York Red Bulls, calling on them to carry that momentum into Wednesday's meeting with FC Cincinnati.
NYCFC were routed 5-1 by the Philadelphia Union just two weeks ago, but they responded by thrashing their cross-city rivals by the same scoreline on the road on Saturday.
That result lifted them to fifth in the Eastern Conference and within one win of sealing a playoff place, something their next opponents Cincinnati have already done.
Reflecting on NYCFC's last result, Cushing said: "I've got some things to say about the 5-1 loss. A lot of the way that I see that game is in a boxing metaphor.
"I know there are many champion boxers that have been champion and have been knocked out in the first round, and they don't retire. They go back to the training ring.
"They go back to the gym, and they come back and become champions again. It's difficult and you have to accept it. Now our focus turns to Cincinnati."
Cincinnati, meanwhile, have seen their hopes of retaining the Supporters' Shield all but extinguished after losing 1-0 at home to Los Angeles FC last time out.
With the MLS Cup now the Orange and Blue's target, Pat Noonan is focused on getting the best out of star midfielder Luciano Acosta, who has been battling a niggling injury.
Noonan said of Acosta: "The more games he gets, the better going into the playoffs.
"He's had enough games and been back without physical limitations but obviously he did take that knock.
"A lot of times our attack does go through him and when he's on it, he's on it. It's just about us trying to find good spots for him."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
New York City – Alonso Martinez
Martinez netted twice in NYCFC's derby rout of the Red Bulls last time out, pulling further clear at the top of the club's scoring charts for 2024 with 14 MLS goals.
He also has five goals in New York's last three regular-season home games, last failing to net in such a match in late June.
FC Cincinnati – Luciano Acosta
Acosta has 28 goal involvements (12 goals, 16 assists) in MLS this season, a tally only bettered by Portland Timbers star Evander (29 – 15 goals and 14 assists).
No player can match Acosta's 98 chances created in the league this year, though, and he will be key if Cincinnati are to seriously challenge for the MLS Cup in the coming weeks.
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
Cincinnati saw their four-game unbeaten run in MLS play (two wins, two draws) brought to an end with their defeat to LAFC last time out.
They have gone unbeaten through their last five MLS matches against NYCFC, winning three and drawing two while outscoring their opponents 12-6 in those games.
However, NYCFC have only lost two of their last eight MLS games on home soil (four wins, two draws), versus the MLS Cup holders, the Columbus Crew, and the Union. A draw could be on the cards on Wednesday.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
New York City – 36.7%
FC Cincinnati – 37.1%
Draw – 26.3%
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
