Greg Vanney hailed "tireless worker" Gabriel Pec after the Brazilian continued his excellent form with a goal against Real Salt Lake.
The Galaxy beat RSL 1-0 last time out to join them and their city rivals Los Angeles FC on 37 points at the summit of the Western Conference.
Pec netted his sixth MLS goal of the season in that victory, while the winger has also provided six assists.
And ahead of the Galaxy facing the San Jose Earthquakes, Vanney was full of praise for Pec.
“The guy is a tireless worker. He's a horse," he said, via The Galactic Tribune.
"It's like I think he's played 50 games in each of the last three seasons. So coming here and playing the games that we have and the busy schedule moments, for him, it's nothing.
“We know the quality he has. His ability on the right side to get in on his left foot, and he's had a couple finishes in the last few games on that. When he's on the left, he gets to the end line and he creates problems setting up goals which he did earlier in the week.
"He's finding his ways in this league and in this team, and we are finding ways to continue to get him on the ball in good positions."
Vanney also lauded the Galaxy's defence after they kept a second successive clean sheet.
“That's two in a row. That's not something we have done in probably a long time," he added.
"It's a big thing for our group, as well. If we defend well, we're going to be really, really difficult to beat."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
San Jose Earthquakes - Jeremy Ebobisse
Ebobisse has scored 10 regular-season goals against the Galaxy, four more than against any other team in his career. Only four players in MLS history have netted more goals against the Galaxy in regular-season play.
LA Galaxy - Dejan Joveljic
Pec might be a huge danger, but the Galaxy's main threat in front of goal is Joveljic, who has scored 11 league goals this term.
MATCH PREDICTION: LA GALAXY WIN
The Galaxy have won three straight matches for the first time since a four-match winning streak in August-September 2020. That run ended with a scoreless draw at San Jose.
The Earthquakes suffered their 14th loss in 19 matches this regular season with a 6-2 defeat to LAFC on Saturday.
The only team in the post-shoot-out era to lose 15 times in their first 20 matches of a season was the Tampa Bay Mutiny in 2001 (16).
The Galaxy have won three straight matches against the Earthquakes in all competitions for the first time since August-September 2002. Neither team has recorded four straight outright wins (excluding breakaway shoot-outs) in the 100-match history of the series in all competitions.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
San Jose Earthquakes - 29%
LA Galaxy - 46.5%
Draw - 24.5%
The United States were defeated 2-1 by Panama in a thrilling Copa America encounter on Thursday.
A frantic opening paved the way for an exhilarating, blood and thunder match in which both teams had a player sent off.
The first 26 minutes in Atlanta saw the USA have a goal disallowed, Timothy Weah sent off and Folarin Balogun score a stunner before Cesar Blackman equalised.
With the match seemingly ebbing towards a draw, Ricardo Pepi's profligacy sparked a frenetic finale, with Jose Fajardo netting in the 83rd minute and Panama holding firm despite Adalberto Carrasquilla's red card.
Victory takes Panama level on three points with the Copa America hosts, who are in a precarious position ahead of facing Uruguay in their final Group C match.
A rowdy crowd was almost silenced inside the first two minutes when Yoel Barcenas' stunning bicycle kick flashed over the crossbar, but the home fans were soon celebrating when Weston McKennie slammed in, only for the goal to be disallowed after a lengthy VAR review for Tim Ream straying offside.
There was further VAR frustration to come for the USA, as they were reduced to 10 men when Weah saw a yellow card upgraded to a straight red after he lashed out at Amir Murillo.
That frustration turned to elation in the 22nd minute as Balogun brilliantly fired in from the edge of the box, his left-footed strike cannoning in off the inside of the right-hand upright.
It was a lead that lasted only four minutes – Blackman drilling into the bottom-left corner from 20 yards out to restore parity.
VAR came to the USA's rescue just after the hour when referee Ivan Barton overturned his decision to award Panama a penalty after Cameron Carter-Vickers lunged in on Fajardo.
Balogun went close to a sensational second soon after, but the best chance of the second half fell to his replacement Pepi, whose close-range header was kept out by Orlando Mosquera.
Pepi was immediately made to pay, with Fajardo making no mistake as he lashed home from close range, and even though Carrasquilla saw red, Panama sealed a memorable victory that throws Group C wide open.
Pepi pays the price
Pepi has had to settle for a substitute role with Balogun the first choice, but that has not stopped him having chances. In fact, he has accumulated more expected goals (2.27) than any other player in the tournament so far.
Yet the youngster, who has played just 43 minutes, has failed to convert any of his seven shots, while the other four players in the top five for xG at this edition of the Copa have all scored at least once.
McKennie did brilliantly to tee Pepi up for the USA's big moment in the second half, but PSV striker fluffed his lines.
In contrast, Balogun showed just how good he can be – his goal, his second of the tournament, came from a shot with an xG value of just 0.04. The Stars and Stripes might well need their first-choice forward to deliver that kind of quality again if they are to progress.
Panama worthy winners
Panama came out on top on penalties against the USA in the Gold Cup last year, but Thomas Christiansen's team were well worth their victory in regulation time on this occasion.
The USA did continue their run of scoring at least one goal when facing Panama – they have now done that in 19 of the last 20 meetings – but despite the hosts having a higher xG (1.11 to 0.76), Panama had the cutting edge when it mattered.
They had to play dirty at times, committing 19 fouls to the USA's four, and Gregg Berhalter may well point to that, but mastering the dark arts has given Panama, who face Bolivia next, a great chance of getting out of the group.
Gerardo Martino is "the perfect fit" for Inter Miami, so says Julian Gressel.
Miami are top of MLS ahead of playing Nashville SC this weekend, having taken 41 points from 20 matches.
It has been an epic turnaround in fortunes for the Herons, who have been MLS' form team since the arrivals of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba last year.
This season, that trio have been formed by their former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez, who like Messi, has netted 12 goals in the league so far in 2024.
Yet with both Messi and Suarez absent due to the ongoing Copa America, Miami's form has not dropped off.
And Gressel, who supplied an assist in Miami's 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew last time out, says Martino deserves all the credit.
"Tata is the perfect fit for this team," he told the Miami Herald. "He has the intensity to push younger guys but also the experience and knowledge of how to manage a really successful team with stars.
"He knows MLS. He knows Leo Messi and Busquets and Jordi and Suarez. He can combine all that knowledge he gained over those years and really bring out the best in us.
"When Miami made that hire, I wasn't with the club yet, but I remember thinking: 'This is absolutely a no-brainer.'
"You don't really coach Leo Messi anymore, or Luis Suarez; Those guys are so beyond that, so it's about managing them and managing the team around them.
"He has a really good feel for that."
Former Barca boss Martino credited his work in charge of national teams as the ideal preparation for this job.
"Of course, it is rare for four stars to show up together, especially in MLS, but dealing with young players and stars is not new to me," Martino said.
"As a national team coach, you often have world-class players with a lot of experience, and you collaborate with the young players who are developing.
"As a coach, your job is not restricted to training during the week and playing games on weekends. You are also expected to develop and integrate young players while coexisting with the big-name players."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nashville SC - Sam Surridge
Hany Mukhtar has not quite scaled the same heights as in seasons gone by in 2024, but striker Surridge has provided the goals. He leads the way for Nashville, with seven strikes in MLS.
Inter Miami - Julian Gressel
Gressel’s assist for Ian Fray to score Miami’s opening goal against Columbus was his 61st MLS assist.
Since he joined MLS in 2017, only Luciano Acosta (65) has recorded more assists than Gressel.
MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW
Nashville limited New York City FC to no shots on target in their 1-0 win on Saturday. It marked the sixth time since the start of the 2021 season that Nashville have not allowed a shot on target in a match, the most such games in the league in that time.
Miami are now on 41 points. Of the 11 previous teams that averaged more than 2.0 points per match through 20 games of the season, 10 went on to win the Supporters' Shield, with the exception being Toronto FC in the shortened 2020 season.
The Herons are unbeaten in six straight meetings with Nashville SC in all competitions (W3 D3) including winning the last two.
Prior to the last two games, Miami had won only two of their first 11 matches against Nashville in all competitions (D5 L4).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Nashville SC - 37.8%
Inter Miami - 35.7%
Draw - 26.4%
Brazil are "convinced" they will come good at the Copa America, as they aim to get back on track after a 0-0 draw with Costa Rica, so says Dorival Junior.
The Selecao were frustrated in their opening Group D match, accumulating 1.71 expected goals and having 19 shots, though only three were on target.
With Colombia having started their campaign with a win over Paraguay, the pressure is on Brazil to deliver when they face the same opponent on Friday.
Coach Dorival, though, urged for calm heads and a touch of patience.
He told reporters: "It's natural that we all expected a slightly different result in the last game, but we can't fail to appreciate how we performed. The way we put our opponents in their defence.
"I am convinced of what we are doing and what we are achieving. It is work we have just started, but I think we are progressing in a balanced way.
"We have to be calm, balanced and confident. If every game we have doubts about everything we are doing, we will get nowhere.
"We need to understand it's a time of change, of transition, you can't build a team overnight.
"It's a natural process. The team has shown more positives than negatives in every match, not just the last one."
Brazil will need more cutting edge than they showed on matchday one.
They made 695 passes in their opening match, more than any other team in the first round of the competition.
The omens are not brilliant, either. Brazil and Paraguay have drawn their last four encounters in the Copa America. These four draws represent the longest consecutive streak of draws between two teams in the history of the competition.
Manchester United have confirmed the departure of captain Katie Zelem.
England international Zelem has spent six years with United, helping them gain promotion to the WSL in her first season.
Zelem has scored 32 goals in 161 appearances for the club, and led them to a maiden Women's FA Cup triumph in 2023-24.
However, she is now set for pastures new, with the 28-year-old joining forward Lucia Garcia in departing upon the expiration of her contract.
"Everyone at Manchester United would like to place on record their thanks to Katie for her excellent service and wish her the best of luck in the next phase of her career," a club statement read.
Zelem and Garcia do not appear to be the only big names who will be leaving United after the end of their current deals, with England goalkeeper Mary Earps reportedly set to join Paris Saint-Germain.
England star Phil Foden was set to join back up with his team-mates on Thursday, according to reports.
Foden left England's Euro 2024 camp on Wednesday due to a "pressing family matter".
It was subsequently confirmed Foden was attending the birth of his third child.
The 24-year-old was then travelling back to Germany late on Thursday.
England face Slovakia in the last 16 on Sunday.
Foden has started all three of England's matches at the tournament so far, though the Premier League Player of the Season has so far failed to find his best form.
Jamaica’s Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson was left with a mixed bag of emotions after his Reggae Boyz suffered a tough 1-3 loss to Ecuador in a hard-fought Copa America encounter in Las Vegas, on Wednesday.
While he lauded his players’ efforts and resilience on the pitch at the Allegiant Stadium, Hallgrimsson did not shy away from expressing his disappointment with the officiating that he believes marred the match, and ultimately eliminated his team from the tournament.
An historic first Copa America goal scored by Michail Antonio in the 54th minute, highlighted Jamaica’s stout-hearted performance, which Hallgrimsson believes could have brought about a more positive result if a potential penalty was awarded to his team by Chilean Referee Cristian Reyes.
Antonio’s strike, his fourth since joining the Jamaican setup, was also the country’s first across its three appearances in the prestigious CONMEBOL tournament. They also graced the tournament in 2015 and 2016.
Ecuador’s goals were courtesy of Kasey Palmer’s 14th-minute own-goal, with Kendry Paez’s 45+4-minute penalty and Alan Minda (90+2) being the others.
“First half was difficult for us Ecuador came out strong which we knew they would so we give them credit for that. We then tweaked or tactics and we started going at them with a high pressing line in the second half because we had nothing to lose at two-nil down. We scored one goal early which was important we should have had a penalty.
“If the first one was a penalty the second one should have been a penalty as well because they were identical incidents, but one was given in favour of Ecuador and we didn’t get ours. So give credit to my players for never giving up until the end, we took risk and Ecuador did well in one counter attack and scored the third goal,” a disappointed Hallgrimsson said in a post-match conference.
“I think it was just more positivity, more power, more on the front foot. We had nothing to lose [being] two under so we decided to go all in. I must give my players credit for everything they gave for the second half; they left everything on the pitch [but], sadly, results didn’t go in our favour. There’s a lot of things that didn’t go to us in this game. We deserved to have more — especially after the second-half performance,” he added.
Hallgrimsson stressed the contentious decision by the referee, as he recounted the incident, emphasizing the need for fair play and consistency in officiating.
The incident in question happened in 70th minute when Michael Hector toed the ball onto the outstretched hand of Steven Franco, but referee Reyes saw no issue with the infringement, even after a lengthy VAR check. This served as a slap in the face of the Boyz, who were on the other end of a similar incident in the first half when a ball clipped Greg Leigh’s elbow and a penalty awarded to Ecuador.
“I thought we should have had a penalty, like Ecuador had a penalty. I don’t see a difference between the two instances so I don’t know why the referee, after looking at it, decided not to give us a penalty but decided to give them a penalty,” Hallgrimsson argued
“I cannot, for the love of God, I don’t want to say much but I don’t understand the difference between those two. I haven’t got the reason. I’ve seen the replay and, for the love of God, I don’t know why this wasn’t a penalty if the other one was a penalty. I can’t answer for [the referee]. I wish they could sit here and answer that question for me,” he reasoned.
Despite the officiating controversies, Hallgrimsson took some of his players to task, even as he remained focused on the positives.
The Jamaicans, who are rooted at the bottom of group B with no point, will close another failed Copa America campaign against Venezuela, in Austin, Texas, on Sunday.
“Too many players had an off day for us in the first half and when you play these kind of tournaments you cannot have that, but we just didn’t have a response to the pressure that Ecuador applied early. But I don’t think the game was a 3-1 scoreline, we played better than that so it is kind of embarrassing to go with that scoreline,” he ended.
Niclas Fullkrug believes Germany have already shown they are capable of winning Euro 2024 ahead of their last-16 tie with Denmark on Saturday.
Julian Nagelsmann's side concluded their Group A campaign with a draw against Switzerland, with Borussia Dortmund forward Fullkrug striking late on to secure top spot.
Germany thumped Scotland 5-1 in the opening game of the tournament before beating Hungary 2-0 in Stuttgart.
And Fullkrug is confident the hosts have demonstrated title-winning levels.
"If you want to become European champions you have to beat the really good [teams]," Fullkrug said.
"I think we've already shown what we are capable of in this tournament."
Germany head coach Nagelsmann was able to sit back and watch the action for the remainder of the week but was in no mood for sympathy for having extra days to prepare for their knockout stage fixture compared to Denmark.
"We have two more days to prepare, maybe the opponent is not that happy about that," Nagelsmann said.
"But one of those four only has to prepare for one team, we have to prepare for four, so it's kind of fair. May the best team win on Saturday."
Preparations for Denmark begin #DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT #EURO2024
DFB/ Philipp Reinhard pic.twitter.com/nzMO7piEEj
— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) June 26, 2024
Denmark have only won three of their last 15 matches at major tournaments, drawing seven and losing five.
They are winless in their last seven such games (D4 L3), drawing all three of their games in Group C.
Kasper Hjulmand has a plan for how Denmark can derail the host's dreams of claiming a fourth European crown.
"We have to close down the central space, at the same time as we have to play football," Hjulmand said.
"Germany are one of the hardest-pressing teams at the Euros, they win the ball back very quickly, so it's important that we can play the ball around in there."
And Yussuf Poulsen thinks Denmark can take confidence from Switzerland's display against Germany.
"We are a very good team, we defend very well and have good attackers who can hurt the Germans, I am sure," Poulsen said.
"We have played against each other before and it was an even game. Of course, we also saw how Switzerland did it and we see ourselves as a similar team to Switzerland."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Germany – Niclas Fullkrug
Although he may not start the game in Dortmund, Nagelsmann has a dangerous weapon in his armoury in the shape of Fullkrug.
Fullkrug has scored four goals in six major tournament appearances for Germany, with all those coming as a substitute.
Among all European players to play at least 100 minutes at the World Cup and Euros combined, only Ernst Wilimowski (one every 30 mins) has a better minutes per goal ratio than Fullkrug (one every 35 mins).
Denmark – Christian Eriksen
Eriksen has often been the diamond in the crown of Denmark's midfield, but this could be the midfielder's most influential tournament to date.
In the group stage, he was directly involved in 23 of Denmark's 42 shots, attempting 10 and teeing up a further 13.
He is the first Denmark player to register both 10+ shots and 10+ chances created at a single edition of a major tournament. If the Danes are to upset the odds, Eriksen will likely be crucial.
MATCH PREDICTION: GERMANY WIN
This encounter will be the fifth meeting between Germany and Denmark at a major tournament.
Germany will take comfort from Denmark's record against the host nation of a European Championship, with the Danes losing all five of their previous meetings, including against the Germans themselves in the 1988 group stage.
However, Germany's record at this stage of the Euros has not been impressive of late. Having reached the knockout stage for a fifth consecutive time, Die Mannschaft's last two such matches have both ended in 2-0 defeats, to France at Euro 2016 and England at Euro 2020.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Germany - 57.9%
Draw - 23.3%
Denmark - 18.8%
Sandro Schwarz has praised the New York Red Bulls' mentality and character as they prepare to welcome DC United to the Red Bull Arena this Sunday.
The Red Bulls maintained their three-match unbeaten run with an impressive 3-0 win over Toronto FC last weekend.
Schwarz's side sit third in the Eastern Conference, five points behind FC Cincinnati, having played a game more than Pat Noonan's side.
The New York side are without several of their star players due to international duty, but Schwarz was impressed with how his side rose to the occasion in their latest MLS fixture.
"It's great character from the whole team, it's great mentality," Schwarz said.
"We have seen since the first game and every training session that they are working very seriously and we need all the players, especially in this long season.
"It's good to see that everyone is making these steps and this is necesarry for us, not only to look for two or three players.
"We have to grow up as a team and it's good to see. We have missed important players for sure, but it's good to see as a group we are able to get points and it gives us a lot of confidence."
Meanwhile, DC United suffered a crushing defeat on home turf last time out, losing 4-1 to Houston Dynamo as Christian Benteke and Matai Akinmboni saw red and will miss the trip to New York.
Troy Lesesne's side are without a win in their last eight MLS fixtures, a run which has seen his team ship 20 goals in that time.
DC are currently one point ahead of bottom side Chicago Fire in the Western Conference table, level on points CF Montreal and New England Revolution, and know a victory is a must to get back to winning ways.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
NYRB – Elias Manoel
Elias Manoel’s 29th-minute opener for the Red Bulls on Saturday was the eighth goal scored from outside the box this season for the club, second most in MLS (Sporting Kansas City – 10).
Manoel (2) is the only Red Bulls player with multiple goals from outside the box this season.
DC United – Mateusz Klich
In the absence of top scorer Benteke, only two players have scored more than once this season, one of them being Mateusz Klich.
The experienced midfielder last found the back of the net against Toronto earlier this month, and his side will be hoping he can rediscover his goal-scoring touch this weekend.
MATCH PREDICTION: NYRB WIN
The Red Bulls have won their last four meetings against DC United, including a 4-1 away win on May 15. It’s their longest-ever winning streak against their opponents in all competitions and the longest in the rivalry since D.C. won five in a row in 2004.
Schwarz’s side continued their impressive home form, extending their unbeaten run to 12 games (W8 D4) in all competitions in their triumph over Toronto on Saturday.
DC, however, are enduring their longest winless run since a nine-match span between September and October 2020. The Eagles have failed to win in their last eight matches (D2 L6).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY –
NYRB – 61.3%
Draw – 20.4%
DC United – 18.3%
FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan insists his side cannot feel sorry for themselves as they look to keep pace at the top of the Eastern Conference table.
The Orange and Blues were beaten 2-1 by New England Revolution last time out, not helped by the sending off Obinna Nwobodo three minutes after Yamil Asad had halved the deficit for the home side.
Cincinnati travel to FC Dallas this Sunday, and Noonan expects his players to give their supporters a much-improved display to ensure they remain within touching distance of league leaders Inter Miami.
"We didn't give (the fans) much to cheer about in the first 45 (minutes)," Noonan said. "But it starts with me. I don't think that was a version of our group that we should have seen tonight, so I can't blame those guys for anything.
“I don't think in the first half we were able to take the space in an efficient way to then open up different ways of breaking pressure because it was too predictable.
"But we can't feel sorry for ourselves, we have to keep going."
Meanwhile, Dallas suffered their first defeat in three matches at the hands the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field last time out.
Peter Luccin’s side had taken a two-goal lead heading into the final 20 minutes of the game, but a late turnaround from the home side saw them score three times in the final 12 minutes of the game to secure the triumph on a disappointing night for the Toros.
The result leaves them in 11th place in the Western Conference heading into the encounter, but they will be hopeful of kickstarting another unbeaten run to close the gap to the play-off places.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Dallas – Luciano Acosta
Acosta’s influence in the Dallas side as his assist took his tally to 15 for the season, the third time he has reach this number in the MLS (17 in 2018, 19 in 2022).
The Argentine became just the fifth player in MLS history to have three or more seasons with at least 15 assists, and he shows no sign of stopping.
Cincinnati – Peter Musa
The Croatian scored his ninth goal of the season for FC Dallas last Saturday and is on the cusp of achieving a record that has stood since 2017.
Should he find the back of the net against Dallas, Musa will become the first FC Dallas player to represent a country other than the United States with a 10-goal season since Maximiliano Urruti (Argentina) and Roland Lamah (Belgium).
MATCH PREDICTION: CINCINNATI WIN
This will be just the second meeting between the two sides, with Cincinnati out to avenge their defeat to Dallas in their first encounter back in August 2019.
Noonan’s side have won five straight away matches for the first time in club history. There have only been two longer road winning streaks in MLS in the post-shootout era (since 2000): CF Montreal (7 straight) in 2022 and San Jose (6 straight) in 2005.
However, the Toros are unbeaten in their last seven home matches (W5 D2) in all competitions, including winning their last two in a row. They have suffered just two defeats in their last 21 home matches in all competitions dating back to the beginning of last year’s Leagues Cup (W10 D9).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Dallas – 32%
Draw – 25.4%
Cincinnati – 42.6%
Marc Guehi has said that England head coach Gareth Southgate has the full confidence of his team-mates as the Three Lions prepare for their last-16 tie with Slovakia.
The England team concluded their Group C campaign with a goalless draw against Slovenia in Cologne, topping the group with five points ahead of Denmark.
But the sound of the full-time whistle was greeted with boos from the travelling Three Lions support, with much of it aimed towards Southgate.
Guehi, who has started every game in Germany so far, has been a shining light for England as he continues to build a solid partnership alongside John Stones.
"He has been fantastic for England. If you look at his record, it speaks for itself," 23-year-old Guehi said on the Three Lions boss.
"Everyone is behind the manager and we have a really close tight-knit group just focused on the next group. Everyone appreciates him, especially me.
"He gave me my debut for England and he’s showed so much confidence in me. I am really grateful and I'm sure the rest of the team is as well."
As the curtain closed on the group stage on Wednesday, a shock Georgia win against Portugal meant that England would avoid the Netherlands in the knockout stages and fall on the favourable side of the draw.
Spain, Germany, Portugal, France and Belgium are in the other half of the draw, adding further expectation for England to end their wait for a first international honour in 58 years.
However, the Crystal Palace defender believes there are no easy games at this stage of the competition.
"Everyone has seen in this competition that I don't think there is a favourable side of the draw," he said. "Every opponent is tough to play against.
"We just need to remain calm. We put pressure on ourselves, but it’s a very calm and focused environment. We just need to continue focusing on one thing at a time."
Jim Curtin has said he will take the full burden of Philadelphia Union's poor recent form as they look to bounce back against fellow strugglers Montreal this Sunday.
The Union are without a win in their last six MLS fixtures, with their latest defeat coming at the hands of Charlotte FC in front of their home supporters last time out.
Curtin's side have managed just 20 points in their 19 league games after recording at least 32 at this stage in four of the previous five seasons.
And the Philadelphia head coach acknowledged his side's struggles in recent weeks, but highlighted the injuries within his squad as a major factor in their winless streak.
"The fingers are pointed at me first, and I accept that, and I take the responsibility for the current run that we are on," Curtin said.
"It hurts, but I still think the players are trying and giving everything that they can, but at the moment it is just not enough.
"We know that we're missing five to six key guys, and it hurts right now, and it's tough for us to catch a break and score a goal to make a play that changes the game."
Meanwhile, Montreal are enduring a losing streak of their own and are without a triumph since their 4-2 win over DC United back in May.
Laurent Courtois' side were beaten 4-1 by Colorado Rapids in their last MLS fixture, leaving them a point above bottom side Chicago Fire in the Eastern Conference.
L'Impact face a tough test should they want to return to winning ways this Sunday, having won one of their last nine meetings with the Union (D4 L4) dating back to October 2020.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Montreal – Josef Martínez
Martinez has scored eight career goals against the Union in all competitions, having only scored more against Orlando (9).
However, Curtin’s side have managed to keep the Venezuelan at bay in recent meetings, having shut the striker out in each of the last four league meetings, with his last league goal against them coming back in 2019.
Philadelphia – Tai Baribo
In the absence of top scorer Julian Carranzo (10) and Daniel Gazdag (10), Baribo has the opportunity to take centre stage for the Union against Montreal.
The Israeli scored his first two goals for the club on his first start in their 4-3 defeat to Cincinnati, and will be looking to rediscover his goal-scoring touch at the Stade Saputo.
MATCH PREDICTION: PHILADELPHIA WIN
The Union come into the encounter as marginal favourites despite their six-game winless streak, but their impressive record against their opponents will give them some much-needed confidence.
Philadelphia have lost just one of their last nine meetings with Montreal (W4 D4), but that defeat came in the last meeting between the two sides, losing 3-2 back in March 2023.
Montreal have won just one of their last 14 matches in all competitions (D7 L6) dating back to mid-April. They are one of three MLS teams, along with the Union and St. Louis City SC, with only one victory in all competitions in that time.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Montreal – 35.3%
Draw – 26%
Philadelphia – 38.7%
John Herdman has said that Toronto must go back to basics to halt their six-game winless run ahead of their trip to Atlanta United on Sunday.
The Reds fell to their third consecutive MLS defeat away to the New York Red Bulls last time out and have scored just four goals in their last five league fixtures.
Toronto enter the encounter in eighth place ahead of their trip to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, three points ahead of their opponents in the Eastern Conference.
Herdman's side Toronto FC has won only two of their last 30 away matches (D7 L21) dating back to September 2022, but the 48-year-old is keen to put an end to that run.
“We'll get back,” said Herdman. “As I've said to the lads, they just have to go to the next task.”
“That's all we can control at the moment,” he closed. “Just next task, back to basics, and then looking at evolving tactically for a tough match at Atlanta.”
For Atlanta, they are now unbeaten in their last three MLS games, having come from a goal down to draw with St. Louis City last Sunday.
Rob Valentino's side, however, have struggled at home in recent weeks and are without a win in seven (D2 L5), leaving them in ninth heading into the encounter.
The Five Stripes enter a busy period of the campaign, playing six matches in 18 days, starting by welcoming Toronto to Georgia, something which goalkeeper Brad Guzan knows about during his time in the Premier League.
“One of the most important things is being able to rest and recover mentally and physically," said Guzan.
So that when you step on the field for the next game, you are ready to go."
Atlanta – Daniel Rios
Having been an unused sub in consecutive games against Inter Miami and Charlotte, Rios has returned to the starting line-up with the desired impact, scoring two goals in his last three games.
The Mexican's equaliser against St. Louis City on Saturday came from a free-kick, the first non-penalty set-piece goal Atlanta have scored all season.
Toronto – Federico Bernardeschi
Should Toronto get back to winning ways, the experience and skill of Bernardeschi will be key, having provided 12 goal involvements from 17 MLS appearances this season.
The Italian has four goals in his last five league games, and has previously scored twice against the Five Stripes.
MATCH PREDICTION: ATLANTA WIN
Atlanta will be confident of maintaining their impressive record against their opponents at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium this weekend, having gone seven games without defeat (W3 D4).
But the Five Stripes will be wary of their recent home record. Valentino’s side are winless in seven straight games in front of their home supporters, (D2 L5) having not recorded a home win since March 31.
Despite their 3-0 defeat to the New York Red Bulls last time out, Toronto can take confidence from the defeat. It marked just the fifth time all season that Toronto failed to find the net. Last season, Toronto was shut out an MLS-record 18 times as the Reds already have more goals this season (28) than they managed in 2023 (26).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Atlanta – 60.6%%
Draw – 20.7%%
Toronto – 18.7%
John Herdman has said that Toronto must go back to basics to halt their six-game winless run ahead of their trip to Atlanta United on Sunday.
The Reds fell to their third consecutive MLS defeat away to the New York Red Bulls last time out and have scored just four goals in their last five league fixtures.
Toronto enter the encounter in eighth place ahead of their trip to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, three points ahead of their opponents in the Eastern Conference.
Herdman's side Toronto FC has won only two of their last 30 away matches (D7 L21) dating back to September 2022, but the 48-year-old is keen to put an end to that run.
“We'll get back,” said Herdman. “As I've said to the lads, they just have to go to the next task.”
“That's all we can control at the moment,” he closed. “Just next task, back to basics, and then looking at evolving tactically for a tough match at Atlanta.”
For Atlanta, they are now unbeaten in their last three MLS games, having come from a goal down to draw with St. Louis City last Sunday.
Rob Valentino's side, however, have struggled at home in recent weeks and are without a win in seven (D2 L5), leaving them in ninth heading into the encounter.
The Five Stripes enter a busy period of the campaign, playing six matches in 18 days, starting by welcoming Toronto to Georgia, something which goalkeeper Brad Guzan knows about during his time in the Premier League.
“One of the most important things is being able to rest and recover mentally and physically," said Guzan.
So that when you step on the field for the next game, you are ready to go."
Atlanta – Daniel Rios
Having been an unused sub in consecutive games against Inter Miami and Charlotte, Rios has returned to the starting line-up with the desired impact, scoring two goals in his last three games.
The Mexican's equaliser against St. Louis City on Saturday came from a free-kick, the first non-penalty set-piece goal Atlanta have scored all season.
Toronto – Federico Bernardeschi
Should Toronto get back to winning ways, the experience and skill of Bernardeschi will be key, having provided 12 goal involvements from 17 MLS appearances this season.
The Italian has four goals in his last five league games, and has previously scored twice against the Five Stripes.
MATCH PREDICTION: ATLANTA WIN
Atlanta will be confident of maintaining their impressive record against their opponents at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium this weekend, having gone seven games without defeat (W3 D4).
But the Five Stripes will be wary of their recent home record. Valentino’s side are winless in seven straight games in front of their home supporters, (D2 L5) having not recorded a home win since March 31.
Despite their 3-0 defeat to the New York Red Bulls last time out, Toronto can take confidence from the defeat. It marked just the fifth time all season that Toronto failed to find the net. Last season, Toronto was shut out an MLS-record 18 times as the Reds already have more goals this season (28) than they managed in 2023 (26).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Atlanta – 60.6%%
Draw – 20.7%%
Toronto – 18.7%
Switzerland midfielder Remo Freuler has insisted his team-mates are not afraid of Italy ahead of their Euro 2024 last-16 meeting in Berlin.
Murat Yakin's side, who finished second in Group A behind hosts Germany, face the Azzurri on Saturday with the hopes of ending their 11-game winless run against their opponents.
Freuler, who was on loan at Bologna from Nottingham Forest last season and was previously with Atalanta, says this will be no ordinary game for him.
"Of course, it's not a match like any other for me. In Italy I built my career, also finding an ideal country to spend my life with my family," he said.
"On Saturday, however, there won't be all this love. It's a round of 16 and there will be no room for feelings."
Freuler knows the next part of the tournament is where the Swiss will really be judged but insists they have nothing to fear from the reigning champions.
"Doing well in the first part of the tournament is important. The matches that make the difference, those capable of changing the dimension of a national team, however, are others," Freuler said.
"But I'm not afraid. Switzerland are not afraid of Italy."
Italy, meanwhile, continue their quest to become the second side to win back-to-back European Championships, having notched four points from their three group games.
The Azzurri were on the cusp of being eliminated from the tournament until Mattia Zaccagni's late strike secured a 1-1 draw with Croatia on matchday three.
Head coach Luciano Spalletti is looking for a much-improved display from his side, who he described as soft following the conclusion of their Group B fixtures.
"We deserved to go through in terms of what we produced out there. We were a bit soft at times during the game, we did not necessarily play our best football," he said.
"We were timid and need to do more. We have players who have the quality to play these games on an equal footing, but sometimes we make trivial mistakes.
"Whenever there is a challenge or a 50-50, we don’t win any. It is not a technical question, it comes down to experience, getting into these physical challenges and being willing to do the dirty work. We need to improve on that score."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Switzerland - Remo Freuler
Remo Freuler has assisted three goals in his last four European Championship appearances for Switzerland, with his latest coming in their 1-1 draw with Germany.
The only Swiss player with more assists at the European Championships is Steven Zuber (four), and the midfielder will be keen to add to his tally in Berlin.
Italy - Gianluigi Donnarumma
Having scored just three goals in their three group games, Italy captain Donnarumma was often the busier goalkeeper in the Azzurri's Group B fixtures.
The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper made 11 saves for Italy in the group stages, the most by an Italian goalkeeper in that part of a major tournament since Gianluigi Buffon at Euro 2012 (also 11).
MATCH PREDICTION: ITALY WIN
This will be Switzerland and Italy’s fifth meeting at a major international tournament, with the Swiss winning both games at the 1954 World Cup (2-1 in the groups and 4-1 in a group-stage play-off).
However, Italy have won the last two, both in the group stages and both times 3-0, in the 1962 World Cup and at Euro 2020, and are unbeaten in their last 11 matches against Switzerland in all competitions (six draws, five losses).
But the contest in Berlin has the potential to go beyond the 90 minutes. Fifteen of the Azzurri's last 26 knockout matches at major international tournaments have gone to extra-time, including four of their last five.
Switzerland may be outsiders, but they come into the encounter with confidence, having lost just one of their last 13 matches at the European Championships (four wins, eight draws) and they will be hopeful of improving their woeful record in the knockout stages of major tournaments.
Excluding shoot-outs, they have failed to win any of their seven last-16 matches at major international tournaments (three draws, four defeats), progressing to the quarter-finals on just one occasion at Euro 2020 by beating France on penalties.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Switzerland - 31.4%
Draw - 30.3%
Italy - 38.4%
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
