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%

Barcelona have set midfielder Marc Bernal's buyout clause at €500million and extended the 17-year-old's contract until June 2026, the LaLiga club said on Monday

When Spaniard Bernal will no longer be an Under-19 player in 2026, he will have an option to extend for an additional three years, Barca added.

Bernal ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during Barca's 2-1 victory at Rayo Vallecano last month, where he was forced off the pitch in the final minutes.

A product of Barcelona's youth academy, Bernal has made three league appearances since his debut for the senior team in their LaLiga opener against Valencia.

"Barcelona and Marc Bernal have reached an agreement on an adjustment of the player's contract, which binds him to the club until 30 June 2026, when his status as an U19 player ends, with the option to three more years," a Barca statement read on Monday.

"The buyout clause has been set at €500million.

"Marc Bernal was, until his unfortunate injury, the huge sensation at the start of the season.

"After he joined manager Hansi Flick for the pre-season, the German coach was convinced that he was ready to move up to the next level.

"The club is convinced that he is a fabulous investment for the future and has reflected this belief with today's new deal." 

Russell Martin said he was "hurt" by Southampton's first-half performance and he did not recognise his side in an abject 3-1 loss to south coast rivals Bournemouth.

The Saints found themselves 3-0 down at the break at the Vitality Stadium on Monday as goals from Evanilson, Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo had Bournemouth in cruise control.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis gave Southampton a fighting chance early in the second half but the damage was already done, leaving Martin's men winless and with a just a solitary point from six Premier League games.

"It [the first goal] disrupts everything, not just concentration. We started really well with two good moments in the game," the Southampton boss told Sky Sports.

"We showed the guys how Bournemouth like to play quick free-kicks, but we switched off in exactly the same way we did against [Manchester] United and we again didn't respond well after a set-back.

"I'm so hurt by the first-half performance after the first goal - I didn't recognise our team. 

"Normally I'm proud of them for the courage they show, but there was no aggression, no courage, no intensity to play. They were in self-preservation mode on the pitch and the body language I didn't recognise.

"I didn't recognise them and I didn't like it one bit. In the second half we showed a lot of fight and courage but it was too late. It's on me to give them the tools to come back from a setback but we have not learned from the Manchester United game two weeks ago and that's a problem.

"We were soft. If you do not run and fight, make contact and take things personally then it's going to be a problem."

He added: "I have to question myself. I thought I made enough of a deal about how Bournemouth approach the game and how they are good at certain things but it looks like we were unprepared and considering the work we have done is crazy.

"I will never ever blame a group of players, we're together but I didn't like what I saw and am hurt by the lack of spirit and fight, that's nothing I've not told the team. It's my problem to sort out.

"I didn't identify my team in the first half in terms of attitude, spirit and fight. I didn't get this far as a player or a manager on just talent, it's about mentality and I've not passed that on enough to the players."

Semenyo scored his third Premier League goal of the season with a wonderful solo effort that rounded off an opening period of Bournemouth dominance, while the first was a bit of quick thinking from Marcus Tavernier to set up Evanilson's first for the club.

Semenyo told Sky Sports: "We watched a couple of videos in the meetings in the week and we knew we could catch them out with quick free-kicks.

"Buzzing for Evanilson - he is going be a problem this year."

On his own effort, he added: "It felt wonderful. I wanted to create space and get a shot away.

"It rifled in the bottom corner, a great finish."

Paulo Fonseca warned his Milan side they to be "defensively perfect" to get a result at Bayer Leverkusen in Tuesday's Champions League clash.

Milan suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool in their European opener despite Christian Pulisic firing the Rossoneri into a third-minute lead.

The Serie A giants will be looking to get off the mark at the Bay Arena but head coach Fonseca said they must be flawless at the back.

"I don't think about changing (much), we need to have continuity. We know it's a different game, (but) I think it will be a similar game to the one against Liverpool," Fonseca told a press conference on Monday.

"Defensively I think the team has grown, it's a good test to see our defensive capabilities at the moment. I told the players that to beat a strong team like Leverkusen we need to make a defensively perfect team."

Xabi Alonso's Bundesliga champions began their campaign in Europe with a 4-0 win at Feyenoord but they have conceded 10 goals in their first five league games after letting in just 24 in 34 matches in the 2023-24 domestic season.

Seven-time European champions Milan, the only Italian side to triumph more than once in the Champions League era, are the top scorers in Serie A with 14 goals in six games this term.

"It is true that we have done well in the league in the last few games, but I have to say that Serie A is very different from these games we have in the Champions League," Fonseca said.

"Today I was made to read Xabi Alonso's words. When we talk about Italian teams, we always say the same thing - that (they) are good at defending and playing on the counter-attack. I would like other things to be said when we talk about Milan.

"We don't want to be like that. Tomorrow we will obviously defend because we will play against a very strong team, but when we have the ball we still want to play.

"I'm curious to see the team's behaviour in a different game to those we had in Serie A."

Milan may be without Spanish striker Alvaro Morata, who opened the scoring in their 3-0 home win against Lecce on Friday despite starting with a slight knock.

"He (Morata) made a big effort to play the last match," Fonseca said. "He is doubtful and we will manage him. Let's see how he is tomorrow. We don't want to take any risks." 

Manchester United were the big losers of matchday six in the Premier League.

Tottenham piled the pressure on Erik ten Hag as they cruised to a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford, where Bruno Fernandes was sent off.

Spurs generated a huge expected goals (xG) figure of 4.59 on Sunday – the third-highest United have allowed a Premier League opponent since such records began in 2009.

Only versus Arsenal in December 2017 (a 3-1 win) and against Manchester City in October 2011 (a 6-1 loss at Old Trafford), have United given up a greater quality of chances in a Premier League match, so it is fair to say Spurs were deserving victors.

But, was that the case across the board this weekend? Who were the unlucky, and lucky, teams?

Lucky winners: Everton

Everton claimed their first victory of the season on Saturday, as Dwight McNeil scored a quickfire second-half double to propel the Toffees to a 2-1 comeback defeat of Crystal Palace.

Marc Guehi had nudged in from an early set-piece for Palace, but Oliver Glasner's team - who remain winless - were undone by some McNeil magic.

The former Burnley man curled a sumptuous long-range equaliser home in the 47th minute, with his strike coming from an xG value of just 0.02. McNeil then lashed home a second from close range, though those efforts were two of only eight shots the hosts managed at Goodison Park.

Indeed, Sean Dyche's team accumulated just 0.89 xG, so based on the quality of opportunities they created, it's fair to say they were fortunate to win, especially when factoring in Palace's 17 shots and 0.95 xG - essentially, it should probably have finished 1-1.

Lucky winners: Brentford

The Bees did not take all three points against West Ham, but they were arguably lucky to get a point from a match that finished 1-1.

Not that West Ham were by any means brilliant, but Brentford only mustered 0.37 xG throughout the contest on Saturday.

Indeed, they took the lead through Bryan Mbeumo's acrobatic attempt in the first minute. Brentford are the first team in Premier League history to score in the opening 60 seconds in three successive matches.

Tomas Soucek equalised for West Ham, who finished with 0.99 xG and had 18 shots to Brentford's eight, so the Hammers can consider themselves a bit unfortunate not to come away as 1-0 victors.

Unlucky loser: Nicolas Jackson

Jackson did not have a bad day by any means as Chelsea beat Brighton 4-2 at Stamford Bridge, as Cole Palmer became the first player in Premier League history to score four goals in a first half.

Yet Jackson should really have got in on the act. He had a shot cleared off the line in the second half, and overall accumulated 1.37 xG, which ranked as the third-highest total for any player across the Premier League over Saturday and Sunday's matches.

Jackson had five shots, getting two of those on target, but ultimately could not add his name to the scoresheet.

Evanilson scored his first Bournemouth goal while Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo were also on target as south coast rivals Southampton were brushed aside in a routine 3-1 victory.

Brazilian forward Evanilson steered past ex-Cherries goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after 17 minutes at the Vitality Stadium on Monday thanks to Marcus Tavernier's quick thinking from a Bournemouth free-kick.

Ouattara was credited with Bournemouth's second after Semenyo's cut-back was drilled towards goal by Lewis Cook before diverting past Ramsdale off his team-mate.

Semenyo then put the cherry atop the cake in a wonderful first-half performance, shimmying this way and that before drilling into the bottom-left corner in the 38th minute.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis reduced the arrears early in a second half, stooping low to nod in from Mateus Fernandes' cross five minutes after the restart, having been brilliantly denied by Kepa Arrizabalaga shortly before.

But the remainder of the second half passed by without major incident as Saints, who remain winless from six Premier League games, were left to rue a horror show of a first half.

Data Debrief: Sorry Saints can't get marching

It was a desperately disappointing outing for the visitors, whose 19-game winless streak in the Premier League is their longest in the competition.

Moreover, the defeat means the 2024-25 campaign is the first Premier League season since the 2004-05 campaign in which each of the three promoted sides have failed to win any of their opening six games of the season.

Indeed, as many as five clubs have now yet to get a win from the first six games. Only twice in top-flight history (1964-65 and 2021-22) has this occurred – with Ipswich Town, Leicester City, Crystal Palace and Wolves joining Southampton in failing to chalk up a win.

For Bournemouth, Evanilson scored his first Premier League goal from his 10th shot attempt in the competition, becoming the first Brazilian to net for the club in the competition, while Semenyo has had a hand in 10 goals in his past 20 top-flight games (eight goals, two assists).

Pep Guardiola predicted it will not be long until Phil Foden is back to his best for Manchester City.

Foden was named PFA Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Year following an exceptional season in 2023-24.

However, after featuring for England at Euro 2024, Foden has begun four of his five games this season on the bench, with his only start coming against Watford in the EFL Cup.

Speaking ahead of City's Champions League clash away in Slovakia against Slovan Bratislava, Guardiola said he was not concerned, though.

"Maybe I can have some doubts in many things, but Phil Foden is going to be back! As much as he feels good, he will be back," Guardiola told reporters.

"I think in 30 minutes at St James' Park [against Newcastle on Saturday], I felt already something that I like that I didn't see for example against Watford."

Foden is yet to score this season but an away trip to Bratislava, beaten 5-1 in their opening game at Celtic, could be the moment for him to open his account.

"Don't forget after the Euros he didn't have any training for two months, he had problems with some niggles and some problems in his health," Guardiola said.

"But now he is smiling and he's in his rhythm. He was the best player in the Premier League last season so we need him, he was important for us, but I have no doubts with his love for football and his training and passion, he will be back."

City drew their opening Champions League group game 0-0 at home against Inter and will be expected to dispatch of Bratislava on Tuesday with ease.

"I have incredible respect for all the teams in the Champions League especially when you play away," Guardiola said. "Hopefully we can be aggressive and take the result that we need.

"I have learned (in my career) that nothing is for granted. Nothing comes for free."

Should City, as expected, avoid defeat, they will equal the record for the longest unbeaten run in European Cup/Champions League history, which is held by Manchester United (25 games between September 2007 and May 2009).

Guardiola's side have won 16 and drawn eight of their last 24 matches in the Champions League, scoring 60 goals and conceding just 18 in return in that run.

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%

Luis Enrique explained he axed Ousmane Dembele from Paris Saint-Germain's squad for the Champions League encounter at Arsenal for the good of the whole team.

French media reported the PSG head coach had a discussion with his star winger following PSG's 3-1 win over Rennes on Friday and has been omitted from the squad to face the Gunners due to disciplinary reasons.

Luis Enrique said there was no argument between himself and Dembele but explained why he took the decision he did.

"If someone doesn't comply with the requirements of the team, it means that they are not ready," Luis Enrique told a press conference ahead of Tuesday's clash at Emirates Stadium.

"It means in such an important week, with such an important game coming up, we need every player to be fully available.

"My objective is to do the best for the team and that was my decision."

Luis Enrique was pressed further on making such an important choice, leaving out a player who has scored four league goals in six games, for such a key European game.

"You think it is easy to create a team. You press a button and the 11 best players play and everything goes well," the manager said.

"No, making a team takes a certain amount of circumstances that can be difficult. Yesterday I had to make a difficult decision but I think it is the best decision without any doubt.

"I would make it 100 more times. That doesn't mean the situation is irreversible. But the best situation for the team right now is this, in my opinion."

The coach would not give further details on what happened with Dembele, but said that his job is to create a team and that is what he will continue to do.

"I am not going to make a soap opera out of it, there was no argument between the player and me. There was a problem with the player's responsibility to the team. Nothing else," he said.

"I signed for PSG last season to create a team. That is something I can guarantee. Until the last day that I am in Paris, I am going to make a team.

"A team that is brave, daring, plays good football or tries to. The first day I cannot do that I will go back home."

PSG won their opening Champions League game 1-0 against Girona while Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw away to Atalanta. 

Simone Inzaghi earmarked continuity as the key for Inter as they look to replicate domestic success in the Champions League this season.

The Nerazzurri romped to the Serie A title by 19 points last season and are fourth this term after six matches, albeit they are only two points back of Napoli.

However, they were knocked out in the last 16 of the Champions League last term having reached the final in the 2022-23 season.

They continue their latest tilt by welcoming Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday and Inzaghi said just finding some rhythm is going to be key for his side.

"It's difficult to win (the title) and it's even more difficult to win again. But as far as the lads are concerned, they are working with great commitment," Inzaghi told reporters on Monday ahead of Red Star's visit.

"Then, of course, we still lack that continuity that we had, especially last year. That continuity that makes the difference to you both in the championship and in the Champions League."

Finding continuity will be even more important in this season's Champions League with the new league phase format.

"Last year after the first two games you were able to take stock and understand how the games could go, because then you knew that in the third and fourth game you would have played the same opponent, home and away," Inzaghi said.

"Now it's a bit of everyone against everyone. It's a winning formula with two extra games, with more difficulties. You can't make calculations, because it's a sort of one-off game."

Those extra European games mean that rotating his team will be of even more importance this season, and Inzaghi is still unsure about who will start up front against Red Star.

"I still have to decide between Lautaro (Martinez), (Marcus) Thuram, (Marko) Arnautovic and (Mehdi) Taremi," he said.

"They will probably have a good chance to play all four of them. I don't know who will start, tomorrow I will have to evaluate today's training."

Piotr Zielinski has yet to start a league game this season, but Inzaghi confirmed the midfielder will be in the lineup against the Serbian side and expects a tough challenge against an outfit who lost their opening league phase game to Benfica.

"It's a team that started on July 20. They've had nine league games. They've played in the preliminaries," Inzaghi said. "It's a very well-trained team, with excellent players." 

Arsenal's Jurrien Timber is the latest player to criticise the fixture schedule, saying he agrees with comments made by Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

City's Rodri, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Premier League clash against Arsenal earlier in September, warned of possible strike action as players face an expanded Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.

Timber missed most of last season with a cruciate knee ligament injury but has played in all six of Arsenal's Premier League games this term, and is expected to start against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"I totally agree with them," Timber told reporters when asked about Rodri's comments.

"It's a big topic in dressing rooms. I didn't play last season so I'm just enjoying playing now. I totally understand what they're saying.

"Definitely [players are more at risk]. I think it's honestly a dangerous thing. Even last week we played City and City played two days later. That's too much.

"I think it's a really good thing that the players are speaking out now. It doesn't look like it will be getting any less. We're trying to be there every game and give our best, but it gets harder and harder. Especially in England where there's no winter break."

Arsenal drew their opening Champions League group game away at Atalanta and face a PSG side that will be without forward Ousmane Dembele, who was dropped due to disciplinary issues.

But Mikel Arteta says PSG will nevertheless pose a huge threat.

"They are really tough. They dominate every phase of play. They have very clear intentions," Arteta said.

"When they don't have the ball they want it straight back and they confront you. That's Luis [Enrique].

"Anywhere he is, he plays the same context."

Hansi Flick will not be resting his key players as Barcelona take on Young Boys in the Champions League.

Barcelona's winning start in LaLiga came to a shuddering halt when they slumped to a 4-2 defeat at Osasuna on Saturday.

Flick said after that defeat that he had made too many changes.

And while he hopeful midfielder Frenkie de Jong can return as Barca look to bounce back after suffering two losses in 10 days, following their defeat to Monaco in their first Champions League match, he is still set to be without Dani Olmo, Ronald Araujo, Gavi and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

"We will play with the team we believe to be the best in order to beat Young Boys. The first game we lost, yes. But we must not be depressed," Flick told reporters.

"We have to recover our balance after the defeat at Osasuna. We have to build the game with fewer mistakes. Responsibilities must be assumed.

"We need fresh legs and Frenkie's return is great news. Even if it's just for five or 10 minutes. If he gets the chance, he'll play."

Young Boys will arrive in Spain following a 3-0 defeat by Aston Villa in their opening Champions League match at home.

Asked if the five-time European champions have lost respect after their defeat at Monaco, Flick said: "I am positive we can win, we play good football - entertaining football. And if we need to gain the respect of our opponents once again, we're going to work hard on that."

Flick added he is in contact with Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who has reportedly agreed to come out of retirement to help Barca following first-choice Ter Stegen's season-ending injury.

He added: "Yes, I spoke with him, but I'm not going to say anything more. If he signs for Barca in the next few days at the next press conference we can talk about the issue, but not now."

Bayer Leverkusen are "honoured" to take on a team with the pedigree of Milan, so says Xabi Alonso.

Milan made a poor start to the season, failing to earn a win in their opening three Serie A games while they also lost their Champions League meeting with Liverpool.

However, they have turned things around on the domestic front with three successive victories, including a 2-1 win over reigning Serie A champions and city rivals Inter.

Milan have won the European Cup/Champions League on seven occasions, and Alonso - who was part of the Liverpool side that famously overcame the Rossoneri on penalties in the 2005 final - says it is an honour to go up against one of the continent's great clubs.

"Fundamental for my career. After 20 years we still talk about that night," Alonso said.

"Then two years later we lost to Milan but that victory in 2005 was incredible. It was [nearly] 20 years ago, we have to think about tomorrow. Milan is still the history of the Champions League.

"I've always liked Milan. Arrigo Sacchi, Fabio Capello, and great players, and to play against them is a great honour for us."

Despite Milan's inconsistent start to 2024-25, Bundesliga champions Leverkusen know to expect a stern test.

"It's one of those games when you have to play smart. With the ball, without the ball, you have to be patient, you have to be ready, you have to be focused," Alonso said.

"An Italian team is always dangerous. They know how to have patience. They are ready to defend low or to play with possession.

"Milan don't have to be dominant to be dangerous. Sometimes they have good possession, sometimes they have good counter-attacks."

Leverkusen won 4-0 away at Feyenoord in their opening Champions League match, and Alonso is relishing playing in Europe's elite club competition in front of the home fans on Tuesday.

"We're excited that the Champions League is back in our stadium," he added.

"That we're back in this competition and that we're playing our first home game against a huge club in the history of football." 

Leverkusen are aiming to win their opening two games of a Champions League campaign for the first time since 2001-02, a season in which they would go on to reach the final.

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%

Frank Klopas is keen for the Chicago Fire to end the season on a high note despite being eliminated from the playoff running, as they prepare to visit Charlotte FC on Wednesday.

A 1-1 draw with Toronto FC last weekend left Chicago on 30 points with two regular-season games remaining, bottom of the Eastern Conference and seven points adrift of the playoff picture.

They have now gone seven seasons in a row without making the playoffs, and with games against Charlotte and Nashville SC to come, are simply playing for pride.

"It's frustration because there was a slim chance and of course, you fight until the end," Klopas said. "Now that chance is gone and it's disappointing for all of us.

"But we're professionals and we have to regroup and finish strong. We have two games left and we have to go on the road and try to get a result to at least finish on a positive note."

Charlotte, on the other hand, occupy the East's final guaranteed playoff spot and boast a five-point cushion to their closest rivals after drawing 1-1 with Inter Miami last time out.

Dean Smith was delighted with the way they restricted Lionel Messi and company in that match, saying they had been working on an alternate gameplan for some time.

"We went there with a gameplan to restrict them centrally and make them go around the outside of us," Smith said. 

"They got through a couple of times but our production with the ball was really good. I do still think there's more to come on that, small details, but it was a pretty open game.

"That's something we've been working on, building as a back three and being comfortable on the ball, and we caused them problems all night."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Charlotte FC – Patrick Agyemang

Agyemang was limited to the role of substitute versus Miami but did score in Charlotte's last home game – a 4-0 thrashing of the New England Revolution. 

His eight goals in MLS this year is a team-high tally and he will be desperate to reach double figures before the season ends.

Chicago Fire – Brian Gutierrez

Chicago's lack of firepower has cost them in the playoff race, with the Fire only netting once in their last three MLS matches. Gutierrez, who has created a team-high 39 chances this season, could come into their lineup and have a positive impact here.

MATCH PREDICTION – CHARLOTTE FC WIN

Chicago have a simply terrible record on the road of late, losing five of their last six away matches in all competitions (one draw) including their last two in a row.

The Fire have lost six of their last eight away matches in MLS play since beating Toronto FC on June 16, and they also went down 1-0 to Charlotte on home soil in May.

With the visitors having little of substance to play for and Charlotte still looking over their shoulders in the playoff battle, the hosts go in as favourites.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Charlotte FC – 57.3%

Chicago Fire – 20.5%

Draw – 22.1%