Abdallah Sima scored twice as Brest maintained their perfect Champions League start by thrashing Salzburg 4-0 at the Red Bull Arena, completing an Austrian double.

Brest kicked off their first-ever European campaign with a 2-1 home win over Sturm Graz two weeks ago, and they built on that victory with a clinical counterattacking performance in Salzburg on Tuesday.

Brest had one shot on target in the opening half, and it was all they required to take the lead. The visitors cleared their lines from a Salzburg attack and Ludovic Ajorque's pass found Sima, who held off his marker to slip his finish past the goalkeeper.

Salzburg had spurned chances in the opening half with Amar Dedic and Karim Konate both shooting wide, and in the second half they were completely opened up by the visitors.

A long clearance from visiting goalkeeper Marco Bizot in the 66th minute ended with Mahdi Camara doubling Brest's lead with a superb strike, then four minutes later, Sima pounced on a rebound for his second.

Things got worse for the home side with 15 minutes remaining when Mathias Pereira Lage struck from outside the area to complete the rout and leave Salzburg still waiting for their first point of the campaign.

Data Debrief: Rare feat for Brest

It is fair to say Brest have taken to Europe's premier club competition smoothly.

They are the first team to win their first two matches in the Champions League since Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol managed the feat in 2021.

They are also just the second French club to achieve it, after Paris Saint-Germain did so back in 1994.

Stuttgart were held to a 1-1 home draw by Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Sparta midfielder Kaan Kairinen cancelled out an early opener from Enzo Millot.

His goal came against the run of play in the seventh minute, as Millot connected with an excellent lofted cross from Maximilian Mittelstadt to head home.

Sparta almost responded through Martin Vitik, who hit the post, but they had the goal they had been working towards when Kairinen expertly fired a free-kick into the top-right corner.

Midfielder Veljko Birmancevic had chances to put Sparta in front either side of the break, while Stuttgart had the upper hand throughout most of the second half but could not seal the three points.

It was a step in the right direction for Stuttgart in their first home Champions League game since the 2009-10 season, but they have just one point from their opening two matches, after losing to Real Madrid last time out.

Data Debrief: Free-shooting Millot gets his reward

Millot's goal came from one of his five attempts, which set the record for a Stuttgart player in a single Champions League match.

Of the 1.8 expected goals (xG) Stuttgart accumulated, Millot was responsible for 0.61.

Stuttgart ended up having 26 shots, 12 more than the visitors, and some 47 touches in the opposition box, but could not turn that dominance into a winner.

Real Madrid will make a late call on whether Kylian Mbappe is ready to return to the side for their Champions League clash at Lille, so says Carlo Ancelotti.

Mbappe sustained a muscle injury during Madrid's 3-2 win over Deportivo Alaves in September.

He was subsequently forced to sit out Sunday's derby against Atletico Madrid, which finished 1-1, and was expected to miss around three weeks.

However, the 25-year-old has recovered sufficiently to travel to northern France for Wednesday's Champions League tie.

"Mbappe has recovered very well, very quickly," Ancelotti said.

"He trained yesterday, and today, he will do the full training session with us. Then we'll make the decision together because the last thing we want to do is take risks.

"Mbappe has had an overload... and in less than a week he has recovered well.

"He wanted to travel to play. We'll see what training he does today. If he's at full strength, he can play. If there is no risk, he will play from the first minute."

Madrid are second in LaLiga, three points behind rivals Barcelona after eight matches.

And Ancelotti knows there is room for improvement, especially when they face Lille, who sit fifth in Ligue 1.

"We have to get points, taking into account the value of the opponent. They are a team that plays very well. They like to play with the ball, they have young players with quality," the Italian said.

"Every match has to be fought. That's why we're here. We are doing well. We are convinced we can improve. We are ready. There are a lot of games, but we are pretty good."

Ancelotti was also asked about the heated Madrid derby. On Monday, Atletico permanently banned a fan for throwing an object onto the pitch during the game at the Metropolitano Stadium.

The derby was suspended for just over 20 minutes after home fans hurled objects onto the pitch as the visitors celebrated the opening goal.

"The point is that violent people are not allowed in football. Not at Atletico, but on any pitch. Football doesn't need them," Ancelotti said.

"Let them stay somewhere else, somewhere that is not dangerous. I'm talking in general. Whether it's a violent person from Madrid, Barca, Atleti, Villarreal, it doesn't matter. Let the violent ones leave us in peace."

Juventus are yet to concede a goal in Serie A this season and will face another solid defence when they take on RB Leipzig in the Champions League, but Thiago Motta expects an open game.

The Italian giants have played six Serie A games without conceding while Leipzig have the best defensive record in the Bundesliga, where they are unbeaten after five games and have only shipped two goals.

"The numbers mean a lot, it gives us solidity," Motta told reporters ahead of Wednesday's trip to Germany.

"We are two teams that don't sit back and wait for the opponent's mistakes. I expect an open game, a dynamic match against a competitive team who play good football.

"To do well, we will have to play with quality and maintain a good defensive phase as we have done so far, facing different teams, as well as the offensive phase of course."

The only goal Motta's side have conceded this season came in their opening Champions League game, a 3-1 win over PSV, but the former midfielder has dismissed suggestions the Bianconeri have played differently in Europe.

"It's not a question of the cup or the league. All games are different, when it comes to how we will face the opponent," Motta said.

"One thing is certain, we will not sit back, we will always try to compete for control of the game.

"We have never played defensively, not even in the league, and we will not do it this time."

Motta has no new injury worries and remained tight-lipped regarding his lineup, but he has already made his mind up over who will take to the pitch against Leipzig.

"No doubts about the formation, I am very sure of the choices," Motta said.

"Of course, that's if nothing happens between now and the game. I can't tell you, but the players already know the team."

Unai Emery wants to make Champions League nights a regular fixture at Villa Park in the coming seasons, as Aston Villa prepare to host Bayern Munich in a repeat of the 1982 European Cup final.

Emery led Villa to a fourth-placed Premier League finish in his first full campaign at the helm last term, and they beat Young Boys 3-0 in their first match in the Champions League last month. 

On Wednesday, they welcome Bayern, who they beat 1-0 to win the European Cup at De Kuip 42 years ago, to the West Midlands for their second game back among Europe's elite.

Emery is determined to ensure this European adventure is not a one-off, saying: "Hopefully we can play more times in the Champions League, but it's the first match after a long time. 

"It's a new competition for us because before it was the European Cup. I want to play matches like this and I want to play consistently. In the Premier League, we are facing teams like them, favourites – Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal – that can win this competition this year.

"They are favourites with other teams like Bayern Munich."

Villa have received a boost in recent days with long-term absentees Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara, as well as full-back Matty Cash, returning to training. However, none of that trio will be available to face Bayern.

"The injured players, I know it's the worst for them. Every player wants to play in the Champions League and matches like this. We have to accept it," Emery said.

"I want the best players on the field tomorrow and I want to face their best players. I want to play with our best players, accepting that we have some players injured. We're ready to compete.

"Matty is starting to train with us but for tomorrow, he is not going to be available. Kamara and Tyrone Mings are training but also not going to play tomorrow."

Forward Ollie Watkins, who could face his England team-mate Harry Kane, was speaking alongside Emery and said excitement was building ahead of Wednesday's game.

"It's been a long time since Champions League nights at Villa Park. Everyone is excited and looking forward to it," Watkins said.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expects Diogo Jota to feature in their Champions League clash with Serie A side Bologna at Anfield, despite the Portuguese forward's absence from training on Tuesday.

Jota received a knock in the 2-1 Premier League win at Wolves on Saturday but is set to play instead of Federico Chiesa, who arrived at training on Tuesday with an injury.

The Italian winger joined Liverpool from Juventus in August and grabbed an assist in the 5-1 EFL Cup rout of West Ham but will miss out on facing familiar opponents on Wednesday.

"It's a shame for him because he was looking forward to a Champions League night at Anfield, especially because we face an Italian team," Slot told reporters of Chiesa.

"How long is he out? It's always difficult because it happened yesterday but I am not expecting him to be out for a very long period of time.

"We will see if he can be in the team for Saturday [a Premier League match at Crystal Palace]."

Liverpool are off to a strong start in Slot's first season in charge. They top the Premier League standings on 15 points, opened their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 win over Milan, and have booked their spot in the EFL Cup's last 16.

"One of the reasons we can compete is we have a lot of quality. We have a lot of cohesion in the team. Those who are not playing are happy with us scoring and winning so those are two really positive things," Slot added.

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister had kind words for how well the Dutchman has done in filling the huge shoes left by former manager Jurgen Klopp.

"He's definitely an amazing manager. You can see how he's been from the first day," the Argentine said.

"We understand what he wants from us, and I think that's the main thing as a coach, to get the ideas in the players."

Liverpool are back in the Champions League after a one-year absence and Slot hopes to see the hunger reflected in his team on Wednesday.

"What I want from the players is them to show they missed this. I want to see this, I want to feel this," Slot said. "I am hoping it's the same from our fans. I hope they feel this desire to show Europe that you missed us."

Troy Lesesne believes D.C. United's ruthlessness could be what gets them over the line as they battle for an MLS Cup playoff spot, ahead of Wednesday's huge clash with Nashville SC.

D.C. sit 12th in the Eastern Conference standings with three games to play, one point and one place above Nashville and just three adrift of the final wild-card spot.

After watching his team fight back to earn a 2-2 draw against the MLS Cup holders, the Columbus Crew, last time out, Lesesne said their spirit could take them far.

"This group does not stop, that's a value we have throughout the club at the moment," Lesense said. 

"I think that value of being relentless, that mindset that we're always going to keep going, that's what is going to carry us down to the wire with these three matches that are left.

"It's human nature when things are difficult to go into survival mode, or to make excuses or blame others. As a manager, you have to combat that.

"I just give our players and staff a tremendous amount of credit for not succumbing to that." 

Nashville, meanwhile, found form at the right time under new boss B.J. Callaghan, taking seven points from three games before going down 1-0 to the New England Revolution on Saturday.

Callaghan remained upbeat as he looked ahead to Wednesday's match, saying: "The approach of the week is the same as usual.

"It's a good opportunity for us, we have plenty of positives that we can build on.

"D.C. have a really clear style of play, a clear way of doing things, and they're a team where we're going to have to be really sharp to get the result we want."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Nashville SC – Sam Surridge 

Surridge leads all Nashville players for goals in MLS this term, netting 11 times in the competition – five more than his closest team-mate Hany Mukhtar (six). He has also scored three goals in their last two home games.

D.C. United – Christian Benteke

Benteke's two goals on Saturday took him to 21 for the season, the second-most by a D.C. United player in a single MLS campaign (after Raul Diaz Arce – 23 in 1996). 

It was Benteke's eighth multi-goal game since the start of last season, only Denis Bouanga (10) has more in that time.

MATCH PREDICTION – NASHVILLE SC WIN

D.C. claimed their first-ever victory over Nashville when the sides last met on July 13, winning 2-1 on home soil. 

Nashville have, however, won all three of their home games against D.C. by an aggregate score of 8-2.

D.C. were thrashed 4-0 by the Philadelphia Union in their last road game on September 22, halting a four-match unbeaten run on their travels. With Nashville taking seven points from their last four games, another defeat could await them here.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Nashville SC – 47.9%

D.C. United – 26.1%

Draw – 26%

Vancouver Whitecaps clinched their playoff place at the weekend, and Vanni Sartini does not want his players to play differently against Seattle Sounders.

The Whitecaps may be winless in their last three matches, but their 1-1 draw with Portland Timbers on Saturday was enough to secure their place in the postseason for the third time in the last four seasons.

They are currently seventh in the Western Conference, but Sartini is hopeful they can return to winning ways to push higher up the table.

"We have the luck to be already qualified, so even though it's not like a do or die, we can't be scared," Sartini said.

"Now it's all about the prize that is in front of us. And the prize will hopefully make us perform in a way that is with no restraint, with no fear, with a lot of confidence and going there to try to win.”

"It's all about trying to get into that [postseason] kind of mentality and habits of being a team that can play and win games. We want to try to become playoff winners."

Meanwhile, Seattle, who are unbeaten in four, sit three points and two places above their opponents ahead of Wednesday's meeting.

They ground out a 1-0 victory over Houston Dynamo last time out, and now Brian Schmetzer is aiming to find consistency after securing their own playoff place.

"We're going to play our best team against Vancouver and then Colorado," he said.

"There's no more experimenting. We need to get some consistency and make sure the 11 players I believe are the best continue to grow together as a group."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Vancouver Whitecaps – Brian White

Brian White has scored 15 goals in back-to-back seasons after only Camilo Sanvezzo (22 in 2013) hit that mark in the Whitecaps first 12 MLS campaigns.

White joins Denis Bouanga and Cucho Hernandez as the only three players with 15 goals in each of the last two MLS seasons.

Seattle Sounders – Paul Rothrock

Paul Rothrock's goal in Seattle's 1-0 win over Houston on Saturday was the 23rd by an American player for the Sounders this regular season.

Only Colorado Rapids (30) have had more goals scored by American players in 2024.

MATCH PREDICTION: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS WIN

The Whitecaps have lost only one of their six meetings with Seattle since September 2022 (W3 D2). Prior to that, Seattle had won 10 of the previous 14 meetings (D4) between the sides.

Vancouver have lost only two of their last 12 regular-season matches (W6 D4) dating back to late June. The Whitecaps conceded eight total goals in the two defeats (four in each match) while allowing nine total goals in the other 10 matches in that time.

Meanwhile, Seattle have won seven of their last 11 away matches in all competitions (D1 L3), including a 4-0 win at Columbus Crew in their last away match. The Sounders had won just seven of their previous 34 on the road prior to this run.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Vancouver Whitecaps – 41.2%

Draw – 26.7%

Seattle Sounders – 32.1%

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%

Girona have been rocked by a couple of injury blows ahead of the first home Champions League game in their history, but coach Michel says they will go all out to beat Feyenoord.

The Catalan side, who qualified for Europe's premier club competition for the first time by finishing third in LaLiga last season, lost 1-0 at Paris Saint-Germain on matchday one.

On the domestic front, they played out a 1-1 draw with Celta Vigo on Sunday, losing key men Oriol Romeu and Daley Blind to injury.

The former is expected to miss around eight weeks with the latter likely to be sidelined for a month, but Michel is choosing to remain upbeat ahead of Girona's historic outing.

"It's our new reality. We need to take it one game at a time," Michel told reporters ahead of Wednesday's game at the Estadi Montilivi.

"The midfield without Romeu is short-handed. But tomorrow, we need the best possible eleven to win. We have to look at it like that.

"I'm especially worried about the psychological issue. Romeu didn't play against Rayo Vallecano and got injured. The most important thing is that the head is fine. My concern is to go game by game and the team that plays will be the best possible."

After going toe-to-toe with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona for much of the last campaign, Girona are now being tested by the best sides in Europe and Michel acknowledged it is a challenge to juggle domestic and continental duties.

Girona have had an underwhelming start to the season in LaLiga, winning two and drawing three of their eight matches to sit 12th with nine points.

"The pressure of playing LaLiga and Champions League is difficult. We want to win because making history in the Champions League is a dream for us and for our fans, those who will be on the pitch and those who will be away," Michel said.

"Hearing the Champions League anthem at home will be historic in Girona. The maturity of this squad is great. We have players with a lot of experience who know how to handle this situation.

"From my perspective as a coach, from a management point of view, it is easier to manage the change towards the Champions League. 

"From the 'boom' of playing in the Champions League you need to return to the reality of the league, which is what is going to give us the possibility to continue growing."

John Stones says that while Manchester City will miss Rodri, his absence will give other players in the team a chance to shine.

The Spaniard suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that required surgery in City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League on September 22.

Rodri played 50 matches in all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side last season, proving a key player as they won a fourth-consecutive top-flight title.

The team often struggled without him in the squad though, with their win rate dropping from 76% to 55.6% in the nine games they played without him.

With Kevin De Bruyne also currently on the sidelines, Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan played in midfield in their 1-1 draw with Newcastle United on Saturday.

And Stones, who has also been utilised in midfield by Guardiola in the past, says it is an exciting opportunity for the other players to step into the role.

"He's a big miss for us, we all know that," Stones told TNT Sports.

"We're still in contact off the pitch, and we miss him on there, as we do anyone who gets injured.

"We all wish him a speedy recovery. He's a big presence for us on the pitch in how he plays the game and what he's done over the past few years.

"But then again, we've got incredible players that can play in that position, and it's time and a chance for them to, not step up, but step in and show their qualities, whoever plays in that position which is quite fluid sometimes.

"He'll be a big miss for us this season, as anyone would who had that injury. It's exciting for us as players to fill that position and see what comes of it."

City's next match is against Slavan Bratislava in the Champions League on Tuesday. 

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.