John Herdman has pledged to work on Toronto FC's shortcomings ahead of Saturday's derby versus CF Montreal, which he has described as a "six-pointer".

Toronto ended a miserable 10-game winless run by beating the Philadelphia Union 2-1 last weekend but were then brought crashing back to earth in midweek.

An Inter Miami team without Lionel Messi or Sergio Busquets, and with Luis Suarez limited to a substitute role, beat the Reds 3-1 to leave them eighth in the Eastern Conference.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Quebec, Herdman said getting on the right side of the fine margins must be their focus, saying: "We'll fix some things. 

"We'll fix our set-pieces and move forward. We've got to look, mentally, at how we stay stronger, collectively, tactically how we adjust to manage these tougher periods. 

"We will own this together and next task is on to Montreal. We've got two days to get ready for Montreal. Massive game. Six-pointer. We'll get after it.

Winger Derrick Etienne Jr., meanwhile, thinks the match comes at an ideal time.

"It comes at the right time," he said. "We want to get back to winning ways and I don't think there is any better way than getting a win in the derby."

Montreal are level on points with Toronto but are on the rise after a 1-0 win over Atlanta United and Wednesday's 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls, coming from behind twice in the latter game.

Mathieu Choiniere put through his own net in midweek but has impressed this season amid speculation he could leave the club, and boss Laurent Courtois has moved to highlight his contribution.

"He wants to give everything for his club, and I need Mathieu, not only for his versatility but also for the mentality and identity we want to have here," Courtois said. 

"Now the player wants to get something to feel more valued, and at the end of the day we're all the same right? You just want to be valued for what you give, and he gives a lot."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

CF Montreal – Josef Martinez

Martinez scored both of Montreal's goals off the bench on Wednesday, his 22nd multi-goal MLS match and his second as a substitute. 

The striker's 22 multi-goal games are tied for third most in league history.

Toronto FC – Federico Bernardeschi 

Bernardeschi has scored six goals in five matches against Montreal, including a hat-trick in the rivals' last meeting. 

Only Brian White (seven versus St. Louis City) has scored more goals against a single opponent in MLS since Bernardeschi joined the league in July 2022.

MATCH PREDICTION – CF MONTREAL WIN

Montreal have won five straight home matches against Toronto, the longest home winning streak by either team against the other in the history of the series (54 matches).

They twice came from behind against the Red Bulls on Wednesday and have now lost just two of their last 11 matches (three wins, six draws). With home advantage on their side, they will be favourites.

Indeed, Toronto are winless in their last eight away games (two draws, six losses), including losing their last five road matches in a row. 

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY 

CF Montreal – 56.1%

Toronto FC – 21.2%

Draw – 22.7%

Inter Miami will again be without injured superstar Lionel Messi as they look to continue on their course for the Supporters' Shield on Saturday.

Miami will host Chicago Fire with Messi absent, just as he was for the midweek home win over Toronto FC.

"Leo will continue to be evaluated by our medical staff week to week," coach Tata Martino said.

"We will see how he recuperates without taking any type of risk."

Messi suffered an ankle injury while on Copa America duty with Argentina, winning that competition but appearing to hamper Inter's title hopes in the process.

But Martino's men are still well placed to achieve their goals, starting with the regular-season championship.

With victory over Toronto, in which Federico Redondo took centre stage with two goals, Miami became the first team to reach 50 points this season.

They have achieved that feat within 24 games, joining esteemed company. The only six teams to previously tally 50 points inside 24 games have gone on to win the Supporters' Shield.

Next opponents Chicago at least head into this encounter off the back of a win of their own, beating FC Cincinnati on the road on Wednesday.

"When you come on the road and get a result like this, it's a great team effort," said Fire coach Frank Klopas.

"Certain guys are playing really well at the moment, but I still feel that everyone can give more. There's a lot more potential in there with the group.

"That's why this game on Saturday is so massive for us."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Inter Miami – Federico Redondo

Miami may be missing Messi, but the supporting cast has consistently stepped up this season. They have had four different players score two or more goals in a match, tied for the most in MLS.

The latest of those was Redondo, scoring his first goals in MLS against Toronto. With an assist in that game, too, he will hope that is the start of a strong run of game.

Chicago Fire – Brian Gutierrez

The Fire have had just three goals from substitutes in 2024, yet two of those have been among their past three goals. The latest, their winner against Cincy, saw Gutierrez emerge from the bench to score.

The midfielder will not want that to develop into a consistent theme, however, surely preferring to play from the start. He had done so in each prior game going back to April.

MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN

Chicago have actually won four of their six games against Miami, including the past three in a row.

But New York City FC are the only team to further extend such a streak against Miami, and their run of five straight victories ended back in 2022. Miami are a very different prospect in 2024.

Their stretch of scoring in 10 consecutive MLS matches is a club record, with their tally of 19 goals across those games showing the task that lies before Chicago – with or without Messi.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Inter Miami – 64.2%
Chicago Fire – 16.7%
Draw – 19.1%

The Seattle Sounders will be "flying" if they can beat Los Angeles FC on Saturday.

That was the message from coach Brian Schmetzer, who is relishing a huge occasion at Lumen Field, where the Sounders have been outstanding.

Seattle are on a five-game winning run in MLS, with four of those matches coming at home. They have lost in Seattle only once this year, back in April.

After a slow start, there are now only five teams above them in the Western Conference, but one of those are LAFC.

It was a defeat in Los Angeles that set in motion the Sounders' five-game winless run to start the campaign, while their 2023 season ended with a defeat to LAFC at Lumen Field.

Seattle should not be short of motivation then, and Schmetzer is now shying away from the significance of this game.

"Saturday is such a big game against LAFC," Schmetzer said. "Everyone needs to come out and show up.

"This is a massive game for us. We've only lost twice in 18 games. That's pretty darn good if you ask me.

"We come out with a result on Saturday, and we're flying."

A win would close the gap between sixth-placed Seattle and second-placed LAFC to just four points, with this weekend's visitors wobbling in recent weeks against elite opposition.

The performance in the midweek draw with Real Salt Lake was merely "a little better" than in the prior humbling 5-1 defeat to the Columbus Crew, according to coach Steve Cherundolo.

"No, I was not happy with the performance [against RSL]," he said.

LAFC had won nine of their previous 10 ahead of the Columbus game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Seattle Sounders – Albert Rusnak

Rusnak assisted Jon Bell's first Seattle goal in the midweek win over St Louis City, continuing his fine form. That was his sixth consecutive home match in which he had registered a goal contribution.

Obafemi Martins is the only Sounders player with a longer such streak in a single regular season, with a seven-game run in 2014.

Los Angeles FC – Mateusz Bogusz

Olivier Giroud officially became an LAFC player this week, but Bogusz has contributed handily while the team have waited for the World Cup winner to arrive.

Bogusz has contributed to goals in each of his past five away matches, the longest active streak in MLS. Only Carlos Vela has had goal contributions in more consecutive road games in the regular season for LAFC (six matches in 2018).

MATCH PREDICTION: LAFC WIN

Across MLS and the US Open Cup, the Sounders have won six games in a row, their longest winning run since a streak of the same length ended in MLS Cup glory in 2019.

But LAFC are the Sounders' bogey side right now. They have won three in a row against Seattle and are unbeaten in seven in this fixture.

The Rave Green have not beaten LAFC since May 2021, and Saturday's visitors will hope to provide another reality check.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Seattle Sounders – 32.1%
Los Angeles FC – 42.5%
Draw – 25.4%

Orlando City head coach Oscar Pareja praised his side’s “seriousness” of returning to winning ways ahead of welcoming New York City FC to Inter&Co Stadium this weekend.

The Lions recorded a fourth straight MLS triumph against Nashville SC last time out having won just one of their previous seven league encounters.

Orlando’s upturn in form has seen them bridge clear daylight between the sides below them and currently sit seventh in the Eastern Conference table, just five points behind New York Red Bulls.

Pareja is hoping to continue their upward trajectory on home soil this weekend, with his players’ maintaining their responsibilities highlighted as a key component to their recent success.

"We are really happy, indeed with the result, but most importantly with the seriousness of the team, the discipline, the responsibility that the boys have had on bouncing back from those difficult moments,” Pareja said.

“And not just bounce back, but just keeping the level and the feeling and the plays against a [Nashville] team that is very difficult. I thought we played a very serious game.

“I see that group just playing the way we are and keeping our responsibilities, but at the same time being productive for the group. Very complete game for us and we're happy and ready to move toward the next one.”

For NYCFC, they are now without a win in their last three league fixtures following their 2-2 draw with Atlanta United in midweek.

But the draw at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium did come with its positives. Daniel Rios and Saba Lobzhanidze had given the hosts a comfortable two-goal advantage heading into half-time.

However, Nick Cushing’s side showed their powers of recovery to score twice after the interval, with Talles Magno’s late penalty securing what could prove to be a very important point.

NYCFC are currently in fifth in the Eastern Conference table, and know a win is a must ahead of the Leagues Cup break next week.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Orlando City – Martin Ojeda

The Lions have been among the goals in their recent MLS fixtures, with Martin Ojeda key to their goal-scoring output.

Ojeda has registered four goal contributions in his last five league games (two goals, two assists), with one of those assists coming in the reverse fixture between the two sides back in June.  

NYCFC – Talles Magno

Having suffered a knee injury in NYCFC’s opening game against Charlotte, Talles Magno had to bide his time for a return to first-team action, but he took that opportunity with both hands upon his return.

Magno scored a penalty in their draw with Atlanta and boasts an impressive record against this weekend’s opponents.

In his four games against Orlando, the Brazilian has scored two goals and provided two assists, losing just once against the Lions.

MATCH PREDICTION: ORLANDO CITY WIN

Orlando came into the contest with their confidence sky-high following their fourth consecutive league victory. Their last longer winning streak came between October – November 2023 when they won six on the bounce.

The Lions have scored 22 goals in their last eight league games, the most they have managed this season, as they continue to climb the Eastern Conference table.

NYCFC are enduring another period without a victory and have now gone three games without a win. However, they boast an impressive record over this weekend’s opponents and are unbeaten in their four meetings (W3, D1), with their last defeat coming in August 2022.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Orlando City – 46.5%

Draw – 26.5%

NYCFC – 27%

FC Cincinnati defender DeAndre Yedlin is hoping his team-mates can rediscover their competitive edge as they travel to the Red Bull Arena to face New York Red Bulls this weekend.

The Orange and Blue were forced to relinquish top spot in the Eastern Conference table as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Chicago Fire courtesy of Brian Gutierrez’s second half winner.

Cincinnati are now two points behind Inter Miami, who overcame their 6-1 defeat to Pat Noonan’s side last week with a convincing triumph over Toronto FC in midweek.

With Columbus Crew breathing down their necks and going to within five points of them with two games in hand, Yedlin insisted that his squad must rally together to rekindle that winning formula.

"We expect to win every game. It doesn't matter who we have on the field," Yedlin said.

"Since I've been at this club, I've noticed that the foundation of the club is hard work, is competing, is effort and then the little things sprinkled on top of that − the stuff that 'Lucho' can do, pulling stuff out of the hat.

“For whatever reason, the last few games it feels like that's a little off. There's nobody from the outside that can fix that. It's on us. It's on us to look deep within the team and find that competitiveness again."

For the Red Bulls, they extended their unbeaten run in the MLS to seven matches with their draw against CF Montreal last time out.

Sandro Schwarz’s side have drawn six of those games, however, and find themselves losing touch to the sides above them in the division.

The Red Bulls are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference, 10 points behind this weekend’s opponents with the possibility of dropping out of the top four should they fail to find a win on home soil.

Schwarz bemoaned his side’s lack of clinical nature in the final third, admitting the draw with Montreal left a bad feeling among his squad heading into their next encounter.

"It was a good game," Schwarz said. "But at the end, it's 2-2, and it's two less than if we play like the first 60, 65 minutes.

“Then you want to win. Then you want to go home with three points and that's it. And today, it's a bad feeling for us."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

NYRB – Wikelman Carmona

Having registered just two goal contributions in his first 10 MLS games this season, Wikelman Carmona now has two goals and an assist in his last six league outings.

Carmona scored the Red Bulls’ opener against Montreal last time out, and has lost just one of his four previous encounters with Cincinnati (W2, D1).

FC Cincinnati – Yuya Kubo                                      

In the absence of talisman Luciano Acosta, Yuya Kubo will take on the responsibility of providing an attacking threat for Cincinnati in the final third.

Kubo has scored nine goals in 22 appearances for Noonan’s side this season, scoring in the reverse fixture between the two sides. However, the 30-year-old has won just one of his previous eight meetings with the Red Bulls (D3, L4).

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Cincinnati will be hopeful of returning to winning ways having lost back-to-back home games but have found comfort playing away from home.

Noonan’s side have won their last seven games away from the TQL Stadium, having taken just six points from their last five home fixtures.

The Red Bulls have won two of their last five encounters against Cincinnati (D1, L2), hoping to equal their last unbeaten streak which was eight matches between September – October 2021.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

NYRB – 38.6%

Draw – 26.5%

FC Cincinnati – 34.9%

Wilfried Nancy has insisted that his full focus remains with Columbus Crew amid links to the vacant United States managerial position ahead of their meeting with Atlanta United this weekend.

The Crew extended their unbeaten run to six matches in the MLS following their 1-1 draw with Charlotte FC in midweek as they aim to keep pace with the top two in the Eastern Conference.

Nancy’s side sit third in the standings, five points behind FC Cincinnati following their defeat to Chicago Fire last time out, with Inter Miami now at the summit of the table.

Despite their recent form, Nancy is hungry for more success with Columbus, going on to rubbish the rumours linking him with a move to the international stage following Gregg Berhalter’s dismissal last week.

"I don't talk about rumours, simple as that,” Nancy said.  

“Like I said, I am limitless. I want to be limitless, so the idea is to push myself, to challenge myself, but at the moment I'm here. I'm happy here. We'll see in the future."

“I’m really happy because the task that we had was very difficult, knowing the context, knowing the situations.

"But my players found a way to be ourselves and to play the way we wanted to play and to play really good sequences, but also to be disgusting to play against."

Meanwhile, Atlanta halted their three-game pointless run in the league with a draw against New York City FC, despite squandering their two-goal advantage in the second half.

The Five Stripes sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference table and are among a cluster of teams tightly packed at the wrong end of the division.

Interim head coach Rob Valentino is looking for a much-improved performance from his players, picking out his side’s individual errors that have cost them in recent weeks.

"We were under some pressure, and we tried to make adjustments at half-time about being better and just more brave," said Valentino.

"There were individual errors. So, it is about eliminating those moments."

"We were braver, more direct and playing in there. The goal came right away. The big thing is that we have to find out why we dropped off."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Atlanta United – Daniel Rios

While the Five Stripes may have forgotten how to win in the MLS, Daniel Rios has had no such trouble in finding the back of the net, scoring his third goal in his last four matches.

Rios’ strike against NYCFC was clocked at just 21 seconds, the fastest goal in Atlanta’s history, and they will be hoping for another quick start at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Columbus Crew – Cucho Hernandez

Cucho Hernandez continues to be the attacking spark for the Crew, with his strike against Charlotte FC his 13th of the season, scoring in each of his last three appearances.

Hernandez's goals saw him become the first player in the club's history to record 60 goal contributions over a three-year span, notching 38 goals and 22 assists in that time.

MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS CREW WIN

Columbus come into the contest as the hot favourites following their impressive recent run, with their draw against Charlotte meaning they are undefeated in their last six games in the MLS. Their last longer unbeaten streak was from 13th November 2023 to 16th March 2024, a run of eight games.

Hernandez's strike for the Crew was also the 12th consecutive time they have found the back of the net, scoring 34 times during that run. 

Atlanta have failed to win in their last two games against Columbus Crew, but their last triumph against them came back in November 2023, last losing at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium against the Crew in May 2022. 

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Atlanta United – 23.7%

Draw – 22.6%

Columbus Crew – 53.7%

Freddy Adu wished Cavan Sullivan luck after the 14-year-old broke a long-standing MLS record.

Sullivan came on from the bench to make his debut for the Philadelphia Union in a 5-1 win over the New England Revolution on Wednesday.

At the age of 14 years and 293 days, midfielder Sullivan is the youngest player in MLS history, breaking the record set by Adu in 2004.

Indeed, it is not only an MLS record that Sullivan has now taken. He is also the youngest player to make his regular-season debut among the top North American professional sports leagues (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS and CFL).

"Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record-breaking debut today," Adu wrote on X.

"That's a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck my man."

Speaking to the Union's official media channels, Sullivan said: "It's pretty awesome, there's no feeling like this, it's pretty cool. The leagues get younger, so I might not hold it for a while, but I'll cherish it for sure."

Sullivan came on in the 85th minute, just after his older brother Quinn had scored the Union's fifth goal.

"I asked him a few questions along the way, he's always helpful," Sullivan added. "To watch him score, I'm really proud of him."

Los Angeles FC remain in the hunt for the MLS Supporters' Shield despite being held to a 1-1 draw with fellow contenders Real Salt Lake at the BMO Stadium.

Cristian Olivera opened the scoring early on, only for Brayan Vera's free-kick to level the scores in a game full of missed opportunities for the visitors. 

After falling to a 5-1 defeat to Columbus Crew last time out, an instant response was required by Steve Cherundolo's side, and they did just that in the fifth minute. 

Having returned from Uruguay's third-place finish at the Copa America, Olivera pounced on a mistake by Salt Lake keeper Zac MacMath to net his fifth goal of the season.

MacMath almost presented the hosts with another opportunity to increase their lead as he gave the ball away to Mateusz Bogusz just inside his own half, but, the Pole's speculative effort was tipped over by the Salt Lake captain. 

Having withstood the early pressure from LAFC, Vera would draw his side level in the 33rd minute as he took aim from distance, with the outstretched foot of Ilie Sanchez deflecting the ball beyond Hugo Lloris. 

Diego Luna went close to giving the visitors early in the second half as Eduard Atuesta's free-kick stung the palms of MacMath. 

Pablo Mastroeni's side registered 19 shots in the contest, 10 of which came inside LAFC's penalty area, with only two of those on target. 

LAFC face the Seattle Sounders this weekend while Real Salt Lake travel to Colorado Rapids ahead of the Leagues Cup break. 

Oscar Pareja says the confidence of his Orlando City side is on the rise ahead of their MLS trip to Nashville SC at Geodis Park.

The Lions have triumphed in their last three league matches, overcoming New England Revolution 3-1 in their most recent outing.

Orlando are seventh in the Eastern Conference standings, and head coach Pareja believes improvements are clear to see as encouragement grows within the camp.

"Very excited with the three points, very proud of the character of the team and the players that brought us back after an irregular first half," Pareja said, referring to the Revs victory.

"It seems like our confidence keeps rising, and finding the net is helping us to believe that this is the team who can keep that rhythm and get into the playoffs.

"A team with more chemistry, but at the same time, with more passion and more energy that allowed us to dominate the game and score our goals.

"This is the first time that the team won in New England and that means a lot of respect for the players to that achieve that."

Nashville are ninth in the same East table, though only sit ahead of CF Montreal on goal difference.

They have lost their last four matches against Inter Miami, Columbus Crew, Portland Timbers and D.C. United, however, and must improve at home if they are to end that run here.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nashville SC – Hany Mukhtar

Hany Mukhtar has nine goal contributions (four goals, five assists) in eight regular-season matches against Orlando.

The Nashville forward has only recorded more goal contributions against one opponent in his MLS career – 12 versus Atlanta United.

Orlando City – Facundo Torres

Facundo Torres has recorded two goal contributions in each of his last two matches, including scoring a brace against New England on Saturday.

This is the fourth time Torres has registered multiple goal contributions in consecutive league matches, something no other Orlando player has managed more than once.

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW

The Opta supercomputer predicted a Nashville victory as the most likely result, however a draw appears more probable in this clash.

Nashville had suffered just five defeats in their first 19 regular-season matches in 2024 but have now lost four straight matches in all competitions for the first time in club history.

Orlando have also won their last three meetings with Nashville, including a two-match sweep in last season's playoffs.

The Lions have won four of their last five matches (L1), too, after winning four of just 18 league games prior in 2024, including wins in their previous three in a row – only twice enjoying longer victorious streaks.

However, Nashville cannot be completely ignored considering they had gone unbeaten in their previous eight against Orlando in all competitions (W3 D5) before their three-game losing streak recently.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Nashville SC win – 43.7%

Draw – 26.8%

Orlando City win – 29.5%

Greg Vanney hit out at a "purposeless" first-half display from his LA Galaxy side after their 2-0 loss to FC Dallas.

The Galaxy, who are third in the Western Conference, have now lost two of their last three games following that defeat to Dallas last time out.

They host the Colorado Rapids, who are one place and five points behind them in the West, next.

And Vanney wants a more aggressive performance.

"We were purposeless in the first half," Vanney said after the Dallas defeat, as reported by The Galactic Tribune.

"It's like we were going to win the game putting together ten thousand passes and going nowhere and that is what we said at half time.

"We were down 2-0 because we deserved to be down 2-0. We had three shots in the first half, all of them from 25 yards away.

"It just comes down to the overall aggressiveness of our group."

Wingers Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil could not wield their usual influence on proceedings in the first half against Dallas, though Vanney believes the Galaxy stumbled on a solution after the break.

He added: "In the second half, we were able to get [Pec and Paintsil] better looks.

"One-on-one situations or getting them on the run so they're attacking aggressively, and then they have an impact on the game. We've got to do more of that. I'm not interested in being a possession team for the sake of passing the ball around.

"We need to use possession to put the opposition on their heels to score goals to bury them and make them feel like we're relentlessly coming at them, not so they can set up and be comfortable and turn us over and go the other way."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LA Galaxy - Gabriel Pec

Pec has been involved in a goal in nine straight home matches (8 goals, 6 assists), equalling the longest single-season streak in Galaxy history (Landon Donovan in 2005, Robbie Keane in 2012).

Keane had a streak of 10 straight home matches with a goal contribution spanning the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

Colorado Rapids - Jonathan Lewis

Lewis has scored four goals in nine career matches against the Galaxy while not scoring more than twice against any other opponent.

All four of those goals were scored at Dignity Health Sports Park, including one in Colorado's 3-1 win at the Galaxy last May.

MATCH PREDICTION: LA GALAXY WIN

Colorado have lost only one of their last seven matches (W5 D1) conceding three goals in that lone defeat (at Los Angeles FC) and conceding a total of four goals in the other six games, not allowing more than one in any of them.

The Galaxy have won seven of their last nine home matches (D1 L1) with the only loss in that time coming at the Rose Bowl against LAFC. LA have not lost at Dignity Health Sports Park since a 4-1 defeat to Dallas last October, avoiding defeat in 10 straight matches in Carson (W7 D3) since.

Colorado, however, have won seven of their last 11 matches against the Galaxy (D3 L1) dating back to 2018. The Rapids had won six of their previous 24 meetings with the Galaxy in all competitions dating back to April 2009.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

LA Galaxy - 53.7%

Colorado Rapids - 22.6%

Draw - 23.8%

Houston Dynamo will hope to celebrate Tim Howard's investment into the side with victory against San Jose Earthquakes when the pair meet in MLS at PayPal Park.

United States men's national team legend Howard was announced as a minority investor in the Dynamo on Tuesday, with Houston excited by his experience.

"His wealth of experience across soccer, both as a player at the highest levels and subsequently as a sporting director and media analyst, will be invaluable within ownership as we continue to build a competitive and successful organisation," majority owner Ted Segal said.

On the pitch, the Dynamo have followed back-to-back victories with just one point across their last two games.

Houston were beaten 3-2 by Western Conference joint-leaders Real Salt Lake before a 1-1 draw with Minnesota United last time out.

The Dynamo still sit eighth in the West standings, and Howard hopes his investment will be rewarded with victory on the road.

"As someone who has dedicated my life to the sport of soccer, I am thrilled to join the Houston Dash and Dynamo ownership group," said Howard.

"This opportunity allows me to further contribute to the growth of the game in the United States and connect with the passionate soccer fans who call Houston home."

San Jose are struggling at the bottom of the same division coming off the back of a 2-1 defeat against Sporting Kansas City.

Houston managed a 2-1 victory in their meeting earlier this season, though interim coach Ian Russell will hope to transform the Earthquakes' fortunes this time around.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

San Jose Earthquakes – Jeremy Ebobisse

Jeremy Ebobisse has scored five career goals against the Dynamo, all since 2019.

The only player with more goals against Houston in regular-season play in that time is Alan Pulido (six).

Houston Dynamo – Sebastian Ferreira

Sebastian Ferreira has scored a career-best four goals in four regular-season matches against San Jose, including scoring against the Earthquakes in March.

No Dynamo player has scored more goals against a single team since Ferreira joined the club in 2022.

MATCH PREDICTION – HOUSTON DYNAMO WIN

The Dynamo are the narrow favourites for this clash, despite their recent head-to-head record against San Jose.

The Earthquakes have lost only one of their last six home matches against Houston (W3 D2) including recording a 2-1 win in the last meeting at PayPal Park in April 2023.

San Jose have never won consecutive home games against Houston, however, and their recent form is concerning.

The Earthquakes are the third team to lose 18 times in their first 23 games of a season along with the Tampa Bay Mutiny in 2001 and the MetroStars in 1999 (including breakaway shoot-out losses).

Considering the Dynamo have lost just one of their last eight matches, too, Houston should have no problems on the road.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

San Jose Earthquakes win – 27.8%

Draw – 24.1%

Houston Dynamo win – 48.1%

FC Dallas must learn to manage matches with more composure, so says interim coach Peter Luccin.

Dallas bounced back from a 3-2 defeat to Sporting Kansas City by claiming a surprise 2-0 win over the high-flying Los Angeles Galaxy last time out.

Having seen his team lose late on against Kansas City, Luccin was delighted with Dallas' response against the Galaxy, with Petar Musa and Logan Farrington on target.

Dallas accumulated 1.38 expected goals (xG) and had 18 shots to the Galaxy's nine, though Luccin did point out to one area where his side can improve.

"I'm still hurt a bit about our last game versus Kansas City to be honest," he said.

"Coming off a loss against Kansas City, we saw that it could be different. It says a lot about this team. I told you from the very first day, I'm very proud of them, with all of the adversity we face right now like injuries. 

"I will say that maybe having more of the ball in those important moments. I think we did that in the last 10 minutes, in the first half we were rushing too much.

"We should've pushed up higher and sustained a little bit more of the ball. Even if we want to go more vertical, we need to understand the timing and moments to go vertical.

"For me, how to manage the game with the ball. We knew the Galaxy were very good with the ball but in the end, we controlled well. We were compact in the low block. We need to manage the ball better and have possession for longer."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

FC Dallas - Jesus Ferreira

Ferreira has scored in each of his last three home MLS appearances, including in the 2-0 win over the Galaxy on Saturday.

Only one Dallas player has scored in four straight home matches since the start of the 2020 season – Ricardo Pepi in June-July 2021.

Austin FC - Julio Cascante

Cascante won eight of nine aerial duels in Austin's loss to the Seattle Sounders on Saturday, the third time he has won at least eight aerial duels in an MLS match since joining Austin FC in 2021.

The only other player to win eight or more aerial duels in a match for Austin FC is Leo Vaisanen (twice).

MATCH PREDICTION: DALLAS WIN

Austin have managed just two wins in their last 18 regular-season road matches dating back to last July, but one of those wins came in a Texas Derby, a 1-0 victory against the Houston Dynamo on April 20.

Dallas recorded their eighth home win in all competitions this season, and fourth in five matches, with the win over the Galaxy. A league-high 88% (23/26) of Dallas' points this season have been earned at home.

Dallas are unbeaten in five home matches against Austin (W4 D1), including a 2-1 victory at Toyota Stadium on May 11. Three of Dallas' four home wins over Austin have been by one-goal margins.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

FC Dallas - 51.8%

Austin FC - 23.6%

Draw - 24.6%

Eduard Atuesta has found a new forever home with Los Angeles FC and believes the Black and Gold are benefitting from being more tactically versatile.

LAFC face Realt Salt Lake in their next MLS meeting, aiming to extend their lead at the top of the Western Conference against the second-placed side, who are level on points.

Steve Cherundolo's side were hammered 5-1 at home by Columbus Crew in their last outing, however.

Yet Atuesta believes LAFC have transformed their fortunes, and are benefitting from greater tactical fluidity and flexibility in their league push.

"I think we're more diligent tactically now," the midfielder said. "The LAFC I was part of with Bob [Bradley] was an LAFC that probably was much more about having the ball, possession, we had a lot of control of the game because we had the ball.

"One way was keeping the opponent down with the ball, the other being hard-working and then being dangerous when it’s time to counter-attack or create and be more vertical.

"Those are the differences I've found."

Atuesta is somewhat adored by LAFC supporters after helping the club to Supporters' Shield glory in 2019, a success he wants to build upon.

"I came here when I was really, really young, but had the desire to learn as much as possible, learn from the veterans and understand quickly how the league works, how I could adapt as quickly as I could," he added.

"I'm now a player with more experience, more titles and with a desire to keep winning a lot, a lot of trophies with LAFC."

Salt Lake suffered their own disappointment in their last outing after a 3-0 humbling against Portland Timbers.

Pablo Mastroeni's side have won three of their last five games, though, and will hope to strike a top-of-the-table blow here.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Los Angeles FC – Denis Bouanga

Denis Bouanga, alongside goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, was recently named in the MLS All-Star team after scoring 14 goals in 22 appearances this year.

The LAFC forward also has nine league assists to his name, and will be the primary threat against RSL.

Real Salt Lake – Andres Gomez

With Cristian Arango suspended for the next four games, Andres Gomez will be expected to step up in his absence.

The latter Real Salt Lake is one of only 10 players in MLS this year with 18 or more goal contributions – Gomez has managed 19.

MATCH PREDICTION – LOS ANGELES FC WIN

Los Angeles may have suffered their heaviest home defeat in club history against the Crew, but they are still the heavy favourites for this clash.

Cherundolo's side were unbeaten in 13 games across all competitions before that Columbus hammering, conceding just seven goals across that impressive run.

LAFC will hope to recharge another similar streak with victory here, though it may not be as straightforward as the pre-match predictions suggest.

RSL have recorded back-to-back wins over Los Angeles, including a 3-0 home win on March 2. The visitors had won just two of their first 15 all-time meetings with LAFC in all competitions (L13), however.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Los Angeles FC win – 52.1%

Draw – 24.4%

Real Salt Lake win – 23.4%

Brian Schmetzer's message was simple to Seattle Sounders ahead of St. Louis City's visit in MLS, with the home side's coach demanding more of the same.

The Sounders are on a five-game winning run across all competitions, having edged out Austin FC with a 1-0 road triumph last time out.

That run of form has helped Seattle up to seventh in the Western Conference standings, four points clear of 10th-placed Austin and the playoff-chasing pack.

Head coach Schmetzer just wants his side to keep delivering as they aim for a post-season challenge.

"We've got a good squad. They believe that they can win," Schmetzer said.

"The coaches have done a great job of getting the players to all understand what we want, and the players have been delivered.

"Guys are making plays…we had bad luck and were shooting ourselves in the foot earlier in the year."

Jordan Morris scored the only goal of the game in that Austin triumph, and hopes to add to his tally when struggling St. Louis – who are 13th in the West – visit Lumen Field.

"For goalscorers, when you're playing with confidence, it obviously helps," Morris said.

"You can go through times where it feels like you're never going to score again, and then sometimes you're scoring every game and quick chances.

"A lot of it's up to the group that's playing well and gave me really good balls. So obviously, I'm happy with the form."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Seattle Sounders – Jordan Morris

Morris scored the aforementioned lone goal in Seattle's win at Austin on Saturday, his ninth of the season.

Seattle's star is one goal away from becoming the ninth player in MLS history, and the first for the Sounders, to record five double-digit scoring seasons with a single team.

St. Louis City – Nokkvi Thorisson

St. Louis have become somewhat set-piece specialists this season, scoring their 12th such goal this season – including penalties – on Saturday.

Nokkvi Thorisson curled in a fine free-kick to extend that tally, with only four MLS teams managing more set-piece goals this campaign.

MATCH PREDICTION – SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN

Home side Seattle are the dominant favourites heading into this clash, considering recent form and their head-to-head record in the fixture.

The Sounders have won all three of their matches against St. Louis, including a 2-1 road win on May 25.

Seattle are also the only opponent the visitors have faced more than once without ever earning a point.

The hosts have won five straight matches in all competitions, too, for the first time since closing the 2019 season with six straight victories culminating in an MLS Cup Final win against Toronto FC.

St. Louis, meanwhile, have suffered defeat in three of their last four matches, conceding four goals in all three losses in that time, and may be concerned about that run continuing here.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Seattle Sounders win – 56.5%

Draw – 22.5%

St. Louis City win – 21%

New York Red Bulls will be out to defend the only remaining unbeaten home record in MLS when they host road strugglers CF Montreal.

Sandro Schwarz's side were held to a 1-1 draw with Colorado Rapids last time out, keeping them fourth in the Eastern Conference.

New York are still 11 points adrift of conference leaders FC Cincinnati but will hope to make up ground when Montreal visit, with the away side 10th in the East standings.

Excitement remains around the Red Bulls and another post-season push, with defender Noah Eile relishing the chance to play in New York and under Schwarz.

"I'm very grateful for the opportunity that he and the coaching staff have in me," Eile said.

"They gave me the chance to come here first and it's a big thing for me to be able to come here and play for this great club and great league.

"I just want to be better to show that gratitude towards them."

Montreal defeated Atlanta United 1-0 in their last outing, stretching their league unbeaten run at home to seven games.

The Canadian side did not allow a single shot on target in that win, yet head coach Laurent Courtois still wants more.

"I was disappointed with the collective management of certain individuals tonight and the game scenario," Courtois said after the Atlanta result. "We did some good things, but during the last 25 minutes, it was frustrating to get caught in transition situations.

"I was disappointed at that level. It was especially the transition in possession that was difficult. We had the opportunity to put ourselves out of harm's way with a second goal and we didn't do it.

"Our management of the power play was naive. We hope that we will be able to find more efficiency in the last pass and the presence in the box."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New York Red Bulls – Lewis Morgan

Lewis Morgan netted his 10th goal of the season in the Red Bulls' draw at Colorado on Sunday, his second 10-goal season with New York (14 in 2022).

Morgan is the only Red Bulls player with a 10-goal season since Daniel Royer (11 goals) in 2019, leading New York in attack once again.

CF Montreal – Ruan

Ruan has scored two goals in his last four MLS appearances after not scoring for over two years.

This is the third time Ruan has scored two goals in a single regular season (also in 2021 and 2022 with Orlando City), but can he continue that run here?

MATCH PREDICTION – NEW YORK RED BULLS WIN

The Red Bulls are the heavy favourites for this clash, considering their remarkable head-to-head record against Montreal.

New York have won 12 of their 14 regular-season home matches against Montreal  (L2), with their 85.7% win rate the highest for any team at home against another in MLS history (minimum 10 meetings).

The Red Bulls are also unbeaten in their first 10 regular-season home games in 2024 (W6 D4), the club's second-longest home unbeaten run to start a season (13 straight in 2012).

New York are unbeaten in 13 straight at home in all competitions, last losing at Red Bull Arena against Chicago Fire last October, while Montreal are winless in nine straight regular-season away matches (D2 L7).

Montreal have just four wins in their 29 away league matches since the start of last season, and their struggles will expectedly continue here.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New York Red Bulls win – 59%

Draw – 21.4%

CF Montreal win – 19.6%