MLS Matchday 24: Predictions, Key Storylines, and What to Watch in a Packed Weekend of Action
A busy week of Major League Soccer action unfolds this weekend, with all 29 teams in action across Saturday and Sunday following a slightly spread-out Matchday 22 and the Independence Day holiday. Matchday 24 promises compelling matchups and crucial points as teams battle for playoff positioning and Supporters’ Shield contention. Here’s a comprehensive look at how the action could play out, with predictions for each of the 15 games.
Eastern Conference Showdowns
Charlotte FC vs. New York City FC (Prediction: Charlotte FC 1–1 New York City FC)
Both Charlotte FC and New York City FC are seeking consistency after recent performances against Toronto FC. While both teams secured wins by a two-goal margin in their last outings, underlying issues persist for both sides, with both expected to be active in the upcoming transfer window. Charlotte is also bracing for the potential departure of Patrick Agyemang, with reports indicating a move to Derby County is nearing completion.
FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew SC (Prediction: FC Cincinnati 3–2 Columbus Crew SC)
The highly anticipated “Hell is Real” Derby returns for its second installment this season. After three consecutive draws between the Ohio rivals, one team will finally break the deadlock. Currently leading the Supporters’ Shield standings, FC Cincinnati will rely heavily on the attacking prowess of Evander and Kévin Denkey to secure a victory on their home turf.
Orlando City SC vs. CF Montréal (Prediction: Orlando City SC 3–1 CF Montréal)
Orlando City SC enters this match in strong form, boasting back-to-back wins and five victories in their last seven games. The return of fullback Alex Freeman, fresh off duty with the U.S. men’s national team at the Gold Cup, provides a further boost. Coupled with the continued excellence of Marco Pašalič, Orlando appears poised to comfortably handle a CF Montréal side recently defeated by Forge FC of the Canadian Premier League.
Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls (Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2–0 New York Red Bulls)
A rematch is on the cards for these two Eastern Conference contenders, albeit delayed. Their scheduled U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday was postponed due to rain and rescheduled for August 13. However, the MLS clash this weekend offers another opportunity for competition, with Philadelphia hoping to reintegrate Tai Baribo into significant playing time as he recovers from injury.
Toronto FC vs. Atlanta United (Prediction: Toronto FC 2–2 Atlanta United)
This matchup features two teams that have fallen short of expectations this season. Toronto FC successfully navigated the departures of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, while Atlanta United continues to struggle with expensive acquisitions that haven’t yielded the desired results, including players like Emmanuel Latte Lath and Alexey Miranchuk. Expect an entertaining, high-scoring affair.
Inter Miami CF vs. Nashville SC (Prediction: Inter Miami CF 2–3 Nashville SC)
A clash of titans is set to unfold as second-place Nashville SC, led by MLS Golden Boot leader Sam Surridge, travels to face Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. Messi recently broke more records midweek, adding to his already legendary status. This game showcases contrasting roster-building philosophies – Miami’s star power versus Nashville’s consistent, team-oriented approach. With Nashville boasting a 14-game unbeaten streak and Miami on a four-game league winning run, this is must-watch television.
Western Conference Battles
Austin FC vs. New England Revolution (Prediction: Austin FC 0–0 New England Revolution)
Both Austin FC and the New England Revolution were in midweek action, with New England falling to Inter Miami and Austin advancing in the U.S. Open Cup after a controversial penalty shootout victory over the San Jose Earthquakes. However, Austin has suffered a significant setback with a season-ending injury to DP forward and MLS All-Star captain nominee Brandon Vazquez, severely impacting their already limited attacking options.
Chicago Fire FC vs. San Diego FC (Prediction: Chicago Fire FC 4–5 San Diego FC)
San Diego FC will aim to bounce back from a 4–3 loss to the Houston Dynamo last week as they visit the Chicago Fire. San Diego is focused on solidifying their position atop the Western Conference. With attacking talents like Anders Dreyer, Hirving Lozano, and Milan Iloski, alongside Chicago’s Hugo Cuypers, Jonathan Bamba, and Philip Zinckernagel, this match promises to be a thrilling, end-to-end contest.
Sporting Kansas City vs. Seattle Sounders FC (Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 2–2 Seattle Sounders FC)
Seattle Sounders FC has demonstrated impressive form since returning from the FIFA Club World Cup, securing a win against Austin and a draw against Columbus Crew. They face a Sporting KC side that is on a three-game unbeaten run and could climb into a playoff spot with a victory.
Minnesota United vs. San Jose Earthquakes (Prediction: Minnesota United 2-3 San Jose Earthquakes)
The San Jose Earthquakes, motivated after a controversial loss to Austin FC in the U.S. Open Cup, will look to translate that energy on the road. Despite uncertainty surrounding Cristian Espinoza’s fitness, head coach Bruce Arena will rely on Cristian Arango and Josef Martinez to lead the attack. Minnesota United is expected to absorb possession and counterattack through Kelvin Yeboah, Tani Oluwaseyi, or Robin Lod.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Colorado Rapids (Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1–1 Colorado Rapids)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC seeks to regain their footing in league play after a 3–0 defeat to the LA Galaxy. They enter the match against the Colorado Rapids following their advancement to the Canadian Championship semifinals, with striker Brian White and midfielder Sebastian Berhalter returning from USMNT duty. However, a lack of depth and recent struggles suggest a draw is a likely outcome against a Colorado side that has won only once in their last seven matches.
Real Salt Lake vs. Houston Dynamo (Prediction: Real Salt Lake 2–1 Houston Dynamo)
A compelling narrative unfolds as Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna and Houston Dynamo’s Jack McGlynn face off after recently forming the USMNT midfield during the Gold Cup. Both players will be eager to make an immediate impact upon their return to league play. Real Salt Lake has won two of their last three games, while the Dynamo are aiming for a third consecutive MLS victory.
Rounding Out the Weekend
LA Galaxy vs. D.C. United (Prediction: LA Galaxy 2–0 D.C. United)
The LA Galaxy enters this matchday with momentum after securing only their second win in 20 games, a dominant 3–0 performance against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. They have a favorable opportunity to capitalize on a D.C. United side reeling from the recent dismissal of head coach Troy Lesesne following a loss to Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup.
LAFC vs. FC Dallas (Prediction: LAFC 2–1 FC Dallas)
LAFC, despite a less-than-stellar showing at the Club World Cup and in their return to MLS play, demonstrated their quality with a 3–0 win over the Colorado Rapids. Facing Luciano Acosta and FC Dallas, who have lost their last three games and won only once in their last ten, LAFC will look to capitalize ahead of what is expected to be a busy transfer window.
St. Louis CITY SC vs. Portland Timbers (Prediction: St. Louis CITY SC 1–3 Portland Timbers)
St. Louis CITY SC is enduring a challenging season with only three wins and a three-game losing streak. They face a difficult test against the Portland Timbers, who recently secured a 2-1 victory over St. Louis and will rely on David da Costa to spearhead their attack. The Timbers are aiming to solidify their fourth-place position in the Western Conference.
