Although the United States and other CONCACAF region teams are playing in World Cup qualifying matches, Major League Soccer will continue this weekend with an abbreviated schedule on September 2nd.
Four matches are on tap and three of which have playoff ramifications.
Montreal Impact vs. Chicago Fire
These two teams are certainly going in different directions. Montreal has won four of its last five matches, while Chicago has lost five of six. The Fire were one of MLS’s best teams until July when the club went into a tailspin that has lasted throughout August.
The Impact started out as heavy favorites at +111. Playing at home should benefit Montreal in this match as the team has won four of its last six at home. Chicago’s road record has been dire of late, losing four consecutive matches. Montreal should win this match and compound Chicago’s hopes for a playoff appearance.
New England Revolution vs. Orlando City
Neither New England nor Orlando has been able to mount much success this season. Every time one of the sides gets some momentum, it seems to fizzle out quickly. Orlando has gone six games without a win, and despite trading for striker Dom Dwyer, the team has mustered very little in front of goal. In fact, Orlando has scored the second fewest goals in the league’s Eastern Conference. New England has given up the third most goals defensively, and the team has been porous at the back.
Orlando has won just twice on the road this term, while New England has only won at home. MLS tends to favor the home side, so expect New England to eek out a win or a draw at the very least.
ZCode System’s scores predictor has New England slated for a 3-0 win. That seems a bit much, but the Revolution have scored 39 goals this term with 29 coming at home.
FC Dallas vs. New York Red Bulls
The mightily struggling FC Dallas host New York Red Bulls in a game the former must win to save its season. Dallas is winless in six straight, but has the comfort of playing at home. Dallas is unbeaten at home in five of six games.
The Red Bulls have lost their last two away matches, and the team has allowed 22 goals on the road. Neither team is playing exception soccer, but Dallas should edge this match thanks to the team playing at home.
The good news for New York is the team has star striker Bradley Wright Phillips in the side. The striker has score 14 of New York’s 40 goals this season. Zcode System’s scores predictor has Dallas edging this fixture, 2-1, which I completely agree with as the outcome for Saturday’s match.
LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids
MLS’s two worst teams battle it out on Saturday in Los Angeles as the Galaxy host Colorado. Both teams have made coaching changes but neither change has helped.
LA has won just once at home this term, which doesn’t bode well for the team picking up another ‘W’ on Saturday. However, Colorado hasn’t won on the road, so a win or draw is highly likely. The Rapids have the most draws in MLS this season (15) and LA is right behind them (14). This is one of the most glamorous soccer matches to be played all season, and both teams will be glad to get it over.
P.S. Upgrade to Zcode VIP Club and Unlock All Winning Picks. Instant Access.
