The MLS Is Back tournament has now moved from the group stage to the round of 16, which means that it is time to think about which teams have the right stuff to reach the quarter-finals.
Choosing the MLS winners is never easy, and the vagaries of this unique event have only made it more difficult. Predicting who will advance to the Eight elite is essentially a no-brainer, but you’re really always ready to play one of them.
While the group stage offered more than a whole bunch of surprises, you’ll quickly find that I think the round of 16 is going to be a lot truer.
Orlando City vs. Montreal
Saturday, July 25 (8 p.m. ET | ESPN2, ESPN deported to the USA; TSN, TVAS in Canada)
The Lions are on one of the more solid runs in franchise history. From front to back, they play with confidence and organization that are rarely found in Orlando. The Impact rode a much bumpier path to the knockouts and pulled a rabbit out of the hat in their group. Since their midfield looks consistently more proactive, I go with the tournament organizers to continue their fun run.
Prediction: Orlando City SC
Philadelphia vs. New England
Saturday, July 25 (10:30 p.m. ET | ESPN2, ESPN deported to the US; TSN in Canada)
This could be the group’s next call. Strengthened by stinginess in the back, none of the teams lost in the group phase. New England has the more explosive attack team, even if it hasn’t exploded in Orlando. However, I give the Union a head start in midfield and defense, and they have an old Andre Blake back in goal. It’s also worth noting that Philly has practically owned the Revs in recent years (7-1-2 with a goal differential of +16). For all of these reasons, Jim Curtins guys are reputed to be in a tight competition.
Prediction: Philadelphia Union
Toronto FC vs New York City FC
Sunday, July 26 (8:30 p.m. ET | FS1, TSN, TVA Sports)
If it were still 2019, it would be a monster match. It’s not like that, and by 2020 NYCFC is a team trying to find itself. The new coach Ronny Deila clearly hasn’t learned from Dome Torrent’s fiddly takeover mistakes, and they’re also unlikely to be equipped with a fully fit and firing Maxi Moralez, making this a real tough fight against Alejandro Pozuelo and his friends . The Cityzens certainly have the talent to beat a well-trained Toronto FC team, but I just can’t see it under these circumstances.
Prediction: Toronto FC
Sporting KC vs. Vancouver
Sunday, July 26 (11 p.m. ET | FS1, FOX Deportes, TUDN, TSN, TVA Sports)
Even after a breakdown in injury time at the start of the tournament, Sporting KC ended up at the top of a tough group. After the Whitecaps scored two goals two goals in their first group game, they looked dead in the water until they got Shazam-ed 27 minutes after a zero point elimination. They are also 0-1-4 in their last five against Sporting KC, including a 1-3 home loss in March. Never let yourself be told that I cannot understand a clue. Sporting KC should cross.
Prediction: Sporting KC
San Jose vs. Real Salt Lake
Monday, July 27 (8:30 p.m. ET | FS1, FOX Deportes, TSN, TVA Sports)
Many people have praised these two teams for their game in Orlando. For me, they all played at the level of the competition and scored points against weaker opponents while surrendering to a better opposition. In this case, although there are questions about Real Salt Lake’s ability to deal with the earthquake man mark for 90 minutes, I deal with the lower seed (though I definitely wouldn’t call it annoyed).
Prediction: Real Salt Lake
Seattle vs. LAFC
Monday, July 27 (11 p.m. ET | FS1, TUDN, UniMas, Fox Deportes in the USA; TSN in Canada)
It is a shame that we have to lose one of these clubs so early, even if none is in full flight in 2020. The new Central Defense pairing in Seattle is still trying to settle in, which makes them happy that Carlos Vela isn’t there for them. Bob Bradley’s team are also having defense problems at the moment, which gives this tendency the appearance of an impending barn burner shootout. The game seems to be another round of 16, but my gut tells me that knockout champion Stefan Frei will make the difference this time when he sends LAFC home.
Columbus v Minnesota United
Tuesday, July 28 (8 p.m. ET | ESPN, ESPN deported to the USA; TSN in Canada)
If the Loons had Ike Opara at their disposal, this could be the game of the round. Even without him, they have the courage to slow down the role of the crew. In the end, however, I cannot compete against Columbus here. Artur’s midfield trio, Darlington “What is an incomplete passport?” Nagbe and Lucas Zelarayan carry teams in sultry central Florida, and Caleb Porter has a number of hot attacking hands with which withered teams have to pay.
Prediction: Columbus Crew SC
Portland vs. Cincinnati FC
Tuesday, July 28 (10:30 p.m. ET | ESPN, ESPN deported to the US; TSN in Canada)
The Timbers that win Group F qualify as an easy surprise, but they take a back seat in the surprise section for Jaap Stams boys. No doubt, it’s great to see that FC Cincinnati have had some success with their new coach (two wins in a row! Huzzah!). Still, I trust Portland’s match winners on the attack to get them into the neighborhoods.
Prediction: Portland Timbers
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