MLS: LA Galaxy and Atlanta in action as Western and Eastern Conferences spring into life

The MLS is never short on entertainment. This weekend, we have a bumper round of fixtures to get stuck into. As the Eastern and Western conferences spring to life we will preview the standout games, which sees Atlanta host Nashville on Saturday evening, and then in the early hours of Sunday morning, Los Angeles Galaxy entertain San Jose Earthquakes. We will also highlight the latest match odds to see how things are shaping up.

Atlanta demonstrate battling qualities to earn valuable point against Seattle Sounders

Atlanta’s meeting with Seattle Sounders received top billing last weekend. The Sounders — who have been the season’s early pacesetters — looked to be heading for another priceless win, when Raul Ruidiaz struck the opener after six minutes. But Atlanta dug deep and earned a penalty with four minutes of the game remaining. Josef Martinez made no mistake as he buried his spot-kick.

It was the first goal that the Sounders have conceded at Lumen Field this campaign. Although Atlanta are a work in progress under Gabriel Heinze, they richly deserved their point against the Sounders. Heinze was delighted with the way his side refused to give up. He said: “I’m happy, the way they compete, and how they want to win every game.”

• Atlanta to beat Nashville SC @59/50 with Casumo
• Josef Martinez to score first for Atlanta @10/3 with Casumo

 

Nashville proving to be no pushovers as they remain undefeated

At the time of writing, Nashville, along with Orlando City, are the only two unbeaten teams in the Eastern Conference. Nashville clinched a 1-0 win against Austin FC last weekend to take their points tally to 10. Additionally, they trail leaders New England Revolution by four points. However, Nashville have been hard to break down, conceding just four times this term.

Nashville must turn draws into wins

While Nashville have a healthy point return from their first six games, perhaps what has been more concerning is their inability to convert draws into wins. Prior to their victory over Austin, Nashville had fired blanks in two of their previous three outings. Atlanta will smell blood if Nashville are too pensive, but this clash is really tight to call.

LA Galaxy pay the price for ill discipline against rampant Portland Timbers

LA Galaxy looked to have things under control against the Portland Timbers last weekend, until total capitulation. Centre-back Derrick Williams received his marching orders for a thunderous challenge on Timbers forward Andy Polo, who was later seen on crutches. The referee showed no hesitation in pulling out a straight red, and Galaxy crumbled afterwards.

Polo’s replacement, Felipe Mora, made an almost immediate impact two minutes after the restart when he nodded home to give the Timbers the lead. Mora grabbed his second on the hour mark before Diego Valeri wrapped up the points from the penalty spot. While Timbers enjoyed a rousing victory, they were given a big helping hand by the ill-discipline of Galaxy.

• LA Galaxy to beat San Jose Earthquakes @23/25 with Casumo
• Total Goals Over 3.5 @23/20 with Casumo

Williams is facing a multi-game ban, and his absence will be sorely felt by Galaxy. Head coach Greg Vanney had little qualms about the sending off, however, it was a blemish on Williams’ character. 

LA Galaxy v San Jose Earthquakes: A tale of past encounters

Although Galaxy currently have a game in hand over second-placed Sporting Kansas City and table toppers Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference, they may be fearful of San Jose. Sunday’s meeting will be the 17th time these two sides will lock horns. But last term, San Jose cruised to a 4-0 victory away to Galaxy.

On that day, Nick Lima helped himself to a double, while Andres Rios and Tommy Thompson got in on the act. Overall, San Jose have notched up seven wins against the Galaxy in the MLS. San Jose are unbeaten in their past three clashes, racking up two wins and a draw. Over that period, they have scored six goals, and conceded just once. It will be interesting to see which side of Galaxy show up in an important game in the Western Conference.