MLS: Philadelphia Union and Colorado Rapids aims to shake things up at the top

Things are bubbling up nicely in the MLS, and there’s always a surprise result around the corner. We will look ahead to two games in the Eastern and Western Conferences this weekend — Colorado Rapids v Sporting Kansas City, and New England Revolution v Philadelphia Union. We will explore the implications both matches will have, and share the latest odds.

New England Revolution continue to set pace after thrilling win over New York Red Bulls

New England Revolution continue to churn out the wins. A thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls last weekend helped the Revs carve open an eight-point gap at the top of the Eastern Conference. After falling behind to a Wikelman Carmona strike in the eighth minute, Gustavo Bou equalized for the visitors.

Fabio then helped restore the lead for the Red Bulls before two strikes inside the space of six minutes from Brandon Bye and Adam Buksa gave the Revs all three points. Bou, in particular, has been in scintillating form for the Revs, and he has notched up nine goals in his last 10 outings.

New England Revolution facing pivotal week in Eastern Conference

While the Revs have been trundling along nicely, they face a pivotal week in their campaign. Before locking horns with Philadelphia Union on Sunday, they will host third-placed Nashville. The win over the Red Bulls will have given the Revs a shot of energy. And Rye thinks the togetherness of the squad will stand them in good stead to confront these challenges.

New England Revolution trying to fend off Tajon Buchanan interest

While Carles Gil has rightfully received all the plaudits of late, Tajon Buchanan has courted interest from European clubs. Revs head coach Bruce Arena has admitted he has received offers for Buchanan. However, the Revs are supposedly happy with their roster. Whether the Revs will be able to keep hold of Buchanan in the January transfer window remains to be seen.

Philadelphia Union have to shake off draw specialists tag

Union are firmly in the playoff picture as they are fifth in the Eastern Conference table. However, they have managed more draws (7) than wins (6) this term, and the 1-1 draw against Chicago Fire illustrated this. Union dominated the shot count, and they played most of the match against 10 men. But with two successive draws, Union must return to winning ways.

Colorado Rapids in the mix following win over Austin FC

While they haven’t always been at their best, the Rapids have developed a healthy knack of grinding out results. Last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Austin was timely, as it snapped a two-match road losing streak. Andre Shinyashiki grabbed the only goal of the game to secure all three points for the Rapids, who are fourth in the Eastern Conference.

The Rapids are just five points adrift of Eastern Conference table-toppers Seattle Sounders. However, the Rapids have two games in hand over the Sounders, and they have a game in hand over their rivals. Momentum is gathering for the Rapids, but Kansas City will represent a much stiffer when the two sides meet on Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, the Rapids have dipped into the transfer market in the past week to bolster their squad. They agreed a deal to sign Mark-Anthony Kaye from LAFC in exchange for $1million General Allocation Money, and Rapids coach Robin Fraser was delighted with the move. He said, “As a player, it was an easy choice.”

Sporting Kansas City can’t let Dallas defeat derail them

Prior to their defeat against Dallas, Kansas City had gone on a five-game unbeaten streak, and they were in a rich vein of form. Kansas suffered their first defeat at home in 2021, and they rarely looked like threatening Dallas. Peter Vermes was subsequently denied his 200th win as Kansas City head coach across all competitions.

However, Kansas City will relish facing the Rapids, as they have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings. In their past four clashes, Kansas City have triumphed on three occasions, with the other game resulting in a draw. Earlier in the campaign, Kansas City ran out 3-1 winners, as a Daniel Salloi double inspired them to victory.

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