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MLS: Seattle Sounders, Los Angeles FC, New England Revolution and D.C. United all in action

The new MLS campaign only kicked off last weekend, but the first round of fixtures brought a glut of goals. We’ve got some crackers in store for this weekend, including Los Angeles FC v Seattle Sounders, and New England Revolution v D.C. United. 

Seattle Sounders make early statement of intent

Eager to erase the memories of their MLS Cup final defeat to Columbus Crew last term, the Seattle Sounders showed they will be serious contenders once again. The 2019 champions romped to an emphatic 4-0 victory over Minnesota United with João Paulo scoring the goal of the game with a superb volley.

Although there was a limited capacity of 7,042 fans due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Sounders were irresistible in the second half. Raúl Ruidíaz’s double took his tally to 44 goals in 64 appearances. It was an early statement of intent, and the Sounders you expect, will contend for the Western Conference title and go deep in the playoffs once again.

Los Angeles FC hungry for success

While their cross-town rivals Los Angeles Galaxy have a decorated record in the MLS with five titles to their name, Los Angeles FC have been in their shadow. Los Angeles FC, who host the Sounders on Saturday afternoon, began their campaign in a comfortable fashion by seeing off Austin FC 2-0. However, the Sounders will represent a stiffer test.

Los Angeles FC hoping to keep good record against Seattle Sounders intact

As far as LA are concerned, they will be relishing their encounter with the Sounders. This weekend’s clash will represent the ninth meeting in the MLS, and LA have won four of these games, while Sounders have prevailed on three occasions, and there has been one draw. Last term, Sounders ran out 3-1 winners. Nicolas Lodeiro, Ruidíaz and Jordan Morris were all on target.

New England Revolution play out lively season opener

There were some terrific matches played on the opening weekend of the new MLS season, and the Revolution were involved in one of them. They started their season with a 2-2 draw against Chicago Fire. Revolution found themselves 2-0 down in 11 minutes, but they responded well with strikes from Adam Buksa and Gustavo Bou.

New England Revolution have to spring out the traps quickly

In any game, slow starts are punished. Revolution failed to get out of first gear in the opening stages of their draw with Fire last weekend. Although they rescued a point, D.C. United are likely to be more clinical and won’t allow Revolution a way back in.

Against Fire, Revolution enjoyed more possession (52.7%), and they managed 13 attempts on goal, but also saw DeJuan Jones sent off in stoppage time of the second half. They will have to press hard against a D.C. United side that started their season with a 2-1 victory over New York City FC.

Meanwhile, Revolution may have to battle to keep hold of Tajon Buchanan this summer. The 22-year-old has been attracting interest from several clubs across Europe, including Sporting Lisbon. There are also clubs in England and France’s top-flight Ligue 1 watching with great interest, but there has been no official confirmation yet. Buchanan is a versatile player, and he can operate on either wing.

Brendan Hines-Ike announces himself in style for D.C. United

Brendan Hines-Ike enjoyed a memorable debut for D.C. United. After going nearly four years without scoring a league goal, Hines-Ike ended that long drought by netting with a thunderbolt against New York City last weekend. It was the standout moment of that game, and a strike that any forward would be proud of.

D.C. United — who are second in the Eastern Conference — boast a good record against Revolution. Saturday’s meeting will represent the 18th MLS clash between the two sides. D.C. United have come out on top six times, while Revolution has won four encounters. However, Revolution has had the edge in the past three league fixtures.

 

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