Charlotte FC vs. Minnesota Utd (Sunday, 11.00pm)
For the first time in the regular season of Major League Soccer (MLS), Charlotte FC and Minnesota United will square off on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.
A late goal at home to Toronto last week enabled the Crown to claim a 3-2 victory, while the Loons conceded in the latter stages versus the Houston Dynamo, losing 2-1.
We say: Charlotte FC 2-0 Minnesota United
The environment and big crowds at Bank of America Stadium seem to give the home side a decisive advantage, and we believe it will again this weekend, as the Loons look like they are still searching for their identity under new management and are struggling to create much without the presence of Reynoso.
LA Galaxy vs. Earthquakes (Monday, 1.15am)
A weekend of Major League Soccer (MLS) rivalry games concludes on Sunday when the Los Angeles Galaxy host the San Jose Earthquakes at Dignity Health Sports Park in the first California Clasico of 2024.
LA moved to the top of the Western Conference table with a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps last Saturday, while the Goonies are bottom of the conference standings following a 3-0 defeat at home to the Colorado Rapids.
We say: Los Angeles Galaxy 3-2 San Jose Earthquakes
These matches tend to produce plenty of goals, and given the defensive deficiencies of each side, we expect to see the back of the net bulge a few times on Sunday.
If it turns out to be a goal-fest, as we anticipate, that will favour the Galaxy, who are firing on all cylinders and have a lot more depth in the attacking third than the Quakes.