The MLS is Back Tournament continues at quite a pace this week and we have three more group matches taking place down in Orlando as Group C concludes and Group E moves towards the end on a key day of action.
As well as places in the knockout stages of the competition being up for grabs, the six sides on show are once again playing for what could be three valuable regular season points so there is plenty to provide a real competitive edge to the three matches.
The Format
The 26 MLS teams have now become 24 with FC Dallas and Nashville being withdrawn from the tournament after positive Covid tests. The remaining teams have been placed into six groups of four. Each team plays the other three in their group once in the group stage. The results of these matches not only count in this tournament but also towards the regular season when it resumes. At the end of the group stage the top two from each group and the four best third placed finishers go into a 16-team knockout stage. The entire tournament takes place in Orlando with the final scheduled for August 11. There is a Champions League place for the winners which should ensure it is competitive.
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Toronto FC vs New England Revolution (14.00 – Sky Football)
The opening match of the day sees the two sides in pole position to qualify from Group C battling it out in what could be the match that decides who wins the section and in turn presents themselves with a smoother path when it comes to the knockout stages as Toronto FC take on the New England Revolution.
Both these sides are in good shape in the group but they could both have been in an even better position as both led DC United but were pulled back and held to a draw. Toronto FC went 2-0 up on DC before collapsing late on while New England Revolution could only go one up and paid the price for not killing the match off. The concern for New England has been the lack of a goal threat in their two matches while for Toronto FC it has been how open they have looked at the back. If the adage of defence wins championships is to be believed here you would favour New England but with a draw seeing both through I’m reluctant to bet.
Atlanta United vs Columbus Crew (01.00 – Free Sports)
One of the biggest matches in the group stage when the six groups were determined was going to be the one between Atlanta United and Columbus Crew and it forms the second part of the Tuesday triple header and is certainly big for the 2018 MLS Cup winners Atlanta.
They have lost both their matches to date with ill-discipline costing them as much as a lack of a goal threat. They not go into this match knowing that if they are to remain in the competition they need a decent sized win and then hope results elsewhere get them through as a best third placed finisher. There are no such problems for Columbus Crew though. They have looked dominant in their opening two matches, winning both and not yet conceding a single goal. They are already guaranteed to come out of Group E but a point here will confirm they top the group.
Initially I was reluctant to bet on this match because the Crew are through but they have made no secret of their desire to come away from the event with nine regular season points and I think I have to take them on their word for that. Atlanta just really lack a goal threat without Josef Martinez and I expect Columbus to take advantage of that. I’ve made no secret all year that I think Caleb Porter’s men are the best team in MLS this term. I’ll back them to show that here although given the point will do I will take the draw cover the Asian handicap line brings.
Montreal Impact vs DC United (03.30 – Free Sports)
The final match of a busy day of action in Orlando sees two Eastern Conference sides clashing in what could still be an important tussle for both sides as the Montreal Impact take on DC United with three more regular season points on the line.
Montreal Impact have been disappointing in this tournament it has to be said. With Thierry Henry having had a few months in the job I expected to see something good from them and while they finding the net three times against Toronto FC last time out looks good, two of them were from the penalty spot. DC United have looked ordinary themselves in the early stages of their matches and it hasn’t been until the introduction of Federico Higuain that they have got going. Nevertheless, they have picked up draws from both matches and a win here will see them safely through. My hunch would be that DC will win this one but I’m not sure I trust them enough to bet on them right now.
Tips
Back Columbus Crew (-0.25AH) to beat Atlanta United for a 3/10 stake at 2.01 with BetVictor
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