There is a triple header of MLS 2024 action to round off Independence Day in the United States on Thursday with six sides from the Western Conference battling it out for valuable points as we head towards the Leagues Cup break.
As has been the case throughout the season, all three matches can be seen live and in full on Apple TV, although you will need more than one device as they overlap each other. The bookmaker live streams will also show the matches.
FC Dallas vs Portland Timbers (01.30)
The opening match of the night comes from Toyota Stadium where FC Dallas will look to bounce back from their loss against FC Cincinnati at the weekend when they host a Portland Timbers side who themselves looked to be slipping to defeat before a remarkable turnaround against Minnesota United.
That made it seven matches unbeaten for the Timbers who are on a decent run, largely helped by minimal Copa America call ups but also because they are starting to find a groove under Phil Neville. A groove is something that Dallas can’t seem to find this season. Even when they look like they have got it cracked they go into a bit of a slump. I always feel that home teams have a big advantage on key holiday days though and Dallas being in Texas that is probably all the more a case in point. I just can’t trust Dallas though but I’m not convinced I want to be on Portland either. I’ll leave this one alone.
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Colorado Rapids vs Sporting Kansas City (02.30)
The middle match of the night comes from Dick’s Sporting Goods Park where a progressive Colorado Rapids side take on a Sporting Kansas City team who just can’t seem to come out of a funk, although they did pick up a much needed win at the weekend.
That win for SKC was just a second in their last 16 games, both of which were at home so now they go on their travels looking to finally sort out away form which has yielded a record of 1-2-7 this term. They are not good on the road at the best of times but going away to Colorado Rapids with the altitude and everything is bad enough without the holiday vibe and the potentially big crowd which is going to come as a result of that. I have regularly mentioned that I like the Rapids this season and while they were wiped out at Los Angeles FC at the weekend, there is no shame in that and I expect them to get back to winning ways here. Away sides have been known to sack midweek matches off at the best of times but on a Thursday night that might be even more the case here with the short turnaround to the weekend game which Kansas City are at home for. The fact it is Independence Day might make that not the case but should SKC go behind I wouldn’t be completely surprised if players are saved for Sunday. That isn’t going to happen with the Rapids, who have so many natural advantages anyway, not least being the best team, so I expect a cosy home win here.
LA Galaxy vs Los Angeles FC (03.30)
We save the best until last this week as the latest ‘El Trafico’ headlines the Independence Day action when the top two in the Western Conference heading into the round meet at the iconic Rose Bowl when LA Galaxy take on Los Angeles FC in what should be a blockbuster contest.
Generally when these two rivals meet it doesn’t take long for the matches to ignite and with both teams going so well this season there is plenty of optimism that this one won’t let anyone down. If this was at the home ground of either side then you would probably edge with the home team but on largely neutral territory I wouldn’t want to get involved in picking the winner but the one thing I am expecting from this match is goals. Generally when these two sides meet goals flow naturally and on a big pitch at the Rose Bowl I see no reason why that trend will not continue. These two sides have two of the best front threes in the competition and with them not liking each other they just go at one another. I wouldn’t usually get involved in a 3.5 goal line but this game is an exception. Four of the last six between the two have covered this line and if you go further back in time we have 5-3 and 6-2 wins for LAFC, a 3-3 draw and a 3-2 Galaxy win. Whoever wins this match I expect to see four goals before the final whistle.
Tips
Back Colorado Rapids (-1AH) to beat Sporting Kansas City for a 3/10 stake at 1.93 with Bet365
Back LA Galaxy vs Los Angeles FC – Over 3.5 goals for a 3/10 stake at 2.03 with Bet365
