New York Red Bulls vs. Portland Timbers
The Timbers will make the 4,600km trip to Harrison, New Jersey to face a red hot New York side. The Red Bulls are looking to open MLS play coming off an impressive victory over Mexican side Tijuana in the CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinals.
Portland travelled down the West coast and found themselves down 2-0 to the Galaxy in the first half. Not even a Sebastian Blanco goal was enough as they lost the opener 2-1.
Where: Red Bull Arena; Harrison, NJ When: Saturday 10 March, 12:00am UK time
Prediction: New York Red Bulls 1-0 Portland Timbers;
Both New York and Portland will have to make a long trip this week, and the Red Bulls will only have a few days rest following their midweek clash with Tijuana. All things considered New York will be happy to be home and a BWP goal seems inevitable on the big stage.
Atlanta United vs D.C. United:
United will face United as D.C. looks to travel to the capitol of The Peach State, Atlanta. Both teams had a rocky first week as D.C. had a goal and a man advantage and still conceded a late stoppage time goal to Orlando, courtesy of last years NASL golden boot winner Stefano Pihno (welcome to MLS.)
Atlanta on the other hand experienced a new sensation falling 4-0 to the Houston Dynamo. Forgetting about a disappointing opener the potential title contenders will look to answer back quick and loud at home.
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium; Atlanta, GA When: Sunday 11 March, 7pm UK time
Prediction: Atlanta United 2-0 D.C. United; The Five Stripes will be too much at home, and should be looking lean, mean, and ready for revenge for last weeks blowout loss. A Darlington Nagbe goal in his home debut?!?
NYCFC vs LA Galaxy
The cathedral of American baseball will play host to a soccer match between home side NYCFC, and LA Galaxy. The Bronx Blues enjoyed the opening week with a 2-0 victory and goals coming from Morales and Medina despite a late red card for Maxime Chanot.
The Galaxy also got 3 points last weekend with a 2-1 victory over Western Conference foes Portland Timbers with a goal from new signing Ola Kamara.
Where: Yankee Stadium; Bronx, New York City When: Sunday 11 March, 9pm UK time
Prediction: NYCFC 1-1 LA Galaxy; The Blues should be in full force at home and we should see a lot of attacking play from David Villa. This should be a fun game to watch, both sides are quick and talented going forward, yet solid goalkeeping and a defensive awareness of each others abilities will keep this one low scoring.
Written by Jacob Mabry (Twitter, @Cherry_Da_Ruby)
