The MLS has some of its best games of this month happening on July 12th. Another Saturday slate means more games to look forward to and breakdown.
The 12th provides one of the best rivalries in the entire league, as well as two matchups that have big implications that will affect both conferences as we progress in July.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Is Patrick Agyemang Ready for Europe? MLS Fans Split Over His Performances
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew
These two teams are once again proving that Hell is Real in the MLS in one of the league’s most intense matchups. The last time these two faced off in Columbus, it ended in a draw.
Cincinnati buckled down on defense and waited for counter attack chances against a Crew defense that was caught off guard. Columbus on the other hand had possession for most the game, they also created the most quality chances in that game.
This game has more than bragging rights riding on it, as seeding implications as well as tie breakers going forward could be on the line. Columbus has been playing well lately, but not on the same level as Cincinnati.
Cincinnati has taken the top spot in the Eastern Conference thanks to its consistent play against top teams in the Eastern Conference.
With both teams playing their best soccer of the year and back to full strength from players returning from international play, we could see a thriller.
Columbus can play with anyone in the league thanks to Wilfried Nancy and his tactical presence as a manager. Cincinnati plays strong together and has been a thorn in the side of every team in the East this year.
Inter Miami and Nashville SC
This is another battle between two teams in the East that are battling for a top seed as we progress quickly through the summer.
Miami has been one of the hottest teams in the league over the past two months, thanks to the elite play of Lionel Messi. Messi is coming off a two-goal performance that resulted in a conference win this past week.
Nashville, on the other hand, has been a surprise team at the top of the Eastern Conference this year. It was thought that Nashville was still rebuilding under the influence of manager BJ Callaghan.
Miami is six points off of Nashville in the East standings. a win for Miami will gain them a lot of ground and possibly leapfrog their way to the top of the standings.
Nashville, on the other hand is fighting a different battle compared to the rest of the East. They are legit Support Shield contenders as they are just one point off of Cincinnati in the standings.
Nashville will have to find a way to stop Messi, while Miami will have to outperform the elite play of this Nashville roster.
Minnesota United Vs San Jose Earthquakes
The West has become exciting as the gap has completely closed on the top seed in the conference. Minnesota went from looking far up in the standings at the one seed to being in arm’s length of it.
San Jose has struggled as they are currently one of the last playoff spots in the West. San Jose looks to insert themselves into the conversation in the West conference title picture.
The only way they will be able to do that is by adding impressive wins to their resume; a win against a solid Minnesota team would do that for the Bay Area team.
Minnesota has been impressive this season, with the typical title contenders out of the race this season, it opened the door wide open for a team like United to swoop in and take it.
Other teams like San Diego and Vancouver have also taken advantage of this, as those two have been ahead of them for the majority of the season so far.
This game may not have the biggest implications, but it will have the biggest effect on the conference compared to the rest of the games today.
Main Photo
Credit IMAGO / NurPhoto
Recording Date 13.09.2024