It's America's favorite time of year (besides Christmas maybe) and MLS has put together a red-hot slate for us to enjoy on Saturday and Sunday. Some of the nation's best players are facing off in matches that could be future conference championship matchups. The first and second-place teams in the Eastern Conference face off when the New England Revolution travels to FC Cincinnati. We also see the home team for the nation's capital, D.C. United travel to the heart of the nation to face off against one of America's best defenses in Nashville. We will dive into these matches and more in MLS for what you need to know for the Fourth of July weekend.
MLS: What You Need To Know For The Fourth of July Weekend.
Conference Championship Preview Anyone?
FC Cincinnati went through their last three matches with a draw versus Vancouver, a 3-0 shutout drubbing against Toronto, and a second 3-0 drubbing against DC United has FC Cincinnati looking like the team to beat in MLS. FC Cincinnati has won their last 10 Major League Soccer matches on home soil, as they scored 19 and let in five goals. Not to mention they are ranked 1st in the Eastern Conference. These sound like some tough trends to beat, and these are from just this season.
New England Revolution Form
The New England Revolution has looked great as of late with three wins in a row. They took down Toronto, Orlando, and Inter but (and these are going to be a couple of big buts) those aren't great teams, so let's keep that in mind. Also, all those games were at home. Keep that in mind, too. New England has managed just one win in their past six away games in MLS. They have a 3-3-3 record on the road and taking on this Cincinnati team is a big test.
The Nation's Team? At Least, the Nation's Capitals Team
It's Fourth of July weekend and D.C United will leave the nation's capital to face Nashville SC in what looks like could be a great matchup. You know you can count on MD betting on their team over this holiday weekend. It might be a stretch thought when they face the number one defense in the MLS. Nashville SC has allowed the fewest overall goals in the league this year.
Nashville's Star Spells Trouble for the Visitors
Nashville SC is also home to arguably the best player in MLS (at least until Messi starts) in Hany Muktar. In 20 games played this year, he has already amassed 13 goals and six assists. Nashville has not scored in their last two games, losing both of them. Those games were both on the road however and Nashville SC is a completely different team at home. They've won their last five home games scoring two or more goals in each of them. While Nashville possesses a terrific defense they have allowed the opponent to score one goal in five out of their last six games.
D.C. United has only won three out of their last eight home games. Their road games have tended to see goals however as five out of their last six games have seen three or more goals which always makes for exciting soccer. How will United fair on the road this weekend, only time will tell.
Fireworks on the Cards
I said earlier it's the Fourth of July weekend, which means fireworks. Fireworks around the country and definitely fireworks in MLS. I only went into detail with two games but we have an entire Saturday MLS slate of matchups that will be electric from start to finish. St. Louis City is one of the league's best home teams and is taking on a bum Colorado team, which means fireworks. Seattle and Houston, two teams fighting for position face off. This whole slate is great, enjoy the fireworks.