Before the Round – Trends on USA MLS (02/07)

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Major League Soccer is headed toward the MLS All-Star Game and the Leagues Cup tournament break in July.

Before teams get to those major points in the season, there are still league fixtures to play. FC Cincinnati continue to set the pace in MLS’s overall standings with 43 points from 19 games.

CF Montreal - New York City FC

CF Montreal will host New York City FC in an all-Eastern Conference fixture on matchday 22. New York City went unbeaten against Montreal last season, picking up four points from six. City went unbeaten in five of their last six games against Montreal.

Montreal go into the game in form and unbeaten in three straight MLS games. The Black and Blue have been very strong at home, where they have a record of seven wins and one loss. Montreal are on a six-game home win streak.

New York City are struggling in the league. They are in 13th place in the 15-team Eastern Conference. City took five points from the last six games thanks to five consecutive draws.

• Montreal Impact have managed to keep a clean sheet in their last 6 home league games.
• In their last 21 away games in Major League Soccer, New York City FC have a poor record of just 3 wins.
• In their last 6 games in Major League Soccer, Montreal Impact have been undefeated on 5 occasions.
• New York City FC have drawn their last 5 matches in Major League Soccer.
• Prediction: Draw.

FC Dallas - Los Angeles FC

FC Dallas and Los Angeles FC are battling for the Western Conference lead. The Hoops go into round No 22 with 26 points, six away from Western Conference co-leader Los Angeles.

This is the second match of the season between the clubs. Los Angeles won the reverse meeting at home, 2-1.

Los Angeles failed to win two of their last three games in Dallas. They go into the match blowing hot and cold. Los Angeles won just two of their last six games, picking up seven points. The last two matches between these clubs saw a red card.

FC Dallas are in poor shape ahead of Los Angeles's arrival. Just four points were taken from the last six MLS games. The Hoops are on a two-game losing streak.

• There are no losses for FC Dallas in 15 of their most recent 17 home games (Major League Soccer).
• Los Angeles FC are unbeaten in 6 of their last 7 games against FC Dallas in Major League Soccer.
• In their last 7 games in Major League Soccer, FC Dallas have recorded only 1 wins.
• Los Angeles FC have scored at least one goal in their clashes with FC Dallas in 9 consecutive Major League Soccer matches.
• Prediction: Over 2.5 goals.

Nashville SC - DC United

Nashville SC are having a strong campaign and are third in the Eastern Conference, eight points off first-place FC Cincinnati. The Yellows went unbeaten in their last five games against DC United in all competitions.

DC United occupy the final MLS Eastern Conference playoff spot currently. The team is coming off a shock 3-0 home win over Cincinnati last weekend. The victory ended a two-game losing streak in the league.

Nashville are on a two-match losing streak in the league. The back-to-back losses halted the Yellows' strong form. The good news for Nashville manager Gary Smith is the team’s home form.

Nashville are on a five-match home win streak. They also have the best defence in the Eastern Conference.

• No defeats can be found in Nashville SC's 7 most recent home games in Major League Soccer.
• In DC United's last 7 matches of Major League Soccer, there have been over 2.5 goals scored.
• Nashville SC haven't lost in 10 of their last 12 matches in Major League Soccer.
• DC United's last 3 away games in Major League Soccer have been high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored.
• Prediction: Both teams to score.

Seattle Sounders FC - Houston Dynamo

Seattle Sounders FC are on a three-game winning streak against Houston Dynamo in all competitions. The Dynamo are surprisingly in the mix for the top spot in the Western Conference, and a win over the Sounders would see Houston move into third place.

The last three games between Seattle and Houston produced four red cards. Matches between the Western Conference foes have been fiery. The teams met previously this season, with Seattle winning 1-0. Houston had two players sent off in the match.

Seattle are not in good form going into the home fixture. They failed to win each of their last five games in the league. Houston are coming off a 3-0 loss to Texas rival Austin FC.

The defeat ended a three-game win streak. Houston are the Western Conference’s worst away team, with five points from 10 games.

• Seattle Sounders have not managed to score a goal in their 3 most recent home matches in Major League Soccer.
• In their 22 most recent away matches of Major League Soccer, Houston Dynamo have achieved just 3 wins.
• Seattle Sounders have won only 1 of their last 8 Major League Soccer matches.
• The average number of goals scored by Houston Dynamo is 0.70 for their away matches in Major League Soccer.
• Prediction: Under 2.5 goals.