{"id":227465,"date":"2026-04-11T10:38:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T10:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/227465\/"},"modified":"2026-04-11T10:38:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T10:38:16","slug":"usmnt-stars-clash-inter-miami-look-for-first-win-at-new-stadium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/227465\/","title":{"rendered":"USMNT Stars Clash, Inter Miami Look for First Win at New Stadium"},"content":{"rendered":"<p id=\"inline-text-0\" class=\"mt-[18px] md:mt-0 mb-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"74\">The 2026 World Cup is just over two months away, and the excitement around soccer is quickly building across the United States and Canada, where several MLS stadiums will soon hand over control to FIFA. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-1\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"77\">The seventh full weekend of MLS regular season action sees 14 matches on Saturday and one on Sunday, highlighted by a battle between USMNT mainstays Matt Freese and Sebastian Berhalter in New York City FC\u2019s visit to Vancouver Whitecaps, and more.  <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-2\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7a\">Here\u2019s what Sports Illustrated  predicts for the seventh week of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/mls\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">MLS<\/a> in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Jump to:<a href=\"#inline-text-6\">Toronto FC vs. FC Cincinnati<\/a><a href=\"#inline-text-14\">Austin FC vs. LA Galaxy<\/a><a href=\"#inline-text-23\">CF Montr\u00e9al vs. Philadelphia Union<\/a><a href=\"#inline-text-31\">Portland Timbers vs. LAFC <\/a><a href=\"#inline-text-39\">Charlotte FC vs. Nashville SC <\/a><a href=\"#inline-text-47\">Inter Miami vs. Red Bull New York <\/a><a href=\"#inline-text-56\">New England Revolution vs. D.C. United <\/a><a href=\"#inline-text-64\">Vancouver Whitecaps vs. New York City FC <\/a><a href=\"#inline-text-72\">Chicago Fire FC vs. Atlanta United <\/a><a href=\"#inline-text-80\">FC Dallas vs. St. Louis CITY SC <\/a><a href=\"#inline-text-87\">Sporting Kansas City vs. San Jose Earthquakes <\/a><a href=\"#inline-text-95\">Colorado Rapids vs. Houston Dynamo <\/a><a href=\"#inline-text-102\">San Diego FC vs. Minnesota United <\/a><a href=\"#inline-text-109\">Columbus Crew vs. Orlando City <\/a><a href=\"#inline-text-117\">MLS Predictions: Matchday 7<\/a>Toronto FC vs. FC Cincinnati<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01knvwd217ha0mtgs329.jpg\" alt=\"Josh Sargent\" title=\"Josh Sargent\" width=\"3485\" height=\"2323\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"7w\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Josh Sargent (left) netted his first Toronto FC goal in last week&#8217;s win over Colorado Rapids.  | Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Date: Saturday, April 11Time: 1:00 p.m. ET \/ 10:00 a.m. PT<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-9\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"83\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/toronto-fc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Toronto FC<\/a> are riding high and have plenty of hope at this point, with three wins in their last four games and the last match, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/surreal-three-red-cards-usmnt-goalkeeping-blunder-wildest-2026-mls-game\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">3\u20132 win<\/a> over the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/colorado-rapids\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Colorado Rapids<\/a>, seeing Josh Sargent hit the back of the net for the first time. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-10\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"86\">This week, they continue a lengthy homestand with the fourth of nine straight matches at BMO Field, hoping to extend their win streak to three after recent home victories over <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/columbus-crew-sc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Columbus Crew<\/a> and Colorado. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-11\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"89\">A key to this week will be continuing to build chemistry between D\u00e1niel Sall\u00f3i and Sargent as the team deals with the new injury absence of Djordje Mihailovic, while also shutting down the likes of Evander and K\u00e9vin Denkey, who are looking to pull off an upset for the visiting FC Cincinnati. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-12\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"8c\">Prediction: Toronto FC 3\u20131 FC Cincinnati<\/p>\n<p>Austin FC vs. LA Galaxy<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01knvx8k6rzptmykdx3p.jpg\" alt=\"Jayden Nelson\" title=\"Jayden Nelson\" width=\"3813\" height=\"2542\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"8r\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jayden Nelson showed a clinical edge with a goal against Inter Miami.  | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Date: Saturday, April 11Time: 2:30 p.m. ET \/ 11:30 a.m. PT<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-17\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"8y\">Fresh off a 2\u20132 draw to spoil Inter Miami\u2019s Nu Stadium opener last weekend, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/austin-fc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Austin FC <\/a>returns home to host an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/la-galaxy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">LA Galaxy<\/a> side that has lost three of its last four games, the other result being a draw. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-18\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"91\">Last week saw Austin pick up its second straight draw against a top-tier MLS side, having grabbed a point off LAFC the week before. Now set to face a struggling Galaxy team, they will hope to turn those good performances into a full victory. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-19\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"94\">For Austin to do as much, they will look for Facundo Torres to score his first goal of the season and for Jayden Nelson to continue the form he showed off the bench with a goal against the Herons. At the same time, striker Christian Ram\u00edrez faces his former club, after the Galaxy waived his rights just hours before opening the 2026 season. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-20\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"97\">On LA\u2019s side, the hope will be that Gabriel Pec can rekindle some of the form he has shown in the Concacaf Champions Cup in MLS, having scored six goals in five matches in that competition, compared to no goals and two assists in five MLS contests. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-21\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"9a\">Prediction: Austin FC 2\u20131 LA Galaxy<\/p>\n<p>CF Montr\u00e9al vs. Philadelphia Union<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01knvxvmdp15w35djv4j.jpg\" alt=\"Prince Owusu\" title=\"Prince Owusu\" width=\"1959\" height=\"1306\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"9p\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Prince Owusu leads CF Montr\u00e9al into this weekend&#8217;s home opening match.  | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Date: Saturday, April 11Time: 2:30 p.m. ET \/ 11:30 a.m. PT<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-26\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"9w\">Just how bad could things get for both of these clubs? Matchday 7 of the 2026 season sees two of the league\u2019s worst three teams clash, with a combined record of one win and 13 losses. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-27\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"9z\">Yet, it\u2019s a critical day for the reigning Supporters\u2019 Shield champions, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/philadelphia-union\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Philadelphia Union<\/a>, who have lost all six games to open the 2026 season and might already be regretting the massive offseason selling spree they took on. For <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/cf-montreal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CF Montr\u00e9al<\/a>, this start was fairly expected, given the talent in the roster. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-28\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"a2\">Expect a scrappy game between these two, but for Montr\u00e9al to come out on top. It\u2019s their home opener after six straight games on the road to open the season, and both Prince Owusu and Wiki Carmona have had flashes of positivity. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-29\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"a5\">Prediction: CF Montr\u00e9al 2\u20130 Philadelphia Union<\/p>\n<p>Portland Timbers vs. LAFC <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01kne5nzvxm4nwcj880j.jpg\" alt=\"Son Heung-min \" title=\"Son Heung-min \" width=\"3815\" height=\"2543\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"ak\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Son Heung-min posted four assists in the first half as LAFC trounced Orlando City last weekend.  | Kevork Djansezian\/MLS\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Date: Saturday, April 11Time: 4:45 p.m. ET \/ 1:45 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-34\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ar\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/portland-timbers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Portland Timbers<\/a> are in disarray, having lost four of their last five matches and welcome the hottest team in North America. After surrendering a 2\u20131 lead in the 90th minute to lose 3\u20132 to rivals Vancouver Whitecaps last week, this week\u2019s challenge against <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/los-angeles-fc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">LAFC<\/a> is even more daunting. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-35\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"au\">There is a chance that LAFC manager Marc Dos Santos opts to rotate some players after a midweek win over Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions Cup and ahead of the second leg, but there has been no precedent for that through the earlier rounds of the tournament.  As such, Portland should expect the full wrath of Denis Bouanga, Son Heung-min and Mathieu Choini\u00e9re. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-36\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ax\">Son, who posted a record-setting four assists in one half against Orlando City last week, is looking for his first MLS goal of the season, while Bouanga is hoping to add to his tally to stay in the Golden Boot race. Meanwhile, for Portland, eyes are on the touchline, where any further struggles could spell <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/phil-neville-responds-portland-timbers-job-pressure-referees-late-game-collapse\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">trouble for manager Phil Neville\u2019s future. <\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-37\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"b0\">Prediction: Portland Timbers 1\u20135 LAFC<\/p>\n<p>Charlotte FC vs. Nashville SC <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01knvywrh8f5ztwy8ayq.jpg\" alt=\"Charlotte FC \" title=\"Charlotte FC \" width=\"6350\" height=\"4233\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"bf\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Charlotte FC have plenty of attacking talent to take on Nashville&#8217;s potent front three.  | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Date: Saturday, April 11Time: 7:30 p.m. ET \/ 4:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-42\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"bm\">The Pep Biel show is up and running this season for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/charlotte-fc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Charlotte FC<\/a>, with the Spanish midfielder having four goals and two assists through the first six games of the season. This week, they\u2019re on home turf, taking on a high-flying <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/nashville-sc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nashville SC<\/a> that has been the best team in the Eastern Conference this season. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-43\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"bp\">While the defensive setups on both sides aren\u2019t poor, the attacking talents in this matchup are outstanding. For the home side, it\u2019s the likes of Biel, Idan Toklomati and Wilfried Zaha, going up against Nashville\u2019s potent attacking trio of Cristian Espinoza, Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-44\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"bs\">Expect plenty of goals in this contest and for Nashville to bounce back with an emphatic effort after a scoreless draw against Club Am\u00e9rica in the Concacaf Champions Cup and a 1\u20130 loss to Chicago Fire last week in MLS play. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-45\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"bv\">Prediction: Charlotte FC 1\u20133 Nashville SC <\/p>\n<p>Inter Miami vs. Red Bull New York <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01knw01he527mfrwxqf1.jpg\" alt=\"Lionel Messi\" title=\"Lionel Messi\" width=\"3715\" height=\"2476\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"ca\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lionel Messi was unable to will his team to a win at the Nu Stadium opener.  | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Date: Saturday, April 11Time: 7:30 p.m. ET \/ 4:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-50\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ch\">The first match at Nu Stadium brought plenty of extra attention to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/inter-miami-cf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Inter Miami<\/a>, and early on, it seemed to affect their play, as they fell behind 1\u20130 to Austin FC before playing to a 2\u20132 draw by the end of the night. This week, finding the first win at the new grounds is paramount.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-51\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ck\">Saturday sees them clash with a youthful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/new-york-red-bulls\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Red Bull New York<\/a> side, led by the excitable Michael Bradley, as he coaches against Javier Mascherano in a managerial battle between two players who helped define soccer through the early millennium. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-52\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"cn\">For Miami, reliance falls once again on Lionel Messi. While he has struggled at points compared to the levels he hit in 2025, he has still been the cornerstone for the Herons, cushioning the fact that Germ\u00e1n Berterame or any strikers have yet to hit form. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-53\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"cq\">For New York, the match is an opportunity for teenagers Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti to impress under a major spotlight, while looking to cause further panic for their South Florida opponents.  <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-54\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ct\">Prediction: Inter Miami 3\u20131 Red Bull New York<\/p>\n<p>New England Revolution vs. D.C. United <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01knw3vc95wb8gaax35s.jpg\" alt=\"Luca Langoni\" title=\"Luca Langoni\" width=\"3086\" height=\"2057\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"d8\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Luca Langoni has been a key contributor to the New England Revolution&#8217;s positive moments this season.  | Winslow Townson-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Date: Saturday, April 11Time: 7:30 p.m. ET \/ 4:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-59\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"df\">It\u2019s a matchup featuring two of the oldest MLS clubs, as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/dc-united\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">D.C. United<\/a> pays a visit to Gillette Stadium to take on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/new-england-revolution\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">New England Revolution<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-60\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"di\">Playing at home, the Revolution are in a spell of good form with two wins in their last three games and some stellar play from winger Luca Langoni, who is up to a goal and five assists through six matches this season. Now, they take on a D.C. side that is winless in two games and which has struggled to create attacking opportunities for the likes of Tai Baribo and Jackson Hopkins.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-61\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"dl\">While neither side will contend for MLS Cup or stand out this season, the contest should be one of the tighter games of the weekend, with New England pushing to respond to Ren\u00e9 Weiler\u2019s call for a \u201cculture change\u201d around the D.C. club. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-62\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"do\">Prediction: New England Revolution 0\u20130 D.C. United <\/p>\n<p>Vancouver Whitecaps vs. New York City FC <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01kkvy3rrg5yb7a8qz16.jpg\" alt=\"Sebastian Berhalter\" title=\"Sebastian Berhalter\" width=\"542\" height=\"361\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"e3\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Sebastian Berhalter takes on USMNT teammate Matt Freese this weekend.  | Elizabeth Ruiz Ruiz\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Date: Saturday, April 11Time: 7:30 p.m. ET \/ 4:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-67\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ea\">Fresh off an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/how-thomas-muller-usmnt-world-cup-hopeful-vancouver-whitecaps-comeback\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">emphatic comeback to win 3\u20132 against the Portland Timbers<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/vancouver-whitecaps-fc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Vancouver Whitecaps<\/a> look to keep the good times rolling when they welcome <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/new-york-city-fc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">New York City FC <\/a>to BC Place this weekend, with the World Cup trophy also in town and potentially set to make an appearance.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-68\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ed\">After a crushing exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup, Vancouver\u2019s form has been rising in MLS and with that, the performances of key contributors, including Thomas M\u00fcller and Sebastian Berhalter. This weekend, Berhalter battles with his USMNT teammate Matt Freese, who will tend the goal for the visiting NYCFC. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-69\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"eg\">With Vancouver\u2019s injury-riddled situation at center back and the lack of Andr\u00e9s Cubas patrolling midfield, NYCFC should get their chances in this contest. Yet, the defensive performance against each of Brian White, M\u00fcller, Berhalter and potentially Vancouver\u2019s new signing, Bruno Caicedo, could define their potential result. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-70\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ej\">Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 3\u20131 New York City FC <\/p>\n<p>Chicago Fire FC vs. Atlanta United <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01knw3gy56542kgx8zfn.jpg\" alt=\"Philip Zinckernagel\" title=\"Philip Zinckernagel\" width=\"4250\" height=\"2833\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"ey\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Philip Zinckernagel hopes to continue his attacking form with Chicago Fire FC this weekend.  | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Date: Saturday, April 11Time: 8:30 p.m. ET \/ 5:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-75\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"f5\">Having picked up a 1\u20130 victory against previously undefeated Nashville SC, manager Gregg Berhalter and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/chicago-fire-fc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago Fire<\/a> are flying high entering this weekend\u2019s home matchup against <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/atlanta-united\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Atlanta <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/atlanta-united\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">United<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-76\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"f8\">Phillip Zinckernagel will remain a critical piece going forward as he looks to exploit space down the right flank, but the real priority in the Chicago setup comes at the back, where the partnership of Jack Elliott and Mbekezeli Mbokazi is quickly establishing itself as the best shutdown defensive duo in MLS. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-77\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"fb\">Atlanta, meanwhile, will try to navigate the defensive setup with a strong performance from the inconsistent talents of Miguel Almir\u00f3n and Emmanuel Latte Lath, who on their day, can be among the league\u2019s most skillful players. Those days, however, have proven to be few and far between, especially away from home.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-78\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"fe\">Prediction: Chicago Fire FC 2\u20130 Atlanta United <\/p>\n<p>FC Dallas vs. St. Louis CITY SC <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01knw3q4fkvdx5yfy6y8.jpg\" alt=\"Petar Musa\" title=\"Petar Musa\" width=\"4311\" height=\"2874\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"ft\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Petar Musa is enjoying a stellar season with FC Dallas.  | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Date: Saturday, April 11Time: 8:30 p.m. ET \/ 5:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-83\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"g0\">Led by the frontline duo of Petar Musa and Logan Farrington, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/fc-dallas\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">FC Dallas<\/a> is in fine attacking form right now, with eight goals across their last two matches, the last coming with a 4\u20130 win over D.C. United last weekend. This week, they face a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/saint-louis-city-sc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">St. Louis CITY<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/saint-louis-city-sc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">SC<\/a> setup that has limited its defensive errors, sitting in the middle of the pack with eight goals conceded through the first six matches of the season. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-84\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"g3\">The reliance on Musa still stands out in this contest, but St. Louis will hope to get back to an attacking rhythm after a 1\u20131 draw with NYCFC last weekend. To do so, they will lean on Simon Becher and Marcel Hartel, while hoping that new striker Sergio C\u00f3rdova can find his form in MLS after a poor first experience with Vancouver in 2023.  <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-85\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"g6\">Prediction: FC Dallas 3-1 St. Louis CITY SC<\/p>\n<p>Sporting Kansas City vs. San Jose Earthquakes <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01knw4ne651fmnpwr7mv.jpg\" alt=\"Preston Judd\" title=\"Preston Judd\" width=\"1960\" height=\"1306\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"gl\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Preston Judd (right) and the San Jose Earthquakes are enjoying a stellar start to 2026.  | John Hefti-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Date: Saturday, April 11Time: 8:30 p.m. ET \/ 5:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-90\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"gs\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/san-jose-earthquakes\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">San Jose Earthquakes<\/a> hit the road this week to take on Sporting Kansas City and are looking to continue the standout efforts that have them sitting high up the Western Conference table after the first six weeks. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-91\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"gv\">While the group is headlined by former German international Timo Werner, their efforts as of late have come from younger players, with Beau Leroux scoring the winning goal against Vancouver as well as Niko Tsakiris and Preston Judd each scoring in a dominant 3\u20130 win over San Diego FC. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-92\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"gy\">Visiting Kansas City, everything should be lined up for another victory, given SKC sit at the bottom of the Western Conference and have allowed 14 goals through the season so far. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-93\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"h1\">Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 0\u20133 San Jose Earthquakes<\/p>\n<p>Colorado Rapids vs. Houston Dynamo <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01knw4vcxh9228955bq9.jpg\" alt=\"Paxten Aaronson\" title=\"Paxten Aaronson\" width=\"4376\" height=\"2917\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"hg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Paxten Aaronson has three goals in his last two games with the Colorado Rapids.  | Denny Medley-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Date: Saturday, April 11Time: 9:30 p.m. ET \/ 6:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-98\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"hn\">It was a challenging week for the Colorado Rapids last time out, falling 3\u20132 to Toronto FC in heartbreaking fashion, which included a critical mistake from goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who fumbled a ball that ended up in the back of his net as an own goal. Back on home turf this week, they hope to turn those fortunes with a clash against the Houston Dynamo, a side that is coming off two straight losses and that has dropped three of its last four games. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-99\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"hq\">Enjoying his best form since joining the team last summer, Paxten Aaronson will be key for Colorado in this one, having scored three goals in the last two games against Toronto and Sporting Kansas City. Meanwhile, Houston continues to lean on Guilherme so far, with hopes that Ezequiel Ponce and Mateusz Bogusz hit their form in short order.  <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-100\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ht\">Prediction: Colorado Rapids 3\u20132 Houston Dynamo<\/p>\n<p>San Diego FC vs. Minnesota United <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01knw4yk89xzzyqtdrrv.jpg\" alt=\"Anders Dreyer\" title=\"Anders Dreyer\" width=\"5209\" height=\"3472\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"i8\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Anders Dreyer hopes to lead San Diego FC&#8217;s bounce back after a 3\u20130 defeat to San Jose.  | Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Date: Saturday, April 11Time: 10:30 p.m. ET \/ 7:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-105\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"if\">This is a matchup featuring two of the best teams from the 2025 season, with both still looking to define themselves in 2026. For <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/minnesota-united-fc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Minnesota United<\/a>, it\u2019s about finding who they are tactically under Cameron Knowles, with the realization that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/james-rodriguez-official-health-update-colombia-fears-serious-illness\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">James Rodr\u00edguez is likely playing a smaller role<\/a> than they would have imagined. For San Diego, it\u2019s about finding the difference-making ability with just Anders Dreyer as their Designated Player option. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-106\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ii\">Both sides have just one win in their last four games, but Minnesota enter the clash with some slight confidence, having picked up a California-based win in last weekend\u2019s 2\u20131 victory over the LA Galaxy. At the same time, San Diego are seeking to avenge a shocking 3\u20130 loss to San Jose from their last time out. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-107\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"il\">Prediction: San Diego FC 2\u20130 Minnesota United <\/p>\n<p>Columbus Crew vs. Orlando City <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01knw49sf7ts3gbxwt0n.jpg\" alt=\"Maxime Cr\u00e9peau\" title=\"Maxime Cr\u00e9peau\" width=\"6351\" height=\"4234\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"j0\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Maxime Cr\u00e9peau and Orlando City look to bounce back against Columbus Crew.  | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Date: Sunday, April 12Time: 7:00 p.m. ET \/ 4:00 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-112\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"j7\">It has been a dire start to the season for both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/columbus-crew-sc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Columbus Crew<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/team\/orlando-city-sc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Orlando City<\/a> in 2026, making Sunday\u2019s showcase game a chance for both to find some much-needed positivity. For Columbus, it\u2019s about seeking back-to-back wins after picking up their first victory with a 3\u20131 win over Atlanta United last weekend, while Orlando hope to bounce back from a 6\u20130 defeat to LAFC, which marked their fifth loss in six games. <\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-113\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ja\">For a fixture that once saw two of the best MLS teams in the Wilfried Nancy Columbus era and \u00d3scar Pareja Orlando heyday, this week\u2019s matchup will have fans thinking of better times. Yet, with both clubs in a similar position and featuring players of similar consistency, it should be a compelling contest.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-114\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"jd\">Prediction: Columbus Crew 1\u20131 Orlando City <\/p>\n<p>MLS Predictions: Matchday 7<\/p>\n<p>Date<\/p>\n<p>Kickoff Time<\/p>\n<p>Fixture<\/p>\n<p>Prediction <\/p>\n<p>Saturday, April 11<\/p>\n<p>1:00 p.m. ET \/ 10:00 a.m. PT<\/p>\n<p>Toronto FC vs. FC Cincinnati<\/p>\n<p>3\u20131<\/p>\n<p>Saturday, April 11<\/p>\n<p>2:30 p.m. ET \/ 11:30 a.m. PT<\/p>\n<p>Austin FC vs. LA Galaxy<\/p>\n<p>2\u20131<\/p>\n<p>Saturday, April 11<\/p>\n<p>2:30 p.m. ET \/ 11:30 a.m. PT<\/p>\n<p>CF Montr\u00e9al vs. Philadelphia Union<\/p>\n<p>2\u20130<\/p>\n<p>Saturday, April 11<\/p>\n<p>4:45 p.m. ET \/ 1:45 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p>Portland Timbers vs. LAFC <\/p>\n<p>1\u20135<\/p>\n<p>Saturday, April 11<\/p>\n<p>7:30 p.m. ET \/ 4:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p>Charlotte FC vs. Nashville SC <\/p>\n<p>1\u20133<\/p>\n<p>Saturday, April 11<\/p>\n<p>7:30 p.m. ET \/ 4:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p>Inter Miami vs. Red Bull New York <\/p>\n<p>3\u20131<\/p>\n<p>Saturday, April 11<\/p>\n<p>7:30 p.m. ET \/ 4:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p>New England Revolution vs. D.C. United<\/p>\n<p>0\u20130<\/p>\n<p>Saturday, April 11<\/p>\n<p>7:30 p.m. ET \/ 4:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p>Vancouver Whitecaps vs. New York City FC <\/p>\n<p>3\u20131<\/p>\n<p>Saturday, April 11<\/p>\n<p>8:30 p.m. ET \/ 5:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p>Chicago Fire FC vs. Atlanta United <\/p>\n<p>2\u20130<\/p>\n<p>Saturday, April 11<\/p>\n<p>8:30 p.m. ET \/ 5:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p>FC Dallas vs. St. Louis CITY SC <\/p>\n<p>3\u20131<\/p>\n<p>Saturday, April 11<\/p>\n<p>8:30 p.m. ET \/ 5:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p>Sporting Kansas City vs. San Jose Earthquakes <\/p>\n<p>0\u20133<\/p>\n<p>Saturday, April 11<\/p>\n<p>9:30 p.m. ET \/ 6:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p>Colorado Rapids vs. Houston Dynamo <\/p>\n<p>3\u20132<\/p>\n<p>Saturday, April 11<\/p>\n<p>10:30 p.m. ET \/ 7:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p>San Diego FC vs. Minnesota United <\/p>\n<p>2\u20130<\/p>\n<p>Sunday, April 12 <\/p>\n<p>7:00 p.m. ET \/ 4:00 p.m. PT<\/p>\n<p>Columbus Crew vs. Orlando City <\/p>\n<p>1\u20131<\/p>\n<p>READ THE LATEST MLS NEWS, ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT FROM SI FC<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The 2026 World Cup is just over two months away, and the excitement around soccer is quickly building&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":227466,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[123,125,124],"class_list":["post-227465","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-miami","tag-miami","tag-miami-headlines","tag-miami-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/227465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=227465"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/227465\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/227466"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=227465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=227465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=227465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}