New York City FC extended their unbeaten run in the league to three matches with a thrilling 3-3 draw against the Columbus Crew on Saturday. David Villa scored twice for NYCFC who moved one point clear of Toronto FC atop the Eastern Conference standings. Key to the New York’s strong start this season has been their excellent attack. They are tops in the league in scoring with 43 goals to their name this season.
Providing the impetus for New York’s attack is Spanish star Villa. He leads the league in scoring with a whopping 15 goals thus far this campaign. His double against Columbus was his fourth two-goal game of the season. Also contributing on the offensive end is English midfielder Frank Lampard. His goal against Columbus was his ninth of the season, all of which have come over the last 10 matches. It will be interesting to see how Lampard fares this coming Saturday against his old rival Steven Gerrard.
Their world-class attack will be tested, though, by a solid LA Galaxy side this coming Saturday. Bruce Arena’s men have conceded just six goals over their last nine matches. recording four clean sheets during that span. NYCFC will be licking their chops at the prospect, however, of facing a Galaxy defense that will be without star goalkeeper Brian Rowe. He has been ruled out for this weekend’s clash after suffering a head injury in the latter stages of LA’s 1-1 draw with Colorado. Rowe has recorded 84 saves and six shutouts this season. Dan Kennedy or Clement Diop will replace Rowe in the starting lineup this coming Saturday.
New York City FC are pegged at +800 to win the MLS Cup.
Betting on the Los Angeles Galaxy
The Los Angeles Galaxy stretched their unbeaten run in the league to nine matches with a gritty 1-1 draw against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday. Daniel Steres scored the much-needed equalizer for the Galaxy who bounced back from their midweek disappointment in the U.S. Open Cup. The Galaxy have now scored 21 points out of a possible 27 in their last nine league games as they moved into third place in the Western Conference standings.
Key to the Galaxy’s resurgence has been their outstanding defense. They have conceded the second-fewest goals (23) in Major League Soccer this season. That has enabled Los Angeles to post the best goal differential (+15) in the league this campaign. The Galaxy will fancy their chances of continuing their excellent form this coming Saturday as they have fared extremely well against NYCFC of late. LA crushed New York, 5-1, in their first-ever matchup last year at StubHub Center. Robbie Keane scored twice and set up two others in that one-sided rout. He’s expected to be back for this weekend’s game against New York after missing the previous match because of an orbital fracture.
