MLS review: Inter Miami look to reinforce, while Seattle Sounders maintain hot streak

Sean Fisher
12 July 2021

Seattle Sounder won 2-0 against Houston Dynamo this weekend.

A break from weekend fixtures gave David Beckham's Inter Miami a chance to regroup, whereas record-breaking Seattle Sounders look to keep up momentum.

With the CONCACAF Gold Cup starting on Saturday and other major international competitions including the Euros and Copa America coming to an end, MLS put up its feet and took the weekend off.

However, a majority of the sides had a midweek game last week, culminating in the 2-2 draw between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew on Friday night.

The league returns to action next weekend with 11 games scheduled for Saturday and one on Sunday.

Reinforcements for Inter Miami

The first portion of the season did not go as planned for David Beckham, Phil Neville, and Inter Miami CF.

With just two wins from the first 11 games, the second-year side is tied for last place in the Eastern Conference on eight points. They have a -8 goal differential and have only managed to score nine goals this season.

However, in their time of need, help is on the way for Miami as they look to secure their first home win of the season.

While they didn't play last week, Miami did add an attacker to their roster, bringing in Indiana Vassilev from Aston Villa.

The 20-year-old has represented the United States in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup and has also played on the U-20 team.

He first signed with Villa in 2018, and went on to score 11 and assist six during his 54 games in the U-18 and U-23 squads.

He made his senior debut for Villa in January 2020 in the FA Cup and played in four Premier League games that season. Last year he played on loan for Cheltenham Town and Burton Albion.

Other than Gonzalo Higuain (left), Inter Miami have struggled for a source of goals this season.

Vassilev can help Miami in attack, an area that desperately needs improving. In Neville's 4-2-3-1 formation, Miami are struggling for sources of goals, with only Gonzalo Higuain (5) scoring more than once this season.

In the playmaking department, Federico leads the team with two assists, but quality in the final third has been a major issue for the side.

Miami are next in action on Saturday at New York Red Bulls. With Planet Sport Bet, you can currently back Inter Miami to win at 3/1, or NYRB to win at 17/20, while a draw is currently priced at 5/2.

Sounders keep on rolling

The Seattle Sounders set an MLS record with their 13th straight unbeaten game to start the season on Wednesday when they beat Houston Dynamo 2-0 at home.

Kelyn Rowe scored the opener, and Raul Ruidiaz went joint-top of the goalscoring league with his 10th of the season in stoppage time. Ruidiaz is now level with Chicharito, who has missed the last two LA Galaxy games through injury.

In 13 games, Seattle have eight wins and five draws. They have the best goal differential in MLS at +15, remarkably only conceding eight goals so far. The only team with more goals scored than the Sounders (23) are Sporting KC (24).

The Rave Green also established a new team record within their 13-match unbeaten run. They matched a club-record 17 unbeaten matches at home, including play-offs - with their last loss dating back to September 2020.

This Sunday, Seattle will be back on the road on ESPN as they face Minnesota United in an afternoon contest.

Seattle Sounders can be backed at 2/1 to win the tie, whereas Minnesota United are valued at 6/5. If you can't see the two sides being separated, a draw is great value at 5/2.