Mayra Madrigal
Week 33 in MLS indicates that there is not much left to play for in the regular season, and players have more and more pressure on their shoulders as they look to take their teams to the playoffs. After the FIFA Date of September, the ball will be back in play on the fields of the MLS with 14 exciting matches.
The activity will begin with one game this Friday, September 30, and there will be nine more on Saturday, to end Week 33 on Sunday with four games. At JefeBet we suggest you the best matches to follow in this MLS matchday, and we also include our predictions.
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Predictions for MLS Week 33 Running from September 30 to October 2
Toronto FC vs Inter Miami
Toronto had a lousy 2022 and no matter what they do in their last remaining games they will be out of the playoffs. The Canadian squad has lost 50% of its total matches this season, with nine wins, seven draws and 16 losses. They have not been able to win in their last four games and have three consecutive losses.
Miami Is currently in the next phase of the tournament, but will need to press for points in this game to avoid losing their position. It comes in with two consecutive wins and has a total of 12 wins in 31 games.
This match will be played on Friday, September 30 at 4:30 p.m. (Pacific time) at BMO Field. Inter Miami won their last away game and Toronto has failed to win in their last three at home, so the visitors are expected to come out on top.
Prediction: Inter of Miami wins by a score of 2-3.
New England vs Atlanta United
New England Revolution does not depend on itself to qualify for the playoffs because in addition to winning its remaining games, it also needs other results to happen. They are currently ranked 11th in the Eastern Conference with 38 points, the result of nine wins, 11 ties and 12 losses in 32 games.
Atlanta United is in the same situation, as they have not secured a place in the playoffs in this final stretch of the tournament. They still have a chance, albeit a slim one, but they will have to win the last few games. They have not lost in their last three games and that is a good thing for a team that sits in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with 40 points.
This match will be played on Saturday, October 1 at 10:30 a.m. (Pacific time) at Gillette Stadium. New England Revolution registers three consecutive defeats, one of them at home, so they are not reliable to win here.
Prediction: Atlanta United win by a score of 1-2.
Charlotte FC vs Philadelphia Union
Charlotte’s first season in MLS has been average, it could be good, but the team is the second most losing team in the Eastern Conference with a record of 12 wins, two draws and 17 losses in 31 games. If there is a combination of results and the team continues their good pace, they could still qualify for the playoffs.
Philadelphia Union has already secured its place in the playoffs, thanks to its performance throughout the tournament. They are still the team with the fewest defeats in the season and even losing the remaining matches would not change their outlook, as they already have 18 wins, 10 draws and four defeats in 32 matches. It is also the best offense with 68 goals scored and the best defense with 22 goals conceded.
This match will be played on Saturday, October 1 at 2:30 p.m. (Pacific Time) at Bank of America Stadium. Philadelphia Union has not lost in six games and is the clear favorite to win this match.
Prediction: Philadelphia Union win by a score of 0-3.
Montreal vs DC United
Montreal is coming off a strong finish to the regular season with four unbeaten games. They have already qualified for the playoffs and no one will take the second position in the Eastern Conference away from them with 59 points, the result of 18 wins, five ties and nine losses.
D.C. United urgently needs to end this disastrous campaign where it is the worst performing team. It has a record of seven wins, six draws and 19 defeats, being the team that has won the fewest games and lost the most, as well as having conceded the second-highest number of goals with 65.
This match will be played on Saturday, October 1 at 4:30 p.m. (Pacific time) at Saputo Stadium. Montreal has been solid in the last two games of the season and has not lost in its last two matches, so another win is possible against a lower level opponent.
Prediction: Montreal wins by a score of 2-0.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Austin FC
The Vancouver Whitecaps will be hoping for a miracle in the final stretch to qualify for the playoffs for the 2022 season. While that looks complicated after the inconsistency shown throughout the tournament, they now register two consecutive victories that can serve as motivation.
Austin FC has nothing to worry about after securing its ticket to the playoffs long ago by consolidating its position as one of the best teams in the Western Conference. They are in second place with 55 points, after 16 wins, seven draws and nine defeats in 32 games.
This match will be played on Saturday, October 1 at 7:00 p.m. (Pacific time) at BC Place. Austin FC has three consecutive away losses, but is still the best visitor in its zone and while a win may be unlikely, it is not expected to go without points.
Prediction: Tie by a score of 2-2.
Portland Timbers vs LAFC
Portland Timbers are in the midst of a five-game unbeaten streak and will need to keep picking up points to secure their playoff spot. In their most recent match, they drew 1-1 with Columbus Crew, ending a streak of four consecutive victories.
LAFC is the best team in the Western Conference, leading the table with 64 points after 20 wins, four draws and eight losses in 32 games. It is the team that has won the most games so far this season and in fact, the last victory came in its most recent match by a score of 3-1 against Houston Dynamo.
This match will be played on Sunday, October 2 at 12:00 noon (Pacific Time) at Providence Park. LAFC have failed to win in their last five away games and against this opponent who still has a lot at stake they are expected to finish with a draw.
Prediction: Draw by a score of 1-1.
