The MLS throws up an interesting clash next Sunday as Inter Miami take on Colorado Rapids. The game pits the East against the West due to the nature of the league system. Both sides are hoping to reach the next play-off stage of the MLS come the end of the normal campaign.
Date: 07/04/2024
Kick-off: 12:30 am UK Time
Location: Chase Stadium
The MLS system has two separate conferences split into East and West. All the teams in each conference play each other twice and then eight random scheduled games pitting teams from each conference take place in between. The league consists of 34 games and is decided by 16 teams having a knockout competition to lift the MLS Cup at the end of the year.
Two teams who will be eager to be at the end stage are Inter Miami and Colorado Rapids. Inter Miami have gained more notoriety over the past year or so, due to their recent acquisitions. The likes of Lionel Messi have raised the profile of the Miami outfit, and they are now one of the more established teams in the league.
Inter Miami are currently occupying an automatic spot in the Eastern Conference as things stand. The hosts are second after seven games played, having played a game more than those around them at the time of writing. Known as The Herons Vice City, they are currently managed by Gerardo Martino, and they have obtained 11 points from seven games this season.
Martino’s side have won three games this season in the league and have also reached the quarter-final of the Concacaf Champions Cup where a tie against Mexican side Monterrey awaits them.
Colorado Rapids are partaking in the Western Conference and are currently seventh after six games played. Colorado have won two games from those six games this season, having drawn twice and losing twice as well. The club is currently managed by former Manchester United assistant manager Chris Armas. In the six league games played this season, they have an equal record when it comes to both the attacking and defensive areas. Eight goals scored and eight goals conceded across six games gives them an average of 1.2 goals across both areas.
Colorado though does not compete in the Concacaf Champions Cup like their opponents. A win over Inter Miami could move Colorado into the top two of the Western Conference. A defeat, however, could mean they are overtaken by the likes of Portland Timbers and LAFC. The visitors have won the MLS Cup only once in their history in 2010, their second MLS appearance after losing in 1997 against D.C United.
MLS - Eastern Conference 
