Our third weekend without MLS action due to postponed games has us again consulting FIFA 20 to see how the matches could’ve unfolded.
There are only three Week 5 matches due to the March 2020 FIFA international window, but that small sample size has plenty in store. There were comeback wins on the road for several clubs, plus one of the best goals we’ve seen during these simulations.
Sporting Kansas City vs. Real Salt Lake
FIFA 20 hasn’t been kind to Sporting during our simulated games, and that theme would continue in Week 5. After a great start with an early goal from Alan Pulido, SKC quickly fell apart by conceding two unanswered goals before their home supporters for the 2-1 loss. RSL moves to a 2-1 record in the simulations with goals from Corey Baird and Damir Kreilach.
Portland Timbers vs. Philadelphia Union
The Union were surging in the simulations after a win last week against D.C. United, but Portland took an early lead via a brilliant one-time finish from Diego Valeri. Even with the momentum in their favor, the Timbers would concede three second-half goals at Providence Park in a 3-1 defeat. Sergio Santos netted a brace for the Union, while Homegrown midfielder Brenden Aaronson sealed the deal for Jim Curtin's side.
New York Red Bulls vs. Orlando City
Our final game of the weekend took place at Red Bull Arena, where we witnessed the third home loss from Week 5. All it took was an early rebound goal from Dom Dwyer to win it for Orlando City on the road, 1-0. Orlando moves to 2-1 overall in our FIFA simulations, while the Red Bulls drop to 0-2.
