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MLS is Back: Ranking the four quarter-finals

By Andrew Dowdeswell

MLS, LAFC, Diego Rossi (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
MLS, LAFC, Diego Rossi (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 26: Jesus Medina #19 of New York Citycelebrates after scoring the opening goal against Toronto FC during a round of sixteen match of the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 26, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 26: Jesus Medina #19 of New York Citycelebrates after scoring the opening goal against Toronto FC during a round of sixteen match of the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 26, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

2. New York City FC vs. Portland Timbers

New York City FC finally came to life with a victory over Toronto FC in the Round of 16. Jesus Medina scored his second goal of the MLS is Back Tournament, suggesting that he might be about to finally fulfil his DP price tag, and the team scored more than one goal in an MLS game for the first time under Ronny Deila.

Given their talent, when they do perform at their best, they are an exceptionally exciting team to watch. Heber is a brilliant centre-forward, Maxi Moralez is a wonderful creator, while they have athletes all over the pitch. The problem had been confidence and clicking under Deila, who only arrived as the new head coach in the offseason. Now, though, they seem to be finding their feet.

This matchup is helped by their opponents, the Portland Timbers. They may have been a little fortunate to squeeze past lowly FC Cincinnati on penalties on Tuesday night, but with Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco and now Yimmi Chara in the same team, they are never going to be dull to watch. This could be an excellent contest between two growing tournament favourites.

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