Independence Day MLS Drama & Redemption

Soccer MLS Game Results July 4th 2025

On July 4, MLS delivered a sizzling slate of Independence Day action. Sporting Kansas City finally broke its 11-year road winless streak at altitude, Minnesota United showcased its road‐warrior resolve to stay in the playoff hunt, and the LA Galaxy snapped a 16-match drought with a commanding shutout. From John Pulskamp’s seven‐save masterclass and Erik Thommy’s late winner to Kyle Buchman’s expert money-line call and Joseph Paintsil’s season‐first brace, tonight’s holiday fixtures combined drama, redemption and standout performances across the Western Conference.

Pulskamp’s 7 Saves, Assist Lift SKC Over Rapids

Sporting Kansas City snapped an 11-year winless streak at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park with a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Friday night. John Pulskamp was the hero, making seven saves and teeing up Erik Thommy’s second-half winner with a pinpoint outlet pass.

Early on, Dejan Joveljic broke the deadlock in the fourth minute when Thommy intercepted Nico Hansen’s clearance and slipped a through ball to his strike partner. Colorado came close to equalizing before halftime, but Djordje Mihailovic’s penalty clanged off the post.

The decisive moment arrived in the 53rd minute: Pulskamp launched a long ball upfield, Thommy eluded three defenders and rifled home his fourth goal of the season. Despite a 24–5 edge in shot attempts, the Rapids couldn’t force a breakthrough.

Our handicappers were split on this one—Info Plays leaned toward the Rapids in search of that late counter-attack edge, while Geovanny Araya found value backing SKC’s money-line underdog, a call validated by the comeback. For more expert angles, check out our full Soccer Picks page.

Game Preview: Sporting Kansas City vs. Colorado Rapids

Harvey, Markanich Carry Minnesota to Road Win

Minnesota United used first-half brilliance from Carlos Harvey and a second-half header by Anthony Markanich to defeat FC Dallas 2-1 in Frisco. Harvey’s early opener and Markanich’s aerial finish proved enough despite a late Dallas penalty.

The Loons applied constant pressure. After several saved chances, Harvey nodded home Julian Gressel’s free-kick in the 35th minute to put Minnesota in front. Markanich then met Michael Boxall’s long throw in the 58th minute, heading past Maarten Paes to double the lead. Dallas pulled one back in the 73rd minute via Petar Musa’s strike, but Minnesota’s back line held firm.

Kyle Buchman, our board’s top handicapper, had targeted Minnesota’s resilience on the road with a money-line wager—an aggressive play that paid dividends for those backing the Loons. If you’re tracking the season’s sharpest, visit the live Handicapper Leaderboard.

Minnesota’s win moves them to third in the West, while Dallas remains near the bottom in home fortunes.

Game Preview: FC Dallas vs. Minnesota United

Handicapper’s Spotlight: Kyle Buchman

Kyle Buchman sits atop our leaderboard as a Premium handicapper, known for his analytical edge and unflinching confidence in money-line wagers. On July 4, he backed Minnesota United’s road form—a choice reflecting his season-long approach of targeting undervalued favorites. Across the last 90 days, Buchman’s picks have generated over $650 in net earnings, showcasing why his subscribers trust his insights even when variance tests his methods.

Paintsil’s Brace Sparks Galaxy Shutout of Whitecaps

Los Angeles Galaxy ended a 16-match winless stretch with a stunning 3-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Carson. Joseph Paintsil, scoreless all season until tonight, struck twice in the second half to seal the result.

Matheus Nascimento opened the scoring in the second minute by capitalizing on a rebound after Edwin Cerrillo’s strike was spilled by Yohei Takaoka. Vancouver’s lone clear-cut chance came early in the second half, but Novak Micovic was equal to Pedro Vite’s blast.

Paintsil then turned the tide, drilling home his first goal in the 57th minute and converting a penalty in the 77th after being fouled inside the box. Several of our premium handicappers noted value in the Galaxy’s underdog odds, a sentiment you can explore further on our Buy Picks page.Galaxy’s defense stood firm through stoppage time, and Vancouver managed just one shot on target.

Game Preview: LA Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC

As the holiday fireworks fade, MLS fans can look back on a memorable night of resilience and redemption—SKC conquering altitude, Minnesota extending its road prowess and the Galaxy finally finding the back of the net. Each result reshapes the Western Conference landscape and sets intriguing storylines for the weeks ahead. Whether you’re chasing expert picks, tracking the leaderboard’s finest or previewing upcoming matchups, tonight’s outcomes have laid the groundwork for an electrifying second half of the season. Stay tuned, because MLS drama is only heating up.

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