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MLS review: Neville under pressure after embarrassing defeat, while LA Galaxy and Atlanta draw

Phil Neville under pressure after 5-0 drubbing, while Atlanta continue to struggle following the dismissal of Heinze.

July is a unique month for MLS as they enjoyed games on the July 4 holiday weekend before taking a full week off for the start of the Gold Cup. Now nearly all teams are playing three games in a seven or eight-day span. Oh, and the summer transfer window is open, so teams are changing on the fly while most are missing star players to the Gold Cup.
Throw in managerial changes in Toronto and Atlanta, and this week has been a completely bizarre one around the league.

Inter Miami crushed at home

Inter Miami, New England Revolution, MLS

Things went from bad to worse for Inter Miami this week as they were humbled 5-0 at home by the New England Revolution. Former USMNT coach Bruce Arena has New England atop the table in the Eastern Conference, and they showed Miami just how far they have to go.

Adam Buksa scored a brace for the Revs who were 4-0 up at the break.

Miami had to expect more with Gonzalo Higuain, Robbie Robinson, and Rodolfo Pizarro healthy and back in the starting line-up. However, they were barely in the game, registering just one shot on goal to Revs' 10.

It marked a nightmare debut for Dutch goalkeeper Nick Marsman, who nevertheless made six saves, while Indiana Vassilev and Kieran Gibbs both made their MLS debuts as substitutes after coming over from England during the transfer window.

Next up for Miami, who haven't won since May 16, is a home game against Philadelphia Union on Sunday night.

Heinze Out, Atlanta draw

Josef Martinez, Atlanta United, MLS

With Phil Neville in trouble in Miami, Atlanta United have already moved on from another former Manchester United star. They sacked Gabriel Heinze this week after a dispute with star Josef Martinez.

In their first game without Heinze, Atlanta United picked up a comeback draw at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. Jaap Stam's side took the lead with a 61st-minute goal from Luciano Acosta, but once again, they couldn't hold their advantage. Ronald Hernandez scored his first-ever MLS goal in the 70th minute as interim manager Rob Valentino picked up a draw.

The draw is tough for Cincinnati, who were 20 minutes from their first home win after a couple of draws already at TQL this season. They also lost 2-0 and 4-2 leads on Saturday and didn't get any points in a 5-4 loss at CF Montreal.

Martinez had a chance to win the game for Atlanta in his return to action, but his free-kick in the 87th minute was saved by Kenneth Vermeer. The FCC keeper made another save in stoppage time to keep the game 1-1.

Atlanta have now gone a record nine-straight without a win and are looking for their fifth manager in the calendar year. Jaap Stam and FCC have won once in their last 22 home games.

Atlanta will be at home on Saturday as they host Columbus Crew who drew 0-0 with visitors Nashville SC on Wednesday.

FC Cincinnati head to Nashville, who have just one loss on the season.

Hip complaint keeps Chicharito sidelined as Galaxy draw

LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, MLS

Playing without Chicharito yet again, the LA Galaxy rallied from a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 draw at Real Salt Lake on Wednesday night. The hosts scored in the ninth and 26th minute and looked to be on cruise control, especially with Chicharito unavailable for the fourth game in a row.

But Victor Vazquez gave the Galaxy a lifeline in the 33rd minute and Rayan Raveloson earned the draw in the 77th minute. Julian Araujo provided the cross for the game-tying goal after Albert Rusnak and Maikel Chang scored the openers for RSL.
The Galaxy have managed to go 1-2-1 without Chicharito, while also missing the heart of their midfield in Jonathan dos Santos who is at the Gold Cup. Meanwhile, RSL have now dropped nine points this season from winning positions.

The Galaxy travel south to FC Dallas on Saturday.

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