Major League Soccer’s first midweek round of fixtures saw 26 of the league’s 29 teams in action last night. Atlanta United got back to winning ways with a thumping win over Colorado Rapids, while in the Western Conference, Austin FC stunned leaders Seattle. Here’s our recap of all of Wednesday’s action.
Atlanta United 4-0 Colorado Rapids
The short-handed visitors struggled to gain a foothold in this game as a fearsome Atlanta delivered a convincing win. Thiago Almada’s stunning free kick was the pick of the bunch, while right back Brooks Lennon added a pair of assists for the hosts, who have scored the most goals in the league.
Charlotte FC 2-1 Chicago Fire FC
Defender Brandon Cambridge scored an unlikely second-half double to help Charlotte come from behind at home. The defender came on with half an hour to play and scored the first goals of his MLS career to help move his side into the playoff positions.
Orlando City 1-1 New York City FC
The hosts opened the scoring on eight minutes through Ercan Kara, and were close to getting a vital win before Talles Magno set up Gabriel Segal for an equalizer just minutes before the full-time whistle. Both sides remain level on 16 points as the continue to scrap for a playoff spot.
Toronto FC 0-0 New York Red Bulls
It was honors even north of the border, as this clash of the conference’s bottom two sides saw both go unrewarded. The result is probably a better one for the Red Bulls, who remain unbeaten under new manager Troy Lesesne, having yet to concede in his tenure.
FC Cincinnati 3-0 CF Montréal
Pat Noonan’s side turned in a composed performance to stop in-form Montréal. An early own goal from Joel Waterman opened the floodgates, with Brandon Vázquez and Luciano Acosta adding the other goals; the in-form pair helped Cincinnati continue what is now a four-match unbeaten run in the league.
Columbus Crew 2-0 LA Galaxy
Cucho Hernández set up Lucas Zelarayan with an inch-perfect pass for the opener, and right back Malte Amundsen added a second just before halftime for the Crew. The Galaxy hit the woodwork through Daniel Aguirre, but remain winless on their travels.
Philadelphia Union 0-0 D.C. United
In a match that offered plenty of chances, but no goals, the visitors had the better of the game, but strong play from André Blake in the Philadelphia goal saw the teams split the points. Christian Benteke hit the woodwork for DC as well, but the match ended on level terms.
Minnesota United 1-0 Houston Dynamo FC
Minnesota notched their first win in a month at home against Houston. Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored the game’s only goal on 14 minutes and the Loons moved back into the playoff positions, ahead of their opponents on the evening.
Nashville SC 2-1 Inter Miami CF
A brilliant bit of play for Hany Mukhtar set up the opening goal for Fafa Picault, and Lukas MacNaughton added a second just after the half. Dixon Arroyo would score a stoppage time consolation, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Nashville keeping the pressure on the leaders.
FC Dallas 2-1 Vancouver Whitecaps
Jesús Ferreira continued his strong form at home to lead Dallas over visiting Vancouver. The striker scored on either side of halftime, bringing his total to eight goals on the season, five of which have come since early April.
Seattle Sounders FC 1-2 Austin FC
Austin got a goal and an assist from Ethan Finlay to take an early lead before absorbing Seattle’s pressure as they chased the game. Fredy Montero would one pull one back 15 minutes from time but it wasn’t enough for a result for the Western Conference leaders.
Los Angeles FC 1-1 Sporting Kansas City
League-leading scorer Dénis Bouanga was at it again, bringing his total to the season to ten goals. Bottom side Kansas City were undeterred, however, as Rémi Walter had his second assist in as many matches, setting up Johnny Russell for an equalizer to prevent the hosts going top of the Western Conference.
Real Salt Lake 0-0 Portland Timbers
Real Salt Lake hit the woodwork twice, and got a strong performance from Zach MacMath in goal, but were unable to break down the visitors, who continued what is now a four-match unbeaten run.
