Despite only twelve matches being played on Matchday 16 in Major League Soccer, there was no shortage of goals, as the 24 teams combined for 40 goals. Six matches featured at least four goals, and surprises were in store from some unlikely teams. Read on to catch up on all the action from Wednesday!
Atlanta United 3-3 New England Revolution
An early gaffe from Brad Guzan and a brilliant counterattack staked the Revs to an early lead, but Atlanta battled back to take the lead with three minutes to play thanks to a brilliant Miguel Berry strike. The visitors were undeterred, however, and Carles Gil rescued a point in the third minute of injury time with his second of the match.
Toronto FC 0-0 Chicago Fire
Despite neither side breaching the other’s defense, this was far from a dull match – both ‘keepers were busy, but each will have been frustrated not to have recorded more than a point as they remain outside the playoff positions.
D.C. United 2-2 CF Montréal
The visitors earned an unlikely point with a pair of goals in the match’s last ten minutes, with Ariel Lassiter and substitute Sunusi Ibrahim leveling the score after United had led for much of the match.
Columbus Crew 3-2 Colorado Rapids
Lucas Zelarayán turned in a dazzling performance, scoring once and setting up Yaw Yeboah and Cucho Hernández for the hosts. Colorado made things nervy, with Cole Bassett scoring a spectacular goal in added time, but the Crew held on to edge ahead of Charlotte and D.C. with the win.
Philadelphia Union 1-0 Charlotte FC
In-form Philadelphia kept their winning run alive at home, but it was hardly plain sailing. The hosts had to battle hard against a Charlotte side who showed little chance of cracking before an own goal from Kristijan Kahlina made the difference twenty minutes from time.
New York City FC 1-3 FC Cincinnati
A rasping free kick from Álvaro Barreal was the pick of the visitors’ three goals as they exuded confidence throughout this match. The hosts were able to pull a goal back from Braian Cufré, but Brandon Vázquez sealed the result with a penalty midway through the second half for the leaders’ fifth win in a row.
Inter Miami CF 0-1 New York Red Bulls
Drake Callender was strong in goal for the hosts, making eight saves, but it was his opposite number, Carlos Coronel, who saved the result by keeping out Léonardo Campana’s penalty early in the match. The Red Bulls now have three wins in five and are edging closer to the playoff positions.
Austin FC 2-1 Minnesota United
Brad Stuver made seven saves to keep the hosts in the match, but it was substitute Sebastián Driussi who made the difference for Austin as he scored the winner eight minutes from time. Minnesota hit the woodwork twice, but were unable to get more than an early goal from Joseph Rosales as Austin drew level with them on 19 points.
Real Salt Lake 2-3 LA Galaxy
The Galaxy struck twice in two minutes late in the second half to get a vital road win. It was the Galaxy’s first victory away from home, and it allowed them to move out of the bottom spot in the Western Conference, ahead of Colorado Rapids.
Sporting Kansas City 2-1 FC Dallas
Gadi Kinda had a goal and an assist for the hosts as they won their second match in a row, stunning FC Dallas, who were only able to find a late consolation through Jesús Ferreira. Dallas remain fourth, but will be looking over their shoulders at a chasing pack that edged closer.
Seattle Sounders FC 0-1 San José Earthquakes
Winter signing Daniel made eight saves to keep his first clean sheet in MLS, allowing the ‘Quakes to move within four points of top spot in the Western Conference. Jeremy Ebobisse scored the game’s only goal just after halftime.
Vancouver Whitecaps 6-2 Houston Dynamo FC
Ten-man Houston were no match for the hosts, who had scored four times inside the first hour. Julian Gressel netted a brace, while Ryan Gauld had a goal and an assist as the ‘Caps moved up to sixth place.
