Matchday 10 in Major League Soccer saw just thirteen matches played, a consequence of LAFC and Philadelphia Union’s involvement in the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League. We were hardly spoiled for drama, though, as from a bicycle kick by Christian Benteke to an incredible penalty save from Yohei Takaoka, there was plenty of thrilling action. Read on for our full recap:
Nashville SC 3-1 Atlanta United
The hosts dominated from start to finish in this regional derby, getting goals from Teal Bunbury, Fafa Picault and Jacob Shaffelburg. Hany Mukhtar was pulling the strings in midfield, as he had an assist, marking the fifth time in as many matches that he’s been involved in a goal. Thiago Almada’s penalty panenka was impressive for Atlanta, but it wasn’t enough to make a difference for the visitors.
Columbus Crew 1-2 Inter Miami CF
Inter Miami got their first road win of the season in Columbus, thanks to a first-half brace from Leonardo Campana. Cucho Hernández leveled the score shortly after Campana netted the opener, but the Ecuador international struck again before halftime to end what had been a six-match losing streak.
DC United 3-0 Charlotte FC
Christian Benteke scored his fifth goal of the season with a fine bicycle kick, leading the hosts to a comprehensive win over Charlotte FC. It was the third straight win for Wayne Rooney’s side, while slumping Charlotte are now joint-bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Orlando City 2-0 LA Galaxy
After an impressive home win against Austin last weekend, the Galaxy stumbled again in Orlando. The hosts were powered by goals from Ercan Kara, who scored his first of the season, as Facundo Torres added a second.
New England Revolution 1-1 FC Cincinnati
The biggest match of the weekend in terms of its implications on the table was a hard-fought affair on a damp night. Yerson Mosquera scored his second goal of the season, but the Revs’ Emmanuel Boateng responded in first half stoppage time as the two teams went three points clear of third-place Atlanta.
Toronto FC 1-0 New York City FC
CJ Sapong scored the game’s only goal late in the first half for the hosts in his first appearance of the season. With the win, Toronto broke a five-match winless streak and moved ahead of idle Philadelphia into ninth place.
Sporting Kansas City 0-2 CF Montréal
Mathieu Choinière put in a dominant performance in midfield, and scored one goal and made another for the visitors. The win was Montréal’s second in a row, while Sporting Kansas City are yet to record a victory this year.
Austin FC 2-2 San José Earthquakes
Saturday evening in Austin saw a lively encounter between two teams with big ambitions. Austin have struggled to find the net this season, having been held scoreless in each of their last three matches. They were back among the goals here, but needed a late equalizer from Sebastián Driussi to notch a point.
Chicago Fire 1-1 New York Red Bulls
The ageless Kei Kamara notched his fourth goal of the season, but the visitors battled back through Cory Burke, who scored with a minute of normal time remaining. The result sees both teams remain outside of the playoff places, with the Red Bulls winless in six games.
St. Louis City SC 1-2 Portland Timbers
Portland continues to find form after an uneven start to the season. Two weeks after thumping rivals Seattle 4-1, the visitors got a big win away to Western Conference leaders St. Louis City SC to move into the playoff positions. Veteran Yimmi Chará notched the winner late on, scoring in just his second appearance of the season.
Real Salt Lake 0-0 Seattle Sounders
Real Salt Lake edged to within a point of the playoffs thanks to a gritty draw against Seattle, who nonetheless remain atop the Western Conference. Stefan Frei made three saves for Seattle, who have allowed the third-fewest goals in the league to date.
Vancouver Whitecaps 0-0 Colorado Rapids
Yohei Takaoka made a big penalty save to deny Diego Rubio in Vancouver, preserving a run of more than four hundred minutes without conceding. The Whitecaps continued their unbeaten run, which has now reached seven matches, only one ahead of the visitors, while Colorado have now gone six matches without a loss as William Yarbrough made five saves.
Minnesota United 0-0 FC Dallas
Sunday’s late match saw the Loons and Dallas lock in a battle between two sides who have had strong starts to the season. Strong matches from both Dayne St. Clair and Maarten Paes preserved a draw but neither side could move up the table.
