MLS Weekend Review: Long-Range Strikes, Goalkeeper Blunders, and LAFC's Dominance
The latest Major League Soccer weekend delivered a compelling mix of spectacular long-range goals, surprising goalkeeping errors, and dominant team performances. From rising stars making their mark to established duos tearing through defenses, the league continues to offer high-stakes drama and memorable moments.
Unforgettable Goals Light Up the Pitch
Several players grabbed headlines with their remarkable scoring efforts. Zavier Gozo, a 19-year-old from Real Salt Lake, showcased his talent with a stunning goal against Sporting Kansas City. Operating as a winger or wing-back, Gozo collected the ball outside the box, flicked it up to himself, and volleyed it to the far post, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. This 'wonder goal' adds to his impressive tally of two goals and three assists in 539 minutes, drawing significant scouting interest from major European clubs.
Columbus Crew's Wessam Abou Ali also contributed a highlight-reel goal in their 3-1 away win against Atlanta United. After scoring the opener with a header, the Palestine international demonstrated clever movement. He ran onto a through ball, then cut back sharply to create space, ultimately unleashing a precise strike into the far corner. This goal underscored his individual skill, even as it exposed some of Atlanta's persistent defensive vulnerabilities.
Dramatic Matches and Goalkeeping Setbacks
Not all weekend drama stemmed from brilliant offense; some came from unexpected defensive lapses. Colorado Rapids' goalkeeper Zack Steffen experienced a moment to forget during his team's match against Toronto FC. With Colorado holding a 2-1 lead, a back pass from Keegan Rosenberry from near the center circle was caught by a gust of wind, swerving unexpectedly. Steffen was unable to adjust, resulting in an own goal that allowed Toronto to salvage a point.
This match was particularly chaotic, featuring five goals and three red cards. Toronto's Jackson Travis was sent off early for stepping on an opponent's ankle, followed by Colorado's Raheem Edwards for denying a goal-scoring opportunity. The most controversial sending-off saw Rapids defender Miguel Navarro receive a second yellow card for a seemingly light push. Despite the team's struggles, Josh Sargent capped a dramatic comeback for Colorado, heading home a corner kick for his first goal since joining from Norwich City, securing three points.
Both Colorado coach Matt Wells and teammate Rosenberry publicly supported Steffen after the game, emphasizing team cohesion and moving past the error as Steffen prepares for the next fixture against Houston Dynamo.
LAFC's Unstoppable Duo Leads the Charge
Los Angeles FC continued their sensational start to the season, spearheaded by the formidable partnership of Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga. Their attacking prowess was on full display in a dominant 6-0 victory over Orlando City, a team currently navigating the season without a permanent head coach.
Son Heung-min delivered a masterclass in playmaking, recording four assists in a single half – a feat achieved by only one other player in MLS history. The first three of these assists directly set up Bouanga's goals, highlighting their incredible chemistry. Son now boasts six assists in six games, despite not yet finding the net himself this season. His ability to deliver precise passes on quick breaks has been a key factor in LAFC's success.
Bouanga, for his part, completed a hat-trick, bringing his MLS career total to 69 goals. This milestone surpasses Sebastian Giovinco’s record in seven fewer games, placing Bouanga 51st all-time in MLS scoring and seventh among active players. The Gabon international, approaching 32, shows no signs of slowing down, proving to be an ideal complement to Son's creative vision.
LAFC's exceptional form sees them leading the early Supporters Shield standings with an impressive 16 points from six games. Even more remarkably, they have scored 14 goals while conceding zero, establishing themselves as the team to beat.
League Notables and Struggling Sides
The MLS weekend also featured several other significant events and individual achievements across the league:
- Diego Chara (Portland Timbers): Became the MLS all-time leader in yellow cards with 124. His Timbers, however, suffered a 3-2 loss to Vancouver, conceding a late lead.
- Kelvin Yeboah (Minnesota United): Scored the match-winning goal in a 2-1 away victory over the LA Galaxy. His return from injury has been impactful, contributing three goals this season.
- Petar Musa (FC Dallas): Netted his seventh goal of the season in a commanding 4-0 win against DC United. His strong form could bolster his chances for Croatia's World Cup squad. Strike partner Logan Farrington also scored his fourth goal in six games.
- Philadelphia Union: Endured their worst-ever start to a Supporters' Shield defense, suffering a sixth consecutive loss (2-1 against Charlotte). They are currently the only team in the league without a point, facing a crucial match against CF Montréal next.
Key Takeaways
- Spectacular long-range goals from Zavier Gozo and Wessam Abou Ali highlighted individual brilliance across the league.
- A dramatic match between Colorado Rapids and Toronto FC featured a rare goalkeeping own goal from Zack Steffen, alongside multiple red cards and a late Colorado comeback.
- LAFC's dynamic duo of Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga continued their dominant form, with Son recording four assists and Bouanga a hat-trick in a 6-0 rout.
- LAFC leads the Supporters Shield standings with a perfect defensive record (0 goals conceded) and a high-scoring offense.
- The Philadelphia Union is experiencing a historically poor start to their season, remaining winless and pointless after six matches.
— Editorial Team
