Major League Soccer (MLS) featured plenty of goals and some big results at the top of both conferences this weekend. There were numerous goals scored throughout, with the most coming in Cincinnati’s 4-2 win against San Jose. The only scoreless match of the weekend was LA Galaxy and Dallas’ 0-0 draw.
Lionel Messi returns as Inter Miami and Columbus finish level
Despite Lionel Messi’s return to MLS action off the bench and Luis Suarez scoring yet again, Inter Miami were unable to hold onto two leads as they drew 2-2 against Columbus. Inter Miami entered this matchup with a club-record six-game winning streak, but Columbus matched Miami’s scoring firepower via a Casemiro own goal and a late winner from Brais Mendez.
Top of Western Conference battle ends level between Vancouver & LAFC
In a battle for the top spot in the Western Conference, Vancouver and LAFC ended level, with goals coming from Thomas Muller and Heung-min Son. Levelled at 33 points heading into the match, a win for either side would put them as outright leaders of the West, but neither side was able to capitalize on this opportunity. Despite 21 total shots, Vancouver’s lone goal came via a Thomas Muller penalty in the 76th minute. For LAFC, Son was once again on the scoresheet, with the South Korean forward scoring for a 4th consecutive match.
Nashville and San Jose struggle once again
Despite Nashville’s draw to DC United, they retained their two-point lead at the top of the Eastern Conference over Inter Miami, who also drew this weekend. For San Jose, they had a great opportunity to cement themselves at the top of the Western Conference following Vancouver and LAFC’s 1-1 draw. The Earthquakes held a 2-1 lead entering the final stretch of the match, but FC Cincinnati scored in the 79th, 82nd, and 95th minute to secure an outstanding 4-2 home win.
Results from all 15 games on Friday/Saturday
| Fixture | Final Score |
|---|---|
| NYCFC vs Toronto | 1–1 |
| Montreal vs New England | 2–2 |
| DC United vs Nashville SC | 2–2 |
| Philadelphia vs Atlanta United | 3–2 |
| NY Red Bulls vs Orlando | 3–2 |
| Vancouver vs LAFC | 1–1 |
| Inter Miami CF vs Columbus | 2–2 |
| Chicago vs Charlotte FC | 2–1 |
| Minnesota vs San Diego FC | 1–1 |
| Sporting KC vs Houston | 0–2 |
| St. Louis City vs Salt Lake | 1–1 |
| Colorado vs Austin FC | 1–0 |
| Cincinnati vs San Jose | 4–2 |
| LA Galaxy vs Dallas | 0–0 |
| Portland vs Seattle Sounders | 2–1 |
MLS returns to action on August 15th, with a small break taking place for the start of the Leagues Cup, which will feature 18 MLS teams.
