Major League Soccer (MLS) once again featured plenty of goals and some big results at the top of both conferences this weekend. Highlighted by Nashville’s big 4-1 win against Inter Miami, all 15 matchups featured goals with no scoreless games for the first time since the return from the World Cup break.
Nashville extends lead at top of the Eastern Conference
In a battle to claim the top spot in the Eastern Conference, Nashville hosted an Inter Miami side that underperformed in the Leagues Cup. With a chance to leapfrog Nashville at the top of the Eastern Conference, Miami failed to make an impact on the road. Andy Najar opened the scoring for Nashville in the 17th minute, with Messi missing another penalty just six minutes later. Telasco Segovia equalized in stoppage time of the first half before Nashville took over in the second half.
In the second half, it was a truly one-sided match. Nashville scored three with a pair of goals from Hany Mukhtar and another Sam Surridge goal. With this win, Nashville extends their lead to 5 points at the top of the Eastern Conference over Inter Miami.
Vancouver retains top spot in the Western Conference
In the final match of the gameweek, Vancouver took advantage of a poor Seattle side with two late second-half goals. Rayan Elloumi and Thomas Muller scored in the 77th and 82nd minutes, securing the Whitecaps’ first win since the World Cup break. Their first win since May 23rd secured Vancouver’s first-place spot in the West.
Houston climbs up the table as hot streak continues
Houston have won all four games since the World Cup return and have quietly climbed up the Western Conference table. After their victory against LA Galaxy and losses from LAFC and San Jose, Dynamo are now 2nd place in the Western Conference, trailing first-place Vancouver by just two points.
Pair of poor results for LAFC and San Jose
San Jose’s poor post-World Cup form have continued, losing three games while conceding 12 goals in four games. San Jose once again struggled as they lost 3-1 to an in-form St. Louis City team.
LAFC, who won three straight games post-World Cup, have picked up just one point in their last two games. Despite 15 total shots, LAFC missed several chances and ended up conceding an 88th-minute penalty to Anders Dreyer. With Houston’s win, LAFC have now dropped to 3rd in the Western Conference.
Cavan Sullivan continues to shine as Union turn season around
Cavan Sullivan is just 16 years old, and he continues to play a big role in Philadelphia’s midseason turnaround. The Union have won four straight games, scoring 10 goals in the process. After going down 2-0 to NYCFC in the first half via a pair of penalties, Philadelphia responded with three second-half goals with a goal from Danley Jean Jacques and a pair of goals from Bruno Damiani. Cavan Sullivan was once again the star of the match with a pair of assists from the future Manchester City player.
Results from all 15 games on Friday/Saturday
| Fixture | Score |
|---|---|
| Atlanta United vs NY Red Bulls | 2–1 |
| Montreal vs DC United | 1–1 |
| Charlotte FC vs Columbus | 3–1 |
| Orlando vs Cincinnati | 1–1 |
| Toronto vs New England | 2–1 |
| Houston vs LA Galaxy | 1–0 |
| Nashville SC vs Inter Miami CF | 4–1 |
| Colorado vs Sporting KC | 2–0 |
| Salt Lake vs Minnesota | 1–1 |
| LAFC vs San Diego FC | 0–1 |
| San Jose vs St. Louis City | 1–3 |
| Chicago vs Portland | 2–1 |
| NYCFC vs Philadelphia | 2–3 |
| Austin FC vs Dallas | 1–2 |
| Seattle Sounders vs Vancouver | 0–2 |
MLS returns to action on Wednesday, with all 30 teams featuring in a midweek fixture.
