Major League Soccer (MLS) delivered another eventful weekend as the playoff picture continues to take shape across both conferences. Nashville SC continued their dominant run at the top of the league, while Philadelphia Union extended their unbeaten streak with another high-scoring performance. Lionel Messi also produced another spectacular free kick, but Inter Miami suffered a dramatic late defeat in Columbus. Here are the main takeaways and results from MLS Round 27:
Nashville continue to strengthen Supporters’ Shield bid
Nashville SC continued their dominant season with a 2-0 victory over Toronto FC at GEODIS Park, extending their MLS winning streak at home to nine games. Hany Mukhtar scored both goals in the first half, reaching 100 career MLS goals in the process and becoming the 16th player in league history to reach the milestone. Nashville remain unbeaten at home in MLS this season and continue to set the pace in the Supporters’ Shield race.
Philadelphia extend unbeaten run
Philadelphia Union continued their remarkable form with a 4-2 victory over Orlando, extending their unbeaten streak to 12 games. Milan Iloski led the way with a hat trick, his second of the season, while Indiana Vassilev added a goal and two assists. The Union also became the first team in MLS history to score at least four goals in four consecutive regular-season games, highlighting just how dangerous their attack has been under Ryan Richter.
Messi scores spectacular free kick, but Miami fall late
Lionel Messi produced another moment of magic for Inter Miami, curling in a stunning free kick from an extremely tight angle to equalize against Columbus Crew. The goal was Messi’s 21st of the MLS season, keeping him atop the league’s scoring chart. However, Miami could not hold on for a point as Jamal Thiaré scored in the ninth minute of stoppage time to give Columbus a dramatic 2-1 victory.
Real Salt Lake snap 13-game winless streak
Real Salt Lake finally returned to winning ways with a commanding 3-0 victory over New England Revolution. Aiden Hezarkhani opened the scoring early before Sergi Solans added a second-half brace. The victory ended Salt Lake’s 13-game MLS winless streak, and New England failed to take advantage of Inter Miami’s poor result.
MLS results from all 14 games this weekend
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Atlanta United vs. NYCFC | 2-2 |
| Montréal vs. FC Cincinnati | 3-1 |
| Charlotte FC vs. Chicago Fire | 0-1 |
| Philadelphia Union vs. Orlando City | 4-2 |
| Austin FC vs. San Diego FC | 3-3 |
| FC Dallas vs. LAFC | 1-0 |
| Houston Dynamo vs. Sporting Kansas City | 0-2 |
| Nashville SC vs. Toronto FC | 2-0 |
| Seattle Sounders vs. Minnesota United | 3-1 |
| Real Salt Lake vs. New England Revolution | 3-0 |
| LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids | 3-2 |
| San Jose Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers | 3-1 |
| Vancouver Whitecaps vs. D.C. United | 3-3 |
| Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami | 2-1 |
New York Red Bulls vs. St. Louis City was postponed to Wednesday due to poor weather in the NJ/NY area.
