MLS MEDIA RESOURCES: WEEK 27 NEWS & NOTES
News and notes and statistical trends from around Major League Soccer
IT WAS A RECORD-SETTING WEEK AS GOALS FILLED THE NETS IN MLS
Major League Soccer last week saw more goals fill the nets than had ever before occurred in the 26-year history of the league.
Over 26 games last week, 87 goals were scored. That’s a full 20 goals more than the next-most goals scored in a calendar week in the league’s history, which occurred at the end of October and start of November a year ago.
For the two matchrounds in the week, 43 goals were scored on Sept. 14-15 – then 44 goals were scored over the weekend from Sept. 17-19. Those totals were just two and three goals away from the most goals scored on a single day in MLS history, which last happened on Decision Day (Nov. 8) last year.
NASHVILLE SC STILL ON TRACK FOR ONE OF BEST SEASONS EVER
While Nashville SC had a five-game undefeated run put to an end in a 2-1 loss to Toronto FC last weekend at BMO Field, the club is still on track for one of the best seasons in MLS history.
After 24 games, Nashville SC has suffered just three losses – tied for the second-fewest in league history at that point of the season. Just one team had fewer – FC Dallas, which lost just twice in their opening 24 matches in 2010.
The record for fewest losses in a season is four, set six times – including in 2010 by FC Dallas. That mark was equaled by two teams a year ago, as both the Philadelphia Union and Orlando City SC lost just four games.
The record-chasing mark for Nashville SC has been built mainly on their form at their Nissan Stadium – where the team has yet to lose this season in 14 games, with an 8-0-6 record. Six teams have made it through an entire season without a loss at home – the last the Philadelphia Union a year ago, who went a perfect 9-0-0 at Subaru Park, the only undefeated and untied team over an entire home schedule.
ATLANTA’S BARCO JOINS PRESTIGIOUS LIST WITH BACK-TO-BACK FREE KICK GOALS
On Sept. 15, Ezequiel Barco of Atlanta United netted a goal directly from a free kick in a 4-0 win against FC Cincinnati at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, his first direct free kick goal in his four MLS seasons. Then last Saturday afternoon against D.C. United at home, Barco did it again, starting off a 3-2 ATLUTD win.
Barco became just the sixth player in MLS history to score goals directly from free kicks in back-to-back games (since records are available beginning with the 2003 season). The last to do it was Laurent Ciman with Los Angeles Football Club in 2018, preceded by Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC, 2017); David Villa (New York City FC, 2015); and David Beckham (LA Galaxy, 2012).
No player has ever hit for direct free kick goals in three consecutive games.
QUAKES FEATURE IN RARE BACK-TO-BACK SEVEN-GOAL THRILLERS
The San Jose Earthquakes certainly had an eventual stretch as part of the highest-scoring week in MLS history.
On Wednesday, Sept. 15, the Quakes saw a 3-2 lead overturned in an eventual 4-3 defeat by Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium. But then just three days later, the Quakes returned the favor somewhat, overturning a two-goal deficit to record a 4-3 win against Austin FC at Q2 Stadium.
It marked just the ninth time in MLS history where a team had been involved in back-to-back games featuring seven goals or more, with four of those happening over the last four seasons. No team in league annals has ever played three consecutive games where at least seven goals were scored.
MLS WEEK 27 – LOOK AHEAD
INTER MIAMI CF vs. NASHVILLE SC
Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #340)
DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
7:30 p.m. ET (MyTV33 / UniMas 69; MyTV30)
REFEREE: Jon Freemon. AR1 (bench): Kevin Klinger; AR2 (opposite): Cory Richardson; 4th: Marcos de Oliveira; VAR: Daniel Radford; AVAR: Jozef Batko
MLS Career: 8 games; FC/gm: 28.3; Y/gm: 4.3; R: 0; pens: 0
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Inter Miami 1 win, 2 goals … Nashville SC 1 win, 2 goals … Ties 2
AT INTER MIAMI: Inter Miami 1 win, 2 goals … Nashville SC 0 wins, 1 goal … Ties 1
· Inter Miami CF saw their club-record six-game undefeated streak put to an end, falling 4-0 to the New York Red Bulls at DRV PNK Stadium on Friday evening.
· Nashville SC had their three-game winning streak and five-game undefeated run put to an end, dropping a 2-1 decision to Toronto FC at BMO Field on Saturday evening. CJ Sapong scored his ninth goal of the season, tied for 10th place in the MLS Golden Boot standings.
· The teams are meeting for the third time this season. Gonzalo Higuaín netted the equalizer then Indiana Vassilev scored the game-winner five minutes into stoppage time as Inter Miami took a 2-1 win Aug. 8 at DRV PNK Stadium; they also reached a goalless draw at Nissan Stadium on May 2.
· The expansion class of 2020 met in Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs, the first time since 1998 two expansion teams reached the same postseason, and Nashville SC took a 3-0 win Nov. 20 at Nissan Stadium behind goals from Randall Leal, Hany Mukhtar and Dax McCarty.
· The teams met twice during the regular season, a home-and-home series over a week, their first-ever meetings in league play. Anibal Godoy scored the game’s only goal as Nashville SC took the victory Aug. 30 at Nissan Stadium; the teams then reached a goalless draw Sept. 6 in Fort Lauderdale.
IMCF: Inter Miami saw their five-game winning streak, and six-game undefeated streak, at DRV PNK Stadium put to an end – both also club records. The last defeat at home had come July 21 vs. New England.
NASHVILLE SC: Randall Leal collected his seventh assist of the season; he has a goal and an assist in the last two games.
NEW YORK RED BULLS vs. NEW YORK CITY FC
Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #273)
Red Bull Arena, Harrison, N.J.
8 p.m. ET (MSG; YES)
REFEREE: Ismail Elfath. AR1 (bench): Corey Parker; AR2 (opposite): Kyle Atkins; 4th: Robert Sibiga; VAR: Jorge Gonzalez; AVAR: Gjovalin Bori
MLS Career: 172 games; FC/gm: 25.7; Y/gm: 3.3; R: 46; pens: 53
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Red Bulls 8 wins, 32 goals … NYCFC 6 wins, 21 goals … Ties 2
RED BULLS HOME GAME: Red Bulls 6 wins, 16 goals … NYCFC 1 win, 6 goals … Ties 1
· The Red Bulls won in impressive fashion for the first time in four matches, rolling to a 4-0 win against Inter Miami CF at DRK PNK Stadium on Friday evening. Fabio netted a pair of goals, his fourth and fifth of his inaugural MLS season.
· NYCFC won for the first time in four games, coming back for a 2-1 win against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Valentin Castellanos converted a penalty kick for the game-winner, his 12th of the season, tied for fourth place in the MLS Golden Boot standings.
· The teams were originally scheduled to meet Aug. 21 at Red Bull Arena, but the match was postponed because of severe weather.
· The teams met twice a season ago, each winning their home match. Kyle Duncan scored the game’s only goal to give the Red Bulls the win Aug. 20 at Red Bull Arena; Valentin Castellanos netted a hat trick as NYCFC took a 5-2 win Nov. 1 at Yankee Stadium, their largest victory in the all-time series.
· The Red Bulls have won eight of the 16 meetings all-time in league play, with a 32-21 goal differential. Included in that was a 7-0 Red Bulls win on May 21, 2016, at Yankee Stadium, the victory matching the largest margin of victory in MLS history (and the seven goals by the Red Bulls their club record). In all competitions, the Red Bulls have won 10 of 18 matches, with two draws, with a 37-21 goal differential. NYCFC have won five of the last 10 league meetings, with one draw, over the last four years.
RED BULLS: Patryk Klimala scored his sixth goal of the season, his second in as many games; he has two goals and an assist in the last three matches. … Omir Fernandez scored his first goal of the season, his fifth in three years in MLS. … Wikelman Carmona collected his first career assist in MLS. … Tom Edwards collected his first career assist in MLS. … John Tolkin gained his second assist of the season; he has a goal and an assist over the last five games. … Carlos Miguel Coronel was credited with one save in recording his seventh shutout of the season, tied for fifth in MLS this season.
NYCFC: Gudmundur Thorarinsson collected his second assist of the season, both coming in the last two games.
CHICAGO FIRE FC vs. NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #437)
Soldier Field, Chicago, Ill.
7 p.m. CT (WGN-TV; WSBK-TV 38 / MyRITV)
REFEREE: Lukasz Szpala. AR1 (bench): Peter Manikowski; AR2 (opposite): Claudiu Badea; 4th: Jair Marrufo; VAR: Edvin Jurisevic; AVAR: Craig Lowry
MLS Career: 4 games; FC/gm: 25.3; Y/gm: 4.0; R: 2; pens: 1
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Fire 27 wins, 95 goals … Revolution 23 wins, 87 goals … Ties 15
AT CHICAGO: Fire 17 wins, 63 goals … Revolution 6 wins, 40 goals … Ties 11
· Chicago Fire concluded their six-game road swing with a 2-0 loss at CF Montréal at Stade Saputo on Sunday afternoon.
· The Revolution had their two-game winning run come to an end, reaching a 1-1 draw with the Columbus Crew at Gillette Stadium on Saturday evening. Adam Buksa scored his 11th goal of the season, tied for seventh place in the MLS Golden Boot standings.
· The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Robert Beric and Luka Stojanovic gave the Fire a two-goal lead after 11 minutes, but Adam Buksa and Gustavo Bou struck back before the half-hour was out, leaving the teams in a 2-2 draw at Soldier Field on April 17.
· The Revolution have two wins, with two draws, in the last four meetings, including a 1-1 result March 7, 2020 in the last game in Foxborough. The last win in the series came last Sept. 6 at Soldier Field. That Revolution win ended a nine-game home undefeated streak for the Fire in the series. The Fire had a seven-game undefeated streak overall in the series (5-0-2) ended in the Revolution’s win in 2019 to start their current streak.
FIRE: Gabriel Slonina made his second start of his MLS career; he was the youngest goalkeeper ever to start a game in MLS history, aged 17 years, 81 days, in his first appearance Aug. 4 against New York City FC at Soldier Field.
REVOLUTION: The Revolution extended their home undefeated streak to seven games, dating back to July 25.
PHILADELPHIA UNION vs. ATLANTA UNITED
Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #341)
Subaru Park, Chester, Pa.
3:30 p.m. ET (Univision / TUDN)
REFEREE: Robert Sibiga. AR1 (bench): Jason White; AR2 (opposite): Gjovalin Bori; 4th: Joshua Encarnacion; VAR: Drew Fischer; AVAR: Kathryn Nesbitt
MLS Career: 136 games; FC/gm: 21.6; Y/gm: 3.4; R: 24; pens: 38
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Union 1 win, 9 goals … ATLUTD 3 wins, 14 goals … Ties 3
AT UNION: Union 1 win, 5 goals … ATLUTD 1 win, 5 goals … Ties 1
· The Union snapped their three-game winless skid, defeating Orlando City SC 3-1 at Subaru Park on Sunday evening. Kacper Przybylko scored a pair of goals, now with eight on the season, and added his third assist of the season.
· Atlanta United won their third game on the trot, their seventh win in the last eight games, defeating D.C. United 3-2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Ezequiel Barco scored from a direct free kick for a second consecutive game and added an assist for a second game in a row, setting up Josef Martínez for his ninth goal of the season (third in the last two games).
· The teams are meeting for the second time in league play this season. Cory Burke pulled a goal back in the 83rd minute then Jakob Glesnes hit a stunning equalizer in stoppage time to leave the teams in a 2-2 draw June 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium; an own goal and Anton Walkes had given ATLUTD a 2-0 lead late.
· The teams also met this year in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions League. In the first leg, Kacper Przybylko scored a pair of goals and assisted on a third as the Union took a 3-0 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on April 27. Przybylko then scored late in the second leg to seal the tie in a 1-1 draw, the Union advancing 4-1 on aggregate.
· The Union have won once in seven league meetings all time – the last regular season encounter in 2019. ATLUTD had won three of the first five meetings, with two draws, since coming into MLS.
· The teams also faced off in an Eastern Conference Semifinal in 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, ATLUTD getting goals from Julian Gressel and Josef Martínez for a 2-0 win.
UNION: Kai Wagner scored his second goal of the season, his first coming Aug. 1. … Jamiro Monteiro collected his fifth assist of the season, his first since June 20. … Alejandro Bedoya gained his second assist of the season, his last coming July 17. … Cory Burke recorded his second assist of the season.
ATLUTD: George Bello scored his first goal of the season, the third of his MLS career. … Marcelino Moreno recorded his fifth assist of the season, his third in the last five games (when he also has a goal).
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION vs. ORLANDO CITY SC
Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #342)
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
7 p.m. ET (WSBK-TV 38 / MyRITV; FOX35 Plus / LionNation TV)
REFEREE: Rosendo Mendoza. AR1 (bench): Peter Balciunas; AR2 (opposite): Jeremy Kieso; 4th: Luis Arroyo; VAR: Hilario Grajeda; AVAR: Thomas Supple
MLS Career: 29 games; FC/gm: 24.3; Y/gm: 3.4; R: 4; pens: 6
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Revolution 4 wins, 27 goals … Orlando City 2 wins, 22 goals … Ties 5
AT NEW ENGLAND: Revolution 4 wins, 15 goals … Orlando City 0 wins, 3 goals … Ties 1
· Orlando City SC saw their skid extended, falling 3-1 to the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on Sunday evening. Ruan scored his second goal in MLS for the OCSC tally, both coming in the last two weeks.
· The teams did not meet in league play last year, but did in an Eastern Conference Semifinal at Exploria Stadium. Gustavo Bou scored a pair of goals and Carles Gil added one as the Revolution took a 3-1 win on Nov. 29.
· The teams met last in league play in 2019. In the first meeting, Carles Gil scored one goal and set up another as the Revolution cruised to a 4-1 win on July 27 at Gillette Stadium. Then in the second meeting on Sept. 14 in Orlando, Nani scored a pair of goals as Orlando City overcame a two-goal halftime deficit to leave the teams in a 3-3 draw.
· The away team has never won in league play, in 11 meetings. The last two regular-season meetings in Orlando have ended in 3-3 draws; Orlando City has outscored New England 12-7 in the last three matchups in Florida. The Revolution have won four of the five meetings at Gillette Stadium, including each of the past three years.
REVOLUTION: Play Chicago Fire at midweek at Soldier Field.
OCSC: Mauricio Pereyra collected his ninth assist of the season, a single-season career-high in his third MLS season; he is a five-way tie for third place in the MLS assist standings.
NEW YORK CITY FC vs. NEW YORK RED BULLS
Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #343)
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, N.Y.
8 p.m. ET (YES; MSG)
REFEREE: Armando Villarreal. AR1 (bench): Cameron Blanchard; AR2 (opposite): Logan Brown; 4th: Marcos de Oliveira; VAR: Carol Anne Chenard; AVAR: Claudiu Badea
MLS Career: 162 games; FC/gm: 22.6; Y/gm: 3.3; R: 29; pens: 35
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: NYCFC 6 wins, 21 goals … Red Bulls 8 wins, 32 goals … Ties 2
NYCFC HOME GAME: NYCFC 5 wins, 15 goals … Red Bulls 2 wins, 16 goals … Ties 1
· The teams are meeting on the back end of a home-and-home series over four days, brought about by the rescheduling of the postponed Aug. 21 match at Red Bull Arena.
D.C. UNITED vs. FC CINCINNATI
Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #344)
Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
7:30 p.m. ET (NBCS-Wash / TeleXitos; WSTR – Star 64)
REFEREE: Chris Penso. AR1 (bench): Kyle Atkins; AR2 (opposite): Kevin Klinger; 4th: Adam Kilpatrick; VAR: Sorin Stoica; AVAR: Craig Lowry
MLS Career: 182 games; FC/gm: 23.7; Y/gm: 3.7; R: 54; pens: 72
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: United 2 wins, 6 goals … FCC 0 wins, 2 goals … Ties 3
AT D.C.: United 0 wins, 0 goals … FCC 0 wins, 0 goals … Ties 1
· D.C. United had their three-game undefeated run snapped, falling 3-2 to Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Edison Flores scored his second MLS goal and Felipe Martins netted his first of the season for the United markers.
· FC Cincinnati weren’t able to make it two home victories in a row, falling 2-1 to New York City FC at TQL Stadium on Saturday evening. Brenner scored his seventh goal of the season, his fourth over the last eight matches.
· The teams are meeting for the second time this season. They reached a goalless draw July 31 at TQL Stadium, the third in five meetings all-time.
· The teams met twice a season ago. Donovan Pines scored in the first and Chris Odoi-Atsem in the second as D.C. United took a 2-1 win Oct. 18 at Nippert Stadium. They also reached a goalless draw, Aug. 21 in Cincinnati.
· The teams met twice in FC Cincinnati’s inaugural season. Lucas Rodríguez scored a pair of goals and added an assist, as D.C. United rolled to a 4-1 win July 18 at Nippert Stadium; the teams played to a goalless draw on Decision Day (Oct. 6) at Audi Field.
UNITED: Ola Kamara collected his fourth assist of the season; he has a goal or an assist now in four consecutive games, with five goals and an assist in that span. … Julian Gressel recorded his eighth assist of the season, a second consecutive game with an assist; he is tied for eighth place in the MLS assist standings.
FCC: Brenner equaled the most goals in a single season in FCC’s MLS history, matching the total of Allan Cruz in 2019. … Tyler Blackett made his FCC and MLS debut, coming on as a substitute for the final 13 minutes.
COLUMBUS CREW vs. CF MONTRÉAL
Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #345)
Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio
7:30 p.m. ET (TVA Sports; Bally Sports OH)
REFEREE: Nima Saghafi. AR1 (bench): Corey Parker; AR2 (opposite): Adam Garner; 4th: Baldomero Toledo; VAR: Jorge Gonzalez; AVAR: Jose da Silva
MLS Career: 79 games; FC/gm: 26.4; Y/gm: 3.8; R: 9; pens: 24
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Crew SC 10 wins, 32 goals … CFMTL 8 wins, 31 goals … Ties 4
AT COLUMBUS: Crew SC 8 wins, 25 goals … CFMTL 2 wins, 14 goals … Ties 2
· The Crew gained a second result in a row, reaching a 1-1 draw with the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on Saturday evening. Gyasi Zardes scored his fifth goal of the season for the Crew tally.
· CF Montréal won their second game in a row and a third in the last four games, defeating Chicago Fire FC 2-0 at Stade Saputo on Sunday afternoon. Romell Quioto scored his fifth goal of the season and his second in as many games; he has four goals and three assists in his last six MLS appearances.
· The teams are meeting for the second time this season. They reached a goalless draw May 1 at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
· The teams met once a season ago. Lassi Lappalainen scored in the first half and Bojan Krkic in the second as Montréal took a 2-1 win Oct. 7 in Columbus.
· The Montréal win last season ended a two-game home winning streak in the series for the Crew, who have won eight of the 12 meetings all-time in Columbus, with two draws. The lone Montréal win there came in 2015. The Impact have won the past two meetings in the series in Québec.
CREW: Harrison Afful collected his second assist of the season, his first coming July 3. … Darlington Nagbe recorded his first assist of the season, his last in an MLS league game coming last Aug. 20.
CFMTL: Djordje Mihailovic recorded his 11th assist of the season, a second consecutive game with an assist (three assists in that time), and his fifth assist over the last four games. He is in second place in the MLS assist standings, five behind New England’s Carles Gil. … James Pantemis was credited with four saves in recording his third shutout of the season, his last coming July 3.
MINNESOTA UNITED FC vs. HOUSTON DYNAMO FC
Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #346)
Allianz Field, St. Paul, Minn.
7 p.m. CT (Bally Sports North+ / CW; QuestTexas 55 / Telexitos 47.2)
REFEREE: Allen Chapman. AR1 (bench): Ian McKay; AR2 (opposite): Felisha Mariscal; 4th: Greg Dopka; VAR: Kevin Terry Jr.; AVAR: Jeff Muschik
MLS Career: 190 games; FC/gm: 22.2; Y/gm: 3.7; R: 46; pens: 83
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: MNUFC 4 wins, 14 goals … Dynamo 4 wins, 18 goals … Ties 4
AT MINNESOTA: MNUFC 3 wins, 7 goals … Dynamo 0 wins, 3 goals … Ties 2
· MNUFC put an quick end to a two-game losing slide, defeating the LA Galaxy 3-0 at Allianz Field on Saturday evening. Emanuel Reynoso netted a pair of goals, now with four for the season, while Franco Fragapane recorded a pair of assists.
· Dynamo FC stretched their undefeated run to three games with a second win in that time, defeating FC Dallas 3-2 at BBVA Stadium on Saturday evening. Fafa Picault scored his fourth goal in the last three games, now with 10 goals for the season, tied for ninth place in the MLS Golden Boot standings; Griffin Dorsey scored his second goal this year and added his first MLS assist.
· The teams are meeting for the third time this season, and Minnesota United have won both. Adrien Hunou scored both MNUFC goals for a 2-1 win Aug. 28 at BBVA Stadium; Robin Lod scored early and Brent Kallman netted late as MNUFC took a 2-0 win at Allianz Field on Aug. 7.
· The teams met three times a season ago. They reached a pair of 2-2 draws in the final two meetings, Sept. 19 at BBVA Stadium and Oct. 18 at Allianz Field. On Sept. 2 in Houston, Darwin Quintero scored against his former club and Ariel Lassiter hit for his first two Dynamo goals, in a 3-0 win.
· Minnesota United’s win in Houston in the last meeting was the first for the visiting team in the all-time series, with the home team winning six meetings in a row before draws in the next two matchups.
MNUFC: Tyler Miller was credited with two saves in recording his eighth shutout of the season, now tied for third in MLS this season. … Robin Lod gained his fifth assist of the season, his last coming July 31. … Ethan Finlay scored his second goal of the season; he now has two goals and three assists this year, all coming since July 31 (nine games).
DYNAMO FC: Darwin Quintero converted a penalty kick for his first goal of the season; he has a goal and an assist this year, both coming in the last two games.
COLORADO RAPIDS vs. TORONTO FC
Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #347)
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colo.
6 p.m. MT (TSN; Altitude)
REFEREE: Michael Radchuk. AR1 (bench): Ian Anderson; AR2 (opposite): Mike Rottersman; 4th: Alex Chilowicz; VAR: Edvin Jurisevic; AVAR: Diego Blas
MLS Career: 2 games; FC/gm: 27.0; Y/gm: 4.5; R: 1; pens: 1
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Rapids 7 wins, 20 goals … Toronto FC 9 wins, 22 goals … Ties 2
AT COLORADO: Rapids 6 wins, 9 goals … Toronto FC 1 win, 2 goals … Ties 1
· The Rapids extended their undefeated streak to 10 games, reaching a 1-1 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Sunday evening. Danny Wilson scored his second goal of the season; the 10-game run is the second-longest in the club’s 26-year history (long: 15 games, April 13-July 23, 2016).
· TFC put paid to a nine-game stretch without victory, defeating Nashville SC 2-1 at BMO Field on Saturday evening. Jacob Shaffelburg and Omar Gonzalez each scored their second goals of the season, Gonzalez the 79th-minute game-winner.
· The teams last met in 2019. Jonathan Osorio netted the game-winner in the 69th minute to snap a 2-2 tie, giving TFC the 3-2 win Sept. 15 at BMO Field.
· The Rapids won the last meeting at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, a 2-0 victory on April 14, 2018. It was their third consecutive home win in the series. TFC has won eight of 10 meetings in Ontario; the Rapids win in 2014 in Toronto is their only league victory there against TFC (the Rapids did win MLS Cup 2010 there).
RAPIDS: Jack Price recorded his ninth assist of the season, a second consecutive game with an assist, now in a five-way tie for third place in the MLS assist standings.
TFC: Yeferson Soteldo gained his seventh assist of the season, his third over the last seven games. … Auro Jr. gained his third assist of the season, his last coming July 7.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES vs. LOS ANGELES FOOTBALL CLUB
Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #348)
PayPal Park, San Jose, Calif.
7 p.m. PT (NBCS-CA; My13/KCOP / Estrella TV)
REFEREE: Jair Marrufo. AR1 (bench): Michael Barwegen; AR2 (opposite): Jeffrey Greeson; 4th: Victor Rivas; VAR: Jose Carlos Rivero; AVAR: Chris Elliott
MLS Career: 285 games; FC/gm: 22.8; Y/gm: 2.8; R: 45; pens: 87
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Earthquakes 3 wins, 11 goals … LAFC 5 wins, 24 goals … Ties 0
AT SAN JOSE: Earthquakes 2 wins, 8 goals … LAFC 2 wins, 12 goals … Ties 0
· The Quakes played a seven-goal thriller for the second time in four days, this time ending on the winning side in a 4-3 victory against Austin FC at Q2 Stadium on Saturday evening. Eduardo López scored a pair of goals, now with five goals in the last two games, giving him 10 for the season, tied for ninth place in the MLS Golden Boot standings.
· LAFC had their three-game winning streak put to an end, dropping a 2-1 decision to the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on Sunday evening. Cristian Arango converted a penalty kick for his sixth goal of the season and in MLS, all coming over the last five matches.
· The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Goals from Nathan and Eduardo López in the first 28 minutes led the Quakes to a 2-1 win Aug. 8 at PayPal Park.
· The Quakes win in each of the last three meetings have been their first in the all-time series, in eight meetings. LAFC had won the first five meetings between the clubs. The Quakes won the last meeting at Banc of California Stadium, a 2-1 win last Sept. 27 .
· LAFC scored four goals or more in three consecutive matches with the Quakes, through the first meeting last year, the second team in MLS history to achieve that (also, LA Galaxy vs. Philadelphia Union, 2013-15). LAFC cruised to a 5-0 win on March 30, 2019 in San Jose behind a Carlos Vela hat trick; Vela then netted two more goals as LAFC won 4-0 on Aug. 21, 2019 at Banc of California Stadium.
QUAKES: Marcos López scored his first goal of the season, his first since Decision Day (Nov. 8) last year. … Benji Kikanovic recorded his first career assist in MLS, in his eighth appearance. … Carlos Fierro collected his third assist of the season, matching his total from a year ago. …
LAFC: LAFC had a four-game undefeated run put to an end, a first defeat since Aug. 21, the last in a four-game losing skid.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC vs. FC DALLAS
Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #349)
BC Place, Vancouver, B.C.
7 p.m. PT (TSN; FCDTV)
REFEREE: Kevin Stott. AR1 (bench): Chantal Boudreau; AR2 (opposite): Oscar Mitchell-Carvalho; 4th: Alain Ruch; VAR: Geoff Gamble; AVAR: Frank Anderson
MLS Career: 373 games; FC/gm: 24.4; Y/gm: 3.1; R: 86; pens: 98
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Whitecaps FC 6 wins, 28 goals … FC Dallas 10 wins, 32 goals … Ties 7
AT VANCOUVER: Whitecaps FC 5 wins, 16 goals … FC Dallas 3 wins, 12 goals … Ties 4
· Whitecaps FC rebounded from a first defeat in 11 games, gaining a 1-1 draw with the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Sunday evening. Brian White scored his fifth goal of the season, his fourth in the last six games.
· FC Dallas saw their run of back-to-back draws snapped, falling 3-2 to Houston Dynamo FC at BBVA Stadium on Saturday evening. Jader Obrian scored a pair of goals, a second consecutive game with a brace, now with eight goals in his first MLS season.
· The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Ricardo Pepi netted early for FCD, then Lucas Cavallini and Andy Rose gave the ‘Caps the lead, before an own goal in stoppage time left the teams in a 2-2 draw July 4 at Toyota Stadium.
· The Whitecaps FC won the last meeting at BC Place, a 2-1 win May 25, 2019, the first for the home team in the series since 2016. The ‘Caps have gained points in eight of the last nine meetings in Vancouver, with a 4-1-4 record.
· Whitecaps FC have come away with points on their last four trips to Toyota Stadium. Their 4-0 win there in 2017 was the club’s first ever in Frisco, Texas; FC Dallas had won the first seven meetings at home, outscoring Vancouver 14-2.
WHITECAPS FC: Deiber Caicedo collected his fifth assist of the season; he has a goal and an assist over the last three games.
FCD: Jesús Ferreira recorded his sixth assist of the season, matching his single-season career-high set in 2019; he has four goals and three assists over the last six games. … Eddie Munjoma recorded the first assist of his MLS career, making his 10th career appearance.
PORTLAND TIMBERS vs. REAL SALT LAKE
Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #350)
Providence Park, Portland, Ore.
7:30 p.m. PT (KPDX; KMYU-12)
REFEREE: Fotis Bazakos. AR1 (bench): Brian Poeschel; AR2 (opposite): Ryan Graves; 4th: Ramy Touchan; VAR: Younes Marrakchi; AVAR: Joshua Patlak
MLS Career: 118 games; FC/gm: 24.8; Y/gm: 3.7; R: 23; pens: 37
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Timbers 10 wins, 40 goals … Real 8 wins, 38 goals … Ties 8
AT PORTLAND: Timbers 5 wins, 21 goals … Real 2 wins, 18 goals … Ties 6
· The Timbers stretched their undefeated streak to five games with a fourth win in that span, defeating Los Angeles Football Club 2-1 at Providence Park on Sunday evening. Dairon Asprilla netted his sixth goal of the season, then George Fochive scored his second of the year for the game-winner.
· Real Salt Lake won a second consecutive game and for the third time in four games, defeating Seattle Sounders FC by the game’s only goal at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday evening. Damir Kreilach scored the RSL goal, his 10th of the season and second in the last three games, now tied for ninth place in the MLS Golden Boot standings.
· The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Dairon Asprilla, Yimmi Chará and Felipe Mora all scored goals as the Timbers took a 3-2 win Aug. 7 at Providence Park.
· The Real win in the last meeting at Rio Tinto Stadium, a 2-1 win last Oct. 14, ended a five-game Timbers undefeated streak in the series, a four-game winning streak coming to an end in the first meeting. The Timbers have come away with points on six of their last eight league visits to Rio Tinto Stadium, dating back to 2014, with five wins and a draw in that span.
· The teams also met in Round One of the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs. Jefferson Savarino scored the game-winner three minutes from the end, giving RSL the 2-1 win on Oct. 19 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
TIMBERS: Diego Valeri made his 300th appearance for the club over all competitions.
REAL: Albert Rusnák recorded his ninth assist of the season, a fourth consecutive game with an assist, with five assists (and a goal) over that span. He is now in a five-way tie for third place in the MLS assist standings. … Aaron Herrera recorded his ninth assist of the season, his third in the last six games. … David Ochoa was credited with two saves in recording his fourth shutout of the season.
CHICAGO FIRE FC vs. NASHVILLE SC
Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #351)
Soldier Field, Chicago, Ill.
12 noon CT (WGN-TV; MyTV30)
REFEREE: Ismir Pekmic. AR1 (bench): Jeremy Hanson; AR2 (opposite): C.J. Morgante; 4th: Timothy Ford; VAR: Alan Kelly; AVAR: Eric Boria
MLS Career: 4 games; FC/gm: 29.0; Y/gm: 2.0; R: 0; pens: 0
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Fire 0 wins, 2 goals … Nashville SC 1 win, 6 goals … Ties 1
AT CHICAGO: First meeting.
· The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Hany Mukhtar scored a hat trick within the opening 16 minutes – the quickest hat trick in league history from the start of a game – the three goals coming six minutes apart as Nashville SC rolled to a 5-1 win July 17 at Nissan Stadium.
· The teams met once in Nashville SC’s inaugural season. Nashville’s Daniel Rios and the Fire’s Boris Sekulic traded goals in the first half, leaving the teams in a 1-1 draw Oct. 31 at Nissan Stadium.
FIRE: Play New England Revolution at midweek at Soldier Field.
NASHVILLE SC: Play Inter Miami CF at midweek at DRV PNK Stadium.
SPORTING KANSAS CITY vs. SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #353)
Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kan.
6 p.m. CT (FS1 / FOX Deportes)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Sporting 8 wins, 27 goals … Sounders FC 9 wins, 24 goals … Ties 4
AT KC: Sporting 4 wins, 17 goals … Sounders FC 4 wins, 13 goals … Ties 2
REFEREE: Joseph Dickerson. AR1 (bench): Adam Wienckowski; AR2 (opposite): Matthew Nelson; 4th: Silviu Petrescu; VAR: Daniel Radford; AVAR: Mike Kampmeinert
MLS Career: 60 games; FC/gm: 27.3; Y/gm: 4.1; R: 12; pens: 16
· Sporting return to action after a weekend off, winning a second game on the trot last time out in a 4-0 win against Minnesota United FC at Children’s Mercy Park on Sept. 15. Daniel Sallói scored his 13th goal of the season, now in third place in the MLS Golden Boot standings; Johnny Russell had a goal and a pair of assists.
· Sounders FC had their four-game road winning streak put to an end, falling by the game’s only goal to Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday evening.
· The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Johnny Russell, Daniel Sallói and Cameron Duke all scored as Sporting took a 3-1 win July 25 at Lumen Field.
· Sporting have won the last three meetings scoring three goals in each. The teams had last met during the 2019 season, and Sporting KC won both by 3-2 scorelines, May 26 at Children’s Mercy Park, and Aug. 4 in Seattle.
· Sporting are undefeated at home in the series over the last six meetings, with five wins in that time, dating back to 2013. Sporting has won on three of their last five visits to Seattle, since 2016 – their first wins there since a 1-0 win in 2009, the first meeting ever between the clubs.
SPORTING: Khiry Shelton scored his second goal of the season and also added his sixth assist, the fourth time in his MLS career he had a goal and an assist in the same game. … Roger Espinoza recorded his first assist of the season; he now has at least one assist in each of his 12 MLS campaigns. … Tim Melia was not called upon to make a save in recording his seventh shutout of the season, his second in as many games, now in a tie for fifth place in MLS.
SOUNDERS FC: Sounders FC will aim to claim the first international honor in the club’s history when they face Club Léon of Mexico’s Liga MX in the Leagues Cup final at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Wednesday evening.
AUSTIN FC vs. LA GALAXY
Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021 (Week 27, MLS Game #352)
Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas
8:30 p.m. CT (ESPN / ESPN Deportes)
REFEREE: Guido Gonzales Jr. AR1 (bench): Peter Manikowski; AR2 (opposite): Jeffrey Swartzel; 4th: Marcos de Oliveira; VAR: Ismail Elfath; AVAR: Jonathan Johnson
MLS Career: 30 games; FC/gm: 26.3; Y/gm: 4.4; R: 9; pens: 9
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: ATXFC 0 wins, 0 goals … Galaxy 1 win, 2 goals …Ties 0
AT Q2 STADIUM: First meeting.
· Austin FC had their losing skid extended, falling 4-3 to the San Jose Earthquakes at Q2 Stadium on Saturday evening. Sebastian Druissi scored his third goal of the season, and also added his fourth assist, making his ninth appearance since coming to MLS.
· The Galaxy had their stretch of three consecutive draws put to an end, falling 3-0 to Minnesota United FC at Allianz Field on Saturday evening.
· The teams are meeting for the second time this season and in their histories. Sebastian Lletget and Javier Hernández scored on either side of halftime as the Galaxy took a 2-0 win May 15 at Dignity Health Sports Park.
ATXFC: Alexander Ring scored his fourth goal of the season, his third in the last seven games. He also collected his first assist of the season, the second time in his MLS career he had a goal and an assist in the same game (also: 7/26/19 vs. KC; 1 goal, 2 assists). … Jon Gallagher scored his third goal of the year, his last coming July 1. … Daniel Pereira collected his first career assist in MLS, making his 18th appearance; he was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2021 SuperDraft out of Virginia Tech.
GALAXY: Jonathan Klinsmann made his third appearance between the posts this season; his first two were a victory (1-0 vs MIN, 8/14) and a draw (1-1 vs HOU, 9/15).
