MLS was back as we got some midweek action to start the final charge towards the Leagues Cup break. Here is what went down on the dramatic evening.
What happened
Jul 17, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan (6) runs during the second half against the New England Revolution at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports.
The biggest shock of the evening came when Chicago stunned Cincinnati at TQL Stadium to throw a wrench in their Supporters Shield plans at the top of the East.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami showed that they will be alright without the injured Lionel Messi as they downed Toronto 3-1 in Fort Lauderdale.
Staying in the East, New York City came storming back in Atlanta to snatch a point late on against Atlanta United, while Orlando City kept up their winning streak with a comfortable victory in Nashville. D.C. United stunned Minnesota thanks to two late goals, furthering Minnesota’s woes.
In the late kickoffs, Seattle extended their winning run to five consecutive games with a comfortable victory against St. Louis City, while LAFC and Real Salt Lake played out a tense draw in Los Angeles.
The Galaxy got back to winning ways against Colorado, fending off a late Rapids push to hold on and collect all three points in a five-goal thriller.
Stat of the night
History!
Player of the night
Cucho just doesn’t slow down.
With his first-half goal tonight, @ColumbusCrew forward Cucho Hernández (38 goals, 22 assists) became the first player in Crew history to record 60 goal contributions over a three-year span. pic.twitter.com/w8DxB8BHEV
— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) July 18, 2024
What this means
The Supporters Shield continues to heat up. Only seven points separate Inter Miami in first and Columbus Crew in sixth, though Columbus have two games in hand on their rivals.
In the West, the Galaxy took over first place thanks to LAFC’s home draw just up the road. However, like Columbus, LAFC have two games in hand on their cross-town rivals.
What comes next?
Jul 17, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; The Seattle Sounders FC during the national anthem before the game against the St. Louis CITY SC at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
MLS is back this weekend with the final matchday before the Leagues Cup break. The weekend’s games are highlighted by two late affairs between Cascadia and Los Angeles clubs….