MLS hits 25,000th goal as Western Conference powers shine on Matchday 4.
Mukhtar Makes MLS History with Goal No. 25,000
Saturday night brought MLS history as Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar scored the league’s 25,000th regular-season goal in dramatic fashion.
After Eric Wynalda scored the first goal in MLS history on April 6, 1996, Mukhtar’s 25,000th highlights the remarkable growth of the league. The goal was scored in one of the premier soccer-specific stadiums, the Columbus Crew’s ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, and by a club that has captivated Nashville and become one of the perennial contenders. And the goal scorer? None other than a former Landon Donovan MLS MVP who made MLS his league of choice in the prime of his career and will go down as a Nashville club legend.
With Mukhtar’s game-winning goal on the road against the Crew, Nashville is tied atop the Eastern Conference standings as they look to make even more history in 2026.
MLS Players Getting the Call for Crucial March Window
As international sides continue to announce their rosters for the final FIFA window before the FIFA World Cup 2026, MLS players are in demand.
Crucially, six spots are still up for grabs through the intercontinental and European playoffs as MLS players like Efrain Morales (Bolivia), Andre Blake (Jamaica), and Anders Dreyer (Denmark) all look to help their countries punch their tickets to the biggest tournament on the planet. Of the 42 teams that have qualified for the World Cup, many MLS players will play crucial tune-up matches during the international window.
MLS will likely have a record number of players in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the March window provides a peek into who some of those individuals might be.
It’s Time to Check Out the Cobalt Kids
The Cobalt Kids are making a name for themselves out in Sandy, Utah. Through the opening four games of the season, Real Salt Lake’s teenagers are tearing it up in MLS action.
Red Bull New York’s young players have gotten well-deserved shine to begin the year, but Salt Lake’s Zavier Gozo (18), Aiden Hezarkhani (18), and Luca Moisa (17) have also been remarkable. The trio has scored or assisted on four of the club’s seven MLS goals, including two from Hezarkhani. Gozo, who will turn 19 on Matchday 5, has been sensational in a new wingback role and is currently one of the brightest young stars in the league.
Next up for the Cobalt Kids is a daunting road matchup against a scorching San Diego FC side on Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire (7 p.m. ET, MLS on Apple TV).
The Next Great Fire Goalkeeper: Chris Brady
The Chicago Fire goalkeeper lineage is one of the most storied in MLS history, and Chris Brady has established himself as the next great shot-stopper.
Whether it’s Sean Johnson, Zach Thornton, or Gabriel Slonina, Chicago goalkeepers have gone on to star for the Fire and the U.S. Men’s National Team. It’s hard to believe Brady is only 22 years old given he is an MLS veteran (96 regular season appearances), but 2026 is already shaping up to be his standout season through the opening four games.
Brady received his first U.S. senior national team call-ups in 2025. And with his strong performances in 2026, the Naperville, Ill., native looks like a serious contender for the No. 1 ‘keeper spot in the years to come. Brady aims to keep his strong start to the season going during Walmart Saturday Showdown against the Philadelphia Union on Matchday 5 (4:30 p.m. ET, MLS on Apple TV).
Klauss Shining Early for the Galaxy
When Riqui Puig went down with a knee injury that knocked him out for the 2026 season, the Galaxy jumped into action to find his replacement, João Klauss. Through three games, that urgency seems to have paid off.
Klauss’s life in LA is off to a quick start, and the big forward is already tied for the league lead with four goals. Not only is Klauss scoring goals for the Galaxy, but he’s also playing a key role in the Galaxy’s buildup from the No. 9 role.
Next up for the Brazilian forward is Walmart Saturday Showdown against a familiar foe in Sporting Kansas City (9:30 p.m. ET), who he scored three times against when playing for St. Louis CITY SC.
Quick Hits From Around the League:
- Teenage talent shined again in MLS with the Real Salt Lake duo of Zavier Gozo (Watch Here) and Aiden Hezarkhani (Watch Here) both provided spectacular goals in the 3-2 road victory.
- In a thrilling match between D.C. United and Inter Miami CF at M&T Bank Stadium, D.C. set their regular-season attendance record with 72,026 fans for a 2-1 Miami win.
- 18-year-old Timbers midfielder Eric Izoita made his MLS debut on Saturday and did so with a stunning goal, which his family was on hand to celebrate (Watch Here).
