Kick Off: Dramatic Zlatan premiere a hit | Badji hat trick | Week 5 recap

Benny Feilhaber - LAFC - challenges - Sebastian Lletget - LA Galaxy

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:


Zlatan lifts Galaxy in "El Trafico" stunner

The LA Galaxy fired a shocking first salvo in the battle for Los Angeles, riding a glorious debut double from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to a 4-3 triumph over LAFC in the first ever match between the new city rivals. Scott French sums up the events, complete with video of the late strikes that brought the hosts all the way back from three down to the newest FC Hollywood star's breathless post-game remarks. WATCH VIDEO | RECAP


In the wake of Saturday's match, Bobby Warshaw wrote about "the magic of Zlatan" and how sometimes, the sporting moment meets its even its most outlandish potential. READ MORE


Lions break duck in thriller


Previously winless Orlando City fell behind twice in the opening frame, and then temporarily lost a second half lead before claiming a 4-3 victory over the visiting New York Red Bulls on Saturday. Dom Dwyer scored twice and Josue Colman opened his Lions account with the 86th minute winner, but Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle pointed out how Jason Kreis turned the tide with a subtle midfield adjustment. READ MORE | RECAP


NYCFC goes clear at the top


Oh by the way, unbeaten New York City FC fought back for a 2-1 win at San Jose that put them alone in the league penthouse. Despite missing late scratch David Villa again, Patrick Vieira's boys found a way to get the job done behind second half goals from Anton Tinnerholm and Maxi Moralez. READ MORE | RECAP


Altidore double downs RSL


On the strength of a Jozy Altidore double, treble holders Toronto FC broke into the win column with a 3-1 victory against Friday night guests Real Salt Lake. Reds boss Greg Vanney says it was just the medicine for the club heading into Tuesday's Concacaf Champions League semifinal opener against Club America. READ MORE | RECAP


'Caps & Revs play road warriors


Vancouver strike ace Kei Kamara did in his old employers, striking with 12 minutes left to give the visitors a 2-1 triumph at previously unbeaten Columbus. Perhaps we should have seen it coming; the Whitecaps have now won four straight at MAPFRE Stadium. RECAP


Elsewhere, New England continued their surprising start with a 2-0 defeat of 10-man home side Houston. Teal Bunbury and Cristian Penilla rang the bell for the Revolution. RECAP


Away squeakers for Atlanta, Montreal


It was anything but pretty, yet Atlanta United ran their win streak to three with a 1-0 decision away over Minnesota United. The hosts were unable to cancel out an early own goal despite being on the man advantage for 52 minutes. RECAP


Montreal scored an identical result, edging 10-man hosts Seattle to start their first win streak since last August. Jeisson Vargas bagged his second lone-goal decider in a row at the hour mark. RECAP


Home cookin' for Rapids, SKC

Dominique Badji netted a hat trick as Colorado posted their first win of the season in a 3-0 cruise past visiting Philadelphia. The Rapids are now unbeaten in their last six at home. WATCH HAT TRICK | RECAP


Sporting KC chalked up their fist clean sheet of the term in a 1-0 home win over D.C. United. Thanks to his 3rd-minute winner, Felipe Gutierrez stands atop the MLS Golden Boot race with five. RECAP


Fire notch first point


The Chicago Fire finally put a point on the board, rallying twice for a 2-2 home draw against Portland. Brandon Vincent grabbed both the 84th-minute winner and an assist to lead the comeback, with Bastian Schweinsteiger's switch to sweeper playing a key role. FILM SESSION | RECAP


GA Cup crowns for Seattle, Sporting KC


On Saturday, Seattle (Premier Division) and Sporting KC (Under-12 Division) each celebrated Generation Adidas Cup titles. Sounders standout Marlon Vargas, who hit for the opener in their 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls, took home the Golden Ball. READ MORE


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