MLS MEDIA RESOURCES: WEEK 5 NEWS & NOTES
News and notes and statistical trends from around Major League Soccer
RED BULLS’ CLARK CONFIRMING PLACE IN YOUNG GOALSCORING HISTORY
Caden Clark of the New York Red Bulls is continuing to burnish his legacy as one of finest young goalscorers in MLS history. Still a couple of weeks away from his 18th birthday, Clark scored the fifth goal of his MLS career last Saturday in a 2-0 win against Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field, a second consecutive game with a goal.
Clark is now tied for the sixth-most goals by a player before their 18th birthday in MLS history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, and the most since Alphonso Davies scored eight goals while still under the age of majority with Vancouver Whitecaps FC from 2016-18.
Clark was already the fifth-youngest player to score on his MLS debut (and the 19th-youngest overall in league history), netting in his first game for the Red Bulls last Oct. 10 vs. Atlanta, then became the youngest player in league history to score in his first two games when he hit the back of the net Oct. 14 vs. Toronto FC.
Clark will have two more chances to add to his total before turning 18 on May 27 – the Red Bulls play at the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, then at the New England Revolution on May 22.
FOR CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI, THE GOALS RECORDS JUST KEEP PILING UP
Already the all-time leading goalscorer in league play over the 26-year history of Major League Soccer, Chris Wondolowski is moving even closer to firmly cementing his stamp as the greatest the league has ever seen.
With Wondolowski’s two goals vs. Real Salt Lake last Friday evening at Rio Tinto Stadium, he now has 168 goals for his league career. With two goals scored in the MLS Cup Playoffs in his career, Wondolowski now has 170 goals in MLS competition – pulling even with Landon Donovan, whom he passed for the all-time league goalscoring lead. Donovan has 145 goals scored in league play, 25 in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Over all competitions – both official domestic competitions as well as international competitions – Wondolowski now has 181 goals for his career, just five behind Donovan’s total scored over his MLS career.
Here’s the top five in MLS history in goals scored over all official competitive matches:
NYCFC’S CASTELLANOS ON VERGE OF EQUALING LONG-HELD MARK
Valentin Castellanos of New York City FC is on the verge of equaling one of the longest-standing records in Major League Soccer history, after scoring his club’s goal in its 1-1 draw with Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium last Saturday.
Castellanos has now scored in each of the first four games in the 2021 season, the fifth player in MLS history to score in a season’s opening four matches, the seventh time in all it’s been accomplished.
With a goal on Saturday afternoon vs. Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium, Castellanos will equal the record set by Brian McBride all the way in the league’s third season in 1998, when he scored in the Columbus Crew’s first five games that season.
SOUNDERS FC GOALKEEPER STEFAN FREI STOPS A TON
With his three saves in his club’s 2-1 win against archrivals Portland Timbers last Sunday afternoon, Seattle Sounders FC goalkeeper Stefan Frei became the seventh goalkeeper in MLS history to reach the 1,000-save mark in league play.
Frei reached the milestone in his 13th MLS campaign, his eighth with Sounders FC, where he’s backstopped two MLS Cup titles and four trips to the league championship game.
MLS WEEK 5 – LOOK AHEAD
TORONTO FC vs. COLUMBUS SC
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #53)
Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Fla.
7 p.m. ET (TSN / Bally Sports OH)
REFEREE: Fotis Bazakos. AR1 (bench): Adam Garner; AR2 (opposite): TJ Zablocki; 4th: Ted Unkel; VAR: Edvin Jurisevic; AVAR: Jozef Batko
MLS Career: 107 games; FC/gm: 25.1; Y/gm: 3.6; R: 21; pens: 36
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Toronto FC 10 wins, 51 goals … Columbus SC 14 wins, 53 goals …Ties 12
TORONTO HOME GAME: Toronto FC 6 wins, 23 goals … Columbus SC 5 wins, 17 goals … Ties 6
· Toronto FC were left still looking for a first victory on their league campaign, dropping a 2-0 decision to the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on Saturday afternoon.
· Columbus SC remained undefeated for the league season, winning their first MLS game of the season in a 3-1 defeat of D.C. United at Historic Crew Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Lucas Zelarayán netted a goal directly from a free kick for the first Crew SC league goal of the season; they also benefited from two own goals.
· The teams met once a season ago. Jozy Altidore, Richie Laryea and Alejandro Pozuelo all scored as TFC overcame a first-half deficit for a 3-1 win at Rentschler Field in Hartford, Conn.
· TFC has won the last two meetings between the teams, including a 1-0 win on Decision Day in 2019 (Oct. 6) at BMO Field.
· TFC has come away with points on its past three trips to Columbus, including a 2-2 draw in the last meeting at Mapfre Stadium last Aug. 17. A 2-1 victory on May 10, 2017 was TFC’s first win in Columbus since 2014, snapping a four-game Crew SC home undefeated streak there in the series in league play (2-0-2).
TFC: The teams play for the Trillium Cup, won each of the last two seasons by TFC on aggregate goals.
COLUMBUS SC: The direct free kick goal for Lucas Zelarayán was his second for Columbus SC, among seven goals scored in MLS league play. The first came during the MLS is Back Tournament, July 11, 2019 vs. FC Cincinnati.
PHILADELPHIA UNION vs. NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #54)
Subaru Park, Chester, Pa.
7:30 p.m. ET (PHL17; WSBK / MyRITV)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Union 17 wins, 53 goals … Revolution 6 wins, 33 goals … Ties 6
AT UNION: Union 11 wins, 33 goals … Revolution 3 wins, 16 goals … Ties 2
REFEREE: Tori Penso. AR1 (bench): Corey Rockwell; AR2 (opposite): Cameron Blanchard; 4th: Silviu Petrescu; VAR: Timothy Ford; AVAR: Jose da Silva
MLS Career: 3 games; FC/gm: 25.0; Y/gm: 2.7; R: 1; pens: 1
· The Union claimed their first victory in league play this season, getting goals from Cory Burke and Jakob Glesnes for a 2-0 win against Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field on Saturday afternoon.
· The Revolution had their undefeated opening to the season come to an end, dropping a 2-0 decision to Nashville SC at Nissan Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
· The teams met four times in league play a season ago, and the Union were undefeated in the stretch, winning the final three meetings. Sergio Santos and Cory Burke netted goals as the Union clinched the Supporters’ Shield with a 2-0 win on Decision Day (Nov. 8) at Subaru Park. Earlier, Anthony Fontana scored a pair of goals over the final 17 minutes plus, giving the Union a 2-1 win Sept. 12 at Subaru Park, then Fontana netted the late game-winner for a Union 2-1 win Oct. 19 at Gillette Stadium. They also reached a goalless draw Aug. 20 in Foxborough.
· The teams also met in the MLS is Back Tournament Knockout Stage, the Union claiming a 1-0 win in the round-of-16 match July 25. Sergio Santos scored the game’s lone goal; Andre Blake recorded five saves for the shutout.
· The teams then met in Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs, as Adam Buksa and Tajon Buchanan scored goals four minutes apart midway through the first half as the Revolution took a 2-0 victory at Subaru Park.
· The Union have won 10 of the past 13 league meetings between the clubs, outscoring New England 28-5 in those victories, including wins in the last seven meetings in Chester. The only Revolution win in the series since 2015 came on July 29, 2017, at Gillette Stadium, a 3-0 victory, before draws there in the last two meetings.
UNION: Jamiro Monteiro collected his first assist of the season, after scoring his first goal two weeks earlier. … Kai Wagner recorded his first assist of the season, his first since tallying two vs. Toronto FC last Oct. 24.
REVOLUTION: With seven points from the first three games, the Revolution equaled the best start in the club’s 26-year history (as well: 2005, 2009).
INTER MIAMI CF vs. CF MONTRÉAL
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #55)
DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
7:30 p.m. ET (TVA Sports)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Inter Miami 0 wins, 1 goal … CFMTL 1 win, 2 goals … Ties 0
AT INTER MIAMI: First meeting.
REFEREE: Guido Gonzales Jr. AR1 (bench): Nick Uranga; AR2 (opposite): Brian Poeschel; 4th: Marcos de Oliveira; VAR: David Gantar; AVAR: Chantal Boudreau
MLS Career: 19 games; FC/gm: 27.2; Y/gm: 4.4; R: 7; pens: 6
· Inter Miami extended their undefeated streak to three games with a second successive draw, reaching a 1-1 result with Atlanta United at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Lewis Morgan scored his first goal of the season for the Inter Miami tally.
· CF Montréal saw their three-game undefeated run to open the season come to an end, falling 2-0 to Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday evening.
· The teams met once in Inter Miami’s inaugural season a year ago. Montréal got goals from Bojan Krkic and Maximiliano Urruti for a 2-1 win, Oct. 17 at Red Bull Arena.
INTER MIAMI: Gregore collected the first assist of his MLS career.
CFMTL: CF Montréal saw their season-opening undefeated streak snapped after three games, just the second time in the club’s MLS history it began with three games unbeaten to open a campaign (also: 2014, 4-0-0).
HOUSTON DYNAMO FC vs. SPORTING KANSAS CITY
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #56)
BBVA Stadium, Houston, Texas
7:30 p.m. CT (QuestTexas 55; Bally Sports KC+)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Dynamo 12 wins, 49 goals … Sporting 10 wins, 46 goals … Ties 13
AT HOUSTON: Dynamo 7 wins, 25 goals … Sporting 5 wins, 20 goals … Ties 6
REFEREE: Chris Penso. AR1 (bench): Ian McKay; AR2 (opposite): Diego Blas; 4th: Allen Chapman; VAR: Rosendo Mendoza; AVAR: TJ Zablocki
MLS Career: 173 games; FC/gm: 23.7; Y/gm: 3.7; R: 51; pens: 70
· Dynamo FC gained a second result in a row, reaching a 1-1 draw with FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Fafa Picault converted a penalty kick for the Houston goal, becoming the first player to score on both sides of the “El Capitán” derby.
· Sporting came back to put an end to a brief two-game winless run, getting two late goals for a 2-1 win against Austin FC at Children’s Mercy Park on Sunday evening. Ilie Sánchez scored his first goal of the year for the 82nd-minute equalizer, then Gadi Kinda scored at the stroke of full time for his second of the year and the game-winner.
· The teams met four times a season ago, and each won twice, once at each ground. Sporting won the final meeting, a 2-1 win Oct. 3 at BBVA Stadium, behind a pair of goals from Alan Pulido; in the first meeting, Pulido, Gadi Kinda and Khiry Shelton each scored a goal and added an assist as Sporting rolled to a 4-0 win March 7 at Children’s Mercy Park, the largest margin of victory in the all-time series. The Dynamo won the middle two meetings, first when Darwin Quintero scored a pair of goals and set up two others as the Dynamo rolled to a 5-2 win Aug. 24 at Children’s Mercy Park, then as Alberth Elis and Mauro Manotas scored in a Dynamo come-from-behind 2-1 win Sept. 5 at BBVA Stadium.
· The Dynamo wins ended Sporting’s undefeated streak in the series at six games, with four wins and two draws. The Dynamo’s last win had come in 2017 in Houston.
DYNAMO FC: The goal from a penalty kick was the first for Dynamo since Darwin Ceren converted one vs. FC Dallas on Oct. 7, 2020 at BBVA Stadium.
SPORTING: Khiry Shelton collected an assist for a second consecutive match, the first time since March 24-31, 2018 he’s had assists in back-to-back games. … Johnny Russell recorded his first assist of the 2021 season. … Luis Martins recorded his first assist of the season, the third of his MLS career, his last coming last July 17 during the MLS is Back Tournament.
MINNESOTA UNITED FC vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #57)
Allianz Field, St. Paul, Minn.
8 p.m. CT (TSN; Bally Sports North+)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: MNUFC 2 wins, 8 goals … Whitecaps FC 2 wins, 11 goals … Ties 2
AT MINNESOTA: MNUFC 1 win, 3 goals … Whitecaps FC 0 wins, 2 goals … Ties 2
REFEREE: Jon Freemon. AR1 (bench): Ian Anderson; AR2 (opposite): Jeremy Kieso; 4th: Joseph Dickerson; VAR: Alex Chilowicz; AVAR: Jonathan Johnson
MLS Career: 3 games; FC/gm: 30.3; Y/gm: 4.0; R: 0; pens: 0
· MNUFC suffered a fourth consecutive defeat to open the 2021 season, falling 3-2 to the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday evening. Emanuel Reynoso scored his first goal of the season, directly from a free kick, then assisted on the first of the year from Hassani Dotson.
· Whitecaps FC won their second game of the season and snapped a quick two-game winless run, defeating CF Montréal 2-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday evening. Cristian Dajome netted both ‘Caps goals, now with three for the season, his first career two-goal game in MLS.
· The teams did not meet during the 2020 season. In 2019, Darwin Quintero scored one goal then set up two others as Minnesota United FC claimed a 3-2 win the season opener for both teams, March 2 at BC Place; the teams then reached a goalless draw July 27 at Allianz Field.
· The teams split their season series the year previous, each winning on their home ground. MNUFC won 1-0 on May 5 at TCF Bank Stadium, their first win ever against Vancouver. Whitecaps FC then won 4-2 on July 28 at BC Place, their second win in two home meetings vs. Minnesota United.
MNUFC: Emanuel Reynoso became the first player to score a goal directly from a free kick in league play in Minnesota United’s MLS history (he did score a direct free kick goal during the MLS Cup Playoffs vs. Seattle Sounders FC last November). … Reynoso also collected an assist; both goals he has scored in MLS league play have also come with an assist in the same game, with 1 goal, 2 assists vs. FC Dallas on Decision Day (Nov. 8) last year. … Robin Lod collected his first assist of the season, his first since recording three on Decision Day.
WHITECAPS FC: Maxime Crepeau was credited with four saves in recording his second shutout this season, the eighth of his MLS career. … Deiber Caicedo recorded his first career MLS assist.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES vs. SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #58)
PayPal Park, San Jose, Calif.
7:30 p.m. PT (NBCS-BA; JOEtv / Amazon Prime)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Earthquakes 10 wins, 31 goals … Sounders FC 13 wins, 44 goals … Ties 8
AT SAN JOSE: Earthquakes 5 wins, 14 goals … Sounders FC 3 wins, 9 goals … Ties 5
REFEREE: Baldomero Toledo. AR1 (bench): Jeffrey Greeson; AR2 (opposite): Jeffrey Swartzel; 4th: Victor Rivas; VAR: Kevin Stott; AVAR: Mike Kampmeinert
MLS Career: 290 games; FC/gm: 25.3; Y/gm: 3.5; R: 105; pens: 113
· The Quakes came back for a dramatic victory, getting two late goals from Chris Wondolowski for a 2-1 win against Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium on Friday evening, their third win on the trot. Wondolowski increasing his all-time MLS-leading goals total to 168 for his league career, coming in the 26th multiple-goal game in his 16 seasons.
· Sounders FC remained undefeated for 2021 with their third win in four games, defeating the Portland Timbers 2-1 at Providence Park in the latest installment of the rivalry at Providence Park on Sunday afternoon. Raúl Ruidíaz scored his fifth goal of the season, then Fredy Montero headed home his second for the game-winner.
· The teams met four times a season ago, and Sounders FC were undefeated, winning two. The Sounders eased to a 4-1 win on Decision Day (Nov. 8) at Lumen Field; earlier, on Sept. 10 at home, Sounders FC became the ninth team in MLS history to score at least seven goals in a game, rolling to a 7-1 win. The Sounders scored five goals in the opening 33 minutes of the game, then the fastest five goals from the start of a match in MLS history, tying the record for most goals in the first half in league annals. The teams also reached a pair of goalless draws, Oct. 18 in San Jose, and in the opening match for both teams at the MLS is Back Tournament on July 10.
· Sounders FC have a 13-game undefeated streak alive in the overall series. A 2-2 draw in the first meeting in 2019 ended a three-game Sounders FC winning streak at in Seattle. Sounders FC have come away with points on each of their six visits to San Jose (four draws and two victories).
QUAKES: Carlos Fierro collected an assist for a second consecutive game.
SOUNDERS FC: Joao Paulo recorded his second assist of the season, his first since getting a goal and an assist in the season opener.
D.C. UNITED vs. CHICAGO FIRE FC
Thursday, May 13, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #59)
Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
8 p.m. ET (NBCS-Wash / TeleXitos)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: D.C. United 23 wins, 93 goals … Fire 21 wins, 91 goals … Ties 18
AT D.C.: D.C. United 16 wins, 59 goals … Fire 9 wins, 43 goals … Ties 6
REFEREE: Ramy Touchan. AR1 (bench): Adam Wienckowski; AR2 (opposite): Matthew Nelson; 4th: Alan Kelly; VAR: Robert Sibiga; AVAR: Craig Lowry
MLS Career: 39 games; FC/gm: 25.6; Y/gm: 4.1; R: 7; pens: 5
· D.C. United felt to a third reversal on the trot, dropping a 3-1 decision to Columbus Crew SC at Historic Crew Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Ola Kamara netted his first goal of the season for the United tally.
· Fire FC suffered a third consecutive defeat, falling 2-0 to the Philadelphia Union at Soldier Field on Saturday afternoon.
· The teams met once a season ago. CJ Sapong and Boris Sekulic each scored first-half goals as Fire FC took a 2-1 win Oct. 11 at Soldier Field.
· The Fire won the final meeting at RFK Stadium, a 1-0 win May 20, 2017; United won the first meeting at Audi Field in 2018 before a 3-3 draw in 2019 in the last meeting in Washington.
· Each of the final two games in Bridgeview ended in scoreless draws; the Fire have a six-game home undefeated streak alive in the series, with four draws in that span, the last D.C. United win at the Fire coming in 2015.
UNITED: Edison Flores recorded his first assist of the season; his first three assists in MLS came in back-to-back games in the final two matches last year (2, Nov. 1; 1, Nov. 8).
FIRE FC: Elliot Collier returned to the starting lineup for the first time since Sept. 12, 2020 at Orlando City SC; he had come off the substitutes’ bench for 11 consecutive appearances.
NEW YORK CITY FC vs. TORONTO FC
Saturday, May 15, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #60)
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, N.Y.
1 p.m. ET (TSN / CTV; YES)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: NYCFC 5 wins, 20 goals … Toronto FC 4 wins, 23 goals … Ties 5
AT NYCFC: NYCFC 2 wins, 13 goals … Toronto FC 1 win, 11 goals … Ties 4
REFEREE: David Gantar. AR1 (bench): Nick Uranga; AR2 (opposite): Jason White; 4th: Sergii Demianchuk; VAR: Jorge Gonzalez; AVAR: Brian Dunn
MLS Career: 98 games; FC/gm: 23.8; Y/gm: 2.8; R: 36; pens: 22
· NYCFC extended their undefeated streak to three games following a pair of wins, reaching a 1-1 draw with Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium. Valentin Castellanos scored the NYCFC goal, converting a penalty kick for his fourth of the season and fourth consecutive game with a goal.
· Toronto FC won for the first time in their current Exploria Stadium, defeating Columbus SC 2-0 on Wednesday evening, their first victory in four league matches this season.
· Michael Bradley scored the opening goal, his first since Sept. 7. 2019 at FC Cincinnati, and also added an assist, the fourth time in his MLS career he’s had a goal and an assist in the same game (the first since Sept. 18, 2016 vs. New York Red Bulls).
· The teams met three times in league play a season ago, all three decided by the game’s only goal. Jesús Medina scored in the 50th minute to give NYCFC the win Oct. 28 at Rentschler Field. Toronto FC won the first two: Ifunanyachi Achara scored the only goal nine minutes from full time for the victory March 7 at BMO Field, then Alejandro Pozuelo converted a penalty kick in the 90th minute for the win Sept. 23 at Red Bull Arena. The teams also met in the round-of-16 in the MLS is Back Tournament, as Maximiliano Moralez assisted on goal and scored one, leading NYCFC to a 3-1 win on July 26.
· TFC saw a four-game undefeated streak in the league series put to an end in the final meeting, NYCFC’s previous win in the series coming Aug. 12, 2018 at BMO Field. NYCFC’s last win at Yankee Stadium in the series came June 24, 2018,
· TFC have taken points from the last four league meetings, last year winning 4-0 on March 29 at BMO Field, and reaching a 1-1 draw Sept. 11 at Yankee Stadium. TFC has won four times in 13 regular-season meetings in the series – the first two by 4-0 scorelines at BMO Field, before the wins this year.
· The teams also met in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2019, Alejandro Pozuelo converted a penalty kick in the 90th minute for his second goal of the game to give TFC a 2-1 win at CitiField. The teams also met in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2016, Toronto FC winning 7-0 on aggregate, a 2-0 victory at BMO Field, then 5-0 at Yankee Stadium.
NYCFC: Valentin Castellanos became the fifth different player to score at least one goal over the first four games of a season. The record was set by Brian McBride, with goals in the each of the opening five games of the 1998 season.
TFC: Jozy Altidore netted his first goal of the season, his first since last Sept. 27 when he also scored vs. Columbus. … Alex Bono was credited with three saves in recording his first shutout of the season, his first since keeping clean sheets in three consecutive appearances last season, on July 21, Sept. 23 and Oct. 7.
LA GALAXY vs. AUSTIN FC
Saturday, May 15, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #61)
Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, Calif.
12:30 p.m. PT (Univision; TUDN)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: First meeting.
REFEREE: Kevin Stott. AR1 (bench): Chris Elliott; AR2 (opposite): Mike Rottersman; 4th: Luis Guardia; VAR: Alejandro Mariscal; AVAR: Ian Anderson
MLS Career: 363 games; FC/gm: 24.4; Y/gm: 3.1; R: 84; pens: 96
· The Galaxy won for a third time in four games this season, defeating Los Angeles Football Club 2-1 in the latest installment of El Tráfico at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday afternoon.
· Javier Hernández scored his league-leading sixth goal of the season, then assisted on the 79th-minute game-winner from Jonathan dos Santos for his first career assist in MLS; Chicharito has been involved in seven of the eight goals scored by the Galaxy this season.
· Austin FC saw their two-game winning streak come to an end, falling to a pair of late goals in a 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park on Sunday evening. Jon Gallagher netted the goal for ATXFC, his first with the expansion club.
· The teams are meeting for the first time in their histories. They are also scheduled to play Sept. 28 at Q2 Stadium in Austin.
GALAXY: The goal for Jonathan dos Santos was his first in an MLS league match since May 24, 2019, at Orlando City SC. … Derrick Williams recorded his first career assist, in his second career appearance.
ATXFC: Jared Stroud recorded an assist for a second consecutive game; he had two assists in 20 appearances in his first MLS season last year with the New York Red Bulls.
ATLANTA UNITED vs. CF MONTRÉAL
Saturday, May 15, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #62)
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
7 p.m. ET (TSN / TVA Sports; Bally Sports South/SE)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: ATLUTD 4 wins, 12 goals … CFM 1 win, 6 goals … Ties 1
AT ATLANTA: ATLUTD 3 wins, 8 goals … CFM 0 wins, 2 goals … Ties 0
REFEREE: Silviu Petrescu. AR1 (bench): Jeffrey Greeson; AR2 (opposite): Claudiu Badea; 4th: Elvis Osmanovic; VAR: Chris Penso; AVAR: Jozef Batko
MLS Career: 168 games; FC/gm: 27.6; Y/gm: 4.0; R: 25; pens: 40
· Atlanta United gained a third result in four league matches this season, reaching a 1-1 draw with Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Josef Martínez netted the ATLUTD goal, his first in an MLS league game since Oct. 6, 2019, the 78th of his MLS career (in 88 league appearances).
· CF Montréal put an end to a three-game winless slide, defeating Inter Miami CF 2-0 at DRV PNK Stadium in an Inter Miami home game on Wednesday evening. Bjorn Johnsen scored a pair of goals, his first in MLS in his second start.
· James Pantemis was credited with one save in recording the first shutout of his MLS career, in his fourth league appearance.
· The teams did not meet during the 2020 season. In 2019, Justin Meram scored a pair of goals, one in each half, as Atlanta United took a 2-1 win on June 29 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium; the teams then reached a 1-1 draw Sept. 29 at Stade Saputo.
· The draw in the last meeting ended a four-game Atlanta United winning streak in the series. The Impact’s lone win vs. ATLUTD came in the first meeting ever, a 2-1 win on April 15, 2017, at Stade Saputo.
ATLUTD: Emerson Hyndman recorded his first assist of the season, his first since garnering two on Oct 3, 2020 at D.C. United. … Jake Mulraney collected his first assist of the year, the second of his MLS career, the first coming last Sept. 5 at Orlando City.
CFMTL: Djordje Mihailovic recorded his first assist of the season, his first since garnering two on Decision Day last year (Nov. 8) for Chicago Fire FC vs. NYCFC. … Lassi Lappalainen gained his first assist of the season; he has had one assist in each of his three MLS campaigns. … Samuel Piette and Romell Quioto each collected their second assists of the season.
PHILADELPHIA UNION vs. NEW YORK RED BULLS
Saturday, May 15, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #63)
Subaru Park, Chester, Pa.
7:30 ET (PHL17; MSG)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Union 9 wins, 34 goals … Red Bulls 14 wins, 40 goals … Ties 5
AT UNION: Union 7 wins, 23 goals … Red Bulls 6 wins, 22 goals … Ties 2
REFEREE: Allen Chapman. AR1 (bench): Jeremy Kieso; AR2 (opposite): Tiffin Turpin; 4th: Brandon Stevis; VAR: Sorin Stoica; AVAR: Matthew Nelson
MLS Career: 179 games; FC/gm: 22.1; Y/gm: 3.7; R: 44; pens: 75
· The Union gained a second consecutive result in league play, reaching a 1-1 draw with the New England Revolution at Subaru Park on Wednesday evening. They have gone their last three games undefeated in all competitions.
· The Red Bulls won a second game on the trot, defeating Toronto FC 2-0 at Red Bull Arena on Saturday afternoon. Frankie Amaya netted his first goal for the Red Bulls in the first start for the club, and Caden Clark scored his third goal of the season, the fifth of his MLS career, while also adding his first career assist.
· The teams met twice a season ago, and the Union won both without conceding a goal. Kacper Przybylko scored the game’s only goal in the first half to give the Union the win Aug. 25 at Subaru Park, then on Sept. 6, Brenden Aaronson, Matt Real and Przybylko all scored as Philadelphia took the 3-0 win at Red Bull Arena.
· The Union win in the last meeting ended a three-game undefeated streak for the Red Bulls in the series at Red Bull Arena. The opening goal ended a 340-minute shutout streak there for the Union. The Union have won the last two meetings in Chester, now with three in the nine meetings there, dating back to 2014 (2-4-2 in that span).
· The teams also met in the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2019. The Union overcame a two-game deficit in the second half before Marco Fabian netted the game-winner in extra time for a 4-3 win in their Round One matchup.
UNION: Kacper Przybylko scored his first league goal of the season for the Union tally. Przybylko has six goals in eight games in all competitions for the Union, with a goal in the club’s last three matches.
RED BULLS: Fabio recorded assists on both Red Bulls goals, his second consecutive game with two assists, now leading MLS with four assists through his first four league games. … Caden Clark also recorded the first assist of his MLS career.
MINNESOTA UNITED FC vs. FC DALLAS
Saturday, May 15, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #64)
Allianz Field, St. Paul, Minn.
7 p.m. CT (Bally Sports North+ / CW; FCDTV / Estrella KMPX-29)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: MNUFC 4 wins, 15 goals … FC Dallas 5 wins, 16 goals … Ties 0
AT MINNESOTA: MNUFC 4 wins, 11 goals … FC Dallas 1 win, 4 goals … Ties 0
REFEREE: Ted Unkel. AR1 (bench): Peter Manikowski; AR2 (opposite): Chantal Boudreau; 4th: Matthew Corrigan; VAR: Ricardo Salazar; AVAR: Diego Blas
MLS Career: 109 games; FC/gm: 23.6; Y/gm: 4.0; R: 34; pens: 54
· MNUFC won for the first time in five starts in 2021, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC by the game’s only goal at Allianz Field on Wednesday evening. Ramón Ábila netted the Minnesota United goal, his first in MLS in his fourth appearance.
· FC Dallas gained a third result in four games this season, reaching a 1-1 draw with Houston Dynamo FC at Toyota Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Jáder Obrian scored his second goal in four games in MLS for the FCD tally.
· The teams met three times a season ago, with the home team winning all three. Kevin Molino scored goals in each half, as MNUFC took a 3-0 win on Decision Day (Nov. 8) at Allianz Field; earlier Molino scored a pair of second-half goals, leading MNUFC to a 3-2 win Sept. 9 in ST. Paul. On Aug. 29 at Toyota Stadium, Fafa Picault and Jesús Ferreira netted goals a minute apart early on, pacing FC Dallas to a 3-1 win.
· The teams met twice in 2019. Mason Toye netted the game’s only goal in second-half stoppage time as MNUFC claimed the victory on July 13 at Allianz Field; Brandon Servania capped a wild match with a late brace as FC Dallas took a 5-3 win Aug. 10 at Toyota Stadium.
· FC Dallas won both meetings between the clubs in 2018, without conceding a goal. FCD took a victory by the game’s only goal June 29 at TCF Bank Stadium, then won 2-0 at Toyota Stadium on Aug. 18. The teams split their two meetings in MNUFC’s inaugural season in MLS, each winning at home.
MNUFC: Tyler Miller was credited with five saves in recording the shutout in his first start of the season, his last appearance coming July 22, 2020 during the MLS is Back Tournament. His last shutout came the previous match in the MLSiB event, July 17 vs. Real Salt Lake. … Robin Lod collected his second assist of the season, a second consecutive game with an assist. … Osvaldo Alonso collected his second assist since coming to Minnesota, the first coming April 19, 2019 at Toronto FC.
FCD: Bryan Acosta recorded his first assist of the season, the fourth over his three MLS campaigns. … Andrés Ricuarte collected his first assist of the year, his third in his two MLS seasons.
COLORADO RAPIDS vs. HOUSTON DYNAMO FC
Saturday, May 15, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #65)
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colo.
7 p.m. MT (Altitude; QuestTexas 55 / TeleXitos 47.2)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Rapids 12 wins, 43 goals … Dynamo 10 wins, 42 goals … Ties 10
AT COLORADO: Rapids 8 wins, 21 goals … Dynamo 4 wins, 15 goals … Ties 5
REFEREE: Victor Rivas. AR1 (bench): Eric Weisbrod; AR2 (opposite): Jeffrey Swartzel; 4th: Baldomero Toledo; VAR: Malik Badawi; AVAR: Jonathan Johnson
MLS Career: 20 games; FC/gm: 23.2; Y/gm: 3.8; R: 3; pens: 9
· The Rapids won a second consecutive match, coming back from an early two-goal deficit for a 3-2 win against Minnesota United FC at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday evening. Kellyn Acosta, Cole Bassett and Danny Wilson all scored their first goals of the season for the Rapids.
· Dynamo FC extended their undefeated streak to three games with a first win in that time, defeating Sporting Kansas City by the game’s lone goal at BBVA Stadium on Wednesday evening. Maximiliano Urruti scored his second goal of the season, his first coming in the season opener.
· The teams met twice a season ago. Diego Rubio hit for the match-winner in second-half stoppage time, giving the Rapids the victory on Decision Day (Nov. 8) at BBVA Stadium. Earlier, Lalas Abubakar hit for the equalizer for the Rapids six minutes into second-half stoppage time, leaving the teams in a 1-1 draw Sept. 9 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
· In 2019, the Dynamo won at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, a 4-1 win on March 30, , their first in Commerce City since 2008, ending an eight-game home undefeated streak for the Rapids in the series (5-0-3). The teams reached a 2-2 draw that year in Houston.
RAPIDS: Jack Price recorded his second assist of the season, over the last three games.
DYNAMO FC: Derrick Jones recorded his first assist since coming to Houston, the third of his MLS career; he had two in 2020 with Nashville SC. … Marko Maric was credited with four saves in recording his first shutout of the season, the fourth of his MLS career.
REAL SALT LAKE vs. NASHVILLE SC
Saturday, May 15, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #66)
Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah
7:30 p.m. MT (KMYU-12; MyTV30)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: First meeting.
REFEREE: Marcos de Oliveira. AR1 (bench): Jeff Hosking; AR2 (opposite): Jose da Silva; 4th: Elijio Arreguin; VAR: Edvin Jurisevic; AVAR: Mike Kampmeinert
MLS Career: 44 games; FC/gm: 25.1; Y/gm: 3.6; R: 4; pens: 13
· Real Salt Lake saw their undefeated and untied start to the season come to an end, falling 2-1 to the San Jose Earthquakes at Rio Tinto Stadium on Friday evening.
· Rubio Rubin scored his third goal of the season in dramatic fashion, an incredible bicycle kick late in the first half.
· Nashville SC remained undefeated on the season with their first win in four matches, defeating the New England Revolution 2-0 at Nissan Stadium.
· CJ Sapong and Alex Muyl each netted their first goals of the season; for Muyl, it was his first goal with Nashville SC, his first in MLS since scoring Aug. 24, 2019 for the New York Red Bulls.
· The teams are meeting for the first time in their histories. It is their only scheduled meeting this season.
REAL: Damir Kreilach recorded his third assist of the season, over the last two games; he has assisted on each of the last three RSL goals. … Donny Toia collected his first assist of the season; he has recorded one assist in each of the last three seasons.
NASHVILLE SC: Joe Willis was credited with four saves in recording a second consecutive shutout, extending his shutout streak to 228 minutes.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES vs. PORTLAND TIMBERS
Saturday, May 15, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #67)
PayPal Park, San Jose, Calif.
7:30 p.m. PT (NBCS-CA; KPDX)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Earthquakes 5 wins, 28 goals … Timbers 13 wins, 43 goals … Ties 8
AT SAN JOSE: Earthquakes 5 wins, 19 goals … Timbers 3 wins, 17 goals … Ties 5
REFEREE: Timothy Ford. AR1 (bench): Corey Rockwell; AR2 (opposite): Adam Garner; 4th: Joshua Encarnacion; VAR: Daniel Radford; AVAR: Cameron Blanchard
MLS Career: 29 games; FC/gm: 20.9; Y/gm: 3.3; R: 6; pens: 5
· The Quakes saw their three-game winning streak put to an end, falling by the game’s only goal 1 to Seattle Sounders FC at PayPal Park on Wednesday evening.
· The Timbers suffered a second consecutive defeat in league play, falling 2-1 to Seattle Sounders FC at Providence Park on Sunday afternoon. Bill Tuiloma scored the Timbers goal late, from a majestic direct free kick.
· The teams met three times a season ago, and the Timbers were undefeated in the stretch. On Oct. 11, Jaroslaw Niezgoda scored a pair of goals as Portland took a 3-0 win at Providence Park. Earlier, the teams met twice over four days’ time, both in San Jose. On Sept. 19, Diego Valeri scored two goals and added an assist as the Timbers set a club record in a 6-1 win; the teams played to a 1-1 draw at Earthquakes Stadium on Sept. 16.
· The Timbers have never lost to the Quakes at home in their MLS history. The Timbers have won 10 of 13 meetings between the teams in Portland (with three draws), including the past seven meetings there. The away team has won just three times in the all-time league series; the Timbers have taken points from three of last four games in San Jose.
QUAKES: The Quakes were blanked at the attacking end for the first time in 2021. They are still second in goals scored in MLS this season with 10 (Seattle has 11).
TIMBERS: The direct free goal from Bill Tuiloma was the first in league play for the Timbers since Jeremy Ebobisse scored Oct. 7, 2020 vs. the LA Galaxy.
SPORTING KANSAS CITY vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
Sunday, May 16, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #68)
Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kan.
1 p.m. CT (TSN; Bally Sports South KC+)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Sporting 10 wins, 36 goals … Whitecaps FC 3 wins, 19 goals … Ties 4
AT KC: Sporting 5 wins, 18 goals … Whitecaps FC 1 wins, 8 goals … Ties 2
REFEREE: Alan Kelly. AR1 (bench): Kevin Klinger; AR2 (opposite): Ryan Graves; 4th: Thomas Snyder; VAR: Younes Marrakchi; AVAR: Craig Lowry
MLS Career: 130 games; FC/gm: 24.3; Y/gm: 3.3; R: 17; pens: 49
· Sporting Kansas City fell at midweek, dropping a decision by the game’s only goal to Houston Dynamo FC at BBVA Stadium.
· Whitecaps FC lost by the game’s only goal at midweek, falling to Minnesota United FC at Allianz Field on Wednesday evening.
· The teams met once a season ago. Alan Pulido, Gadi Kinda and Erik Hurtado all scored goals as Sporting took a 3-1 win in the season opener Feb. 29 at BC Place.
· Sporting Kansas City have a five-game undefeated streak alive in the series, with four victories in that time, over the last three seasons. The last meeting in Kansas City was the lone draw in that time, a 1-1 result May 18, 2019 at Children’s Mercy Park. Sporting have won the last three meetings in Vancouver, coming away with points on seven of their nine trips all-time to BC Place, with five wins and two draws.
SPORTING: SKC was blanked at the attacking end for the first time in the 2021 season; Sporting had scored six goals over their first four games.
WHITECAPS FC: Bruno Gaspar made his first start for Whitecaps FC and in MLS.
FC CINCINNATI vs. INTER MIAMI CF
Sunday, May 16, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #69)
TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
4 p.m. ET (FOX / FOX Deportes; TSN)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: FCC 0 wins, 1 goal … Inter Miami 1 win, 2 goals … Ties 0
AT CINCINNATI: First meeting.
REFEREE: Ramy Touchan. AR1 (bench): Eric Boria; AR2 (opposite): Cory Richardson; 4th: Ian McKay; VAR: Kevin Terry Jr.; AVAR: Walt Heatherly
MLS Career: 39 games; FC/gm: 25.6; Y/gm: 4.1; R: 7; pens: 5
· FC Cincinnati return to action following a weekend away, in their last match falling 3-0 to Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium on May 1.
· Inter Miami CF saw their three-game undefeated run come to an end, falling 2-0 to CF Montréal at DRV PNK Stadium on Wednesday evening.
· The teams met once in Inter Miami’s inaugural season a year ago. Mikey Ambrose and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez netted goals as Inter Miami took a 2-1 win at home on Decision Day (Nov. 8).
FCC: The game marks the opening of 26,000-seat TQL Stadium in Cincinnati’s West End. FC Cincinnati ended with a record of 4-15-7 in league play at the University of Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium.
INTER MIAMI: Inter Miami CF have taken one point from three home games at DRV PNK Stadium this season; they ended 2020 with a four-game undefeated streak at home and a 5-2-2 record as hosts.
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION vs. COLUMBUS SC
Sunday, May 16, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #70)
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
6 p.m. ET (ESPN / ESPN Deportes)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Revolution 23 wins (1 shootout), 88 goals … Columbus SC 38 wins (4 shootout), 113 goals … Ties 13
AT NEW ENGLAND: Revolution 15 wins (0 shootout), 49 goals … Columbus SC 17 wins (3 shootout), 46 goals … Ties 6
REFEREE: Robert Sibiga. AR1 (bench): Brian Poeschel; AR2 (opposite): Tom Felice; 4th: Adam Kilpatrick; VAR: Jose Carlos Rivero; AVAR: Thomas Supple
MLS Career: 119 games; FC/gm: 21.6; Y/gm: 3.5; R: 24; pens: 34
· The Revolution gained a fourth result from five matches this season, reaching a 1-1 draw with the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on Wednesday evening. Teal Bunbury scored his first goal of the season, his first since netting a brace last Nov. 1 vs. D.C. United.
· Columbus SC suffered a loss for the first time in league play this season, falling 2-0 to Toronto FC at Exploria Stadium on Wednesday evening.
· The teams did not meet in league play during the 2020 season. When they last met in 2019, Columbus SC won both meetings that season over less than a month’s time. Gyasi Zardes scored both goals in a 2-0 win March 9 at Gillette Stadium, then Josh Williams scored the game’s only goal in the victory in Columbus on April 6.
· Columbus SC have won six of the last eight meetings between the teams (with one draw), dating back to 2016. The Revolution’s only win in that span came on May 21, 2017, a 2-1 victory in Foxborough.
· Columbus SC have a six-game undefeated streak alive at home in the series (5-0-1); the last Revolution league win in Columbus was on Oct. 27, 2013, though the Revolution won the first leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinal Series there in 2014.
· The teams did meet last year in the Eastern Conference Final, Artur scoring the game’s only goal in the 59th minute to book the Crew’s place in the 2020 MLS Cup. It was the first win for Columbus in eight meetings all-time in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
REVOLUTION: DeJuan Jones recorded the second assist of his MLS career, the first coming March 30, 2019 vs. Minnesota United in his second career league appearance. … Gustavo Bou collected his first assist of the season, his last coming last Sept. 27.
COLUMBUS SC: Alexandru Matan made his first MLS and Columbus SC start, playing 73 minutes.
D.C. UNITED vs. ORLANDO CITY SC
Sunday, May 16, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #71)
Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
8 p.m. ET (NBCS-Wash / TeleXitos; FOX35 Plus / LionNation)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: D.C. United 6 wins, 17 goals … Orlando City 4 wins, 15 goals … Ties 1
AT D.C.: D.C. United 4 wins, 11 goals … Orlando City 1 win, 6 goals … Ties 0
REFEREE: Alex Chilowicz. AR1 (bench): Andrew Bigelow; AR2 (opposite): Adam Garner; 4th: Matthew Franz; VAR: Guido Gonzales Jr.; AVAR: Brian Dunn
MLS Career: 45 games; FC/gm: 24.2; Y/gm: 3.5; R: 6; pens: 14
· D.C. United put an end to a three-game losing slide, defeating Chicago Fire FC by the game’s only goal at Audi Field on Wednesday evening. Edison Flores scored the lone goal after seven minutes, his first goal in his second season in MLS and with United; he has a goal and an assist in the last two games.
· Jon Kempin was credited with three saves in making his first start of the season for D.C. United, his first appearance since June 29, 2019, with Columbus Crew SC. The shutout was the third of his MLS career in 23 league matches, his first since Sept. 2, 2017, when he was with the LA Galaxy.
· Orlando City SC remained undefeated on the new season with a third draw in four matches, reaching a 1-1 result with New York City FC at Exploria Stadium on Saturday evening. Nani scored his third goal of the season – all coming in the last three games – for the OCSC goal.
· The teams did not meet during the 2020 season. In 2019, D.C. United won both matchups, Wayne Rooney setting up one goal then scoring directly from a free kick, leading D.C. United to a 2-1 win on March 31 in Orlando, then Rooney netted the game’s only goal for the win June 26 at Audi Field.
· D.C. United have won the last three meetings in the series, a 3-2 victory Aug. 12, 2018 in the first matchup at Audi Field ending a four-game undefeated streak for Orlando City SC in the series. Orlando City have won once in D.C., ending their RFK Stadium history with a 2-1 win on Sept. 9, 2017.
· D.C. United’s win in the first meeting in 2019 ended a four-game home undefeated streak for Orlando City in the series, United winning for the first time in Orlando in the first meeting ever between the clubs in 2015.
UNITED: Moses Nyeman collected his first assist of the season, the second of his MLS career (in 15 career appearances). … Adrien Perez recorded his first MLS assist, in his third season in the league, making his first start for D.C. United.
OCSC: Mauricio Pereyra recorded his first assist of the season; he was tied for fifth in MLS with eight assists in 2020.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC vs. LOS ANGELES FOOTBALL CLUB
Sunday, May 16, 2021 (Week 5, MLS Game #72)
Lumen Field, Seattle, Wash.
6:30 p.m. PT (FS1 / FOX Deportes; TSN1)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Sounders FC 2 wins, 10 goals … LAFC 4 wins, 12 goals … Ties 2
AT SEATTLE: Sounders FC 2 wins, 7 goals … LAFC 1 win, 3 goals … Ties 1
REFEREE: Joseph Dickerson. AR1 (bench): Jeremy Hanson; AR2 (opposite): TJ Zablocki; 4th: Fotis Bazakos; VAR: Rosendo Mendoza; AVAR: Joshua Patlak
MLS Career: 43 games; FC/gm: 27.2; Y/gm: 4.1; R: 8; pens: 13
· Sounders FC won their third consecutive match and remained undefeated for the 2021 season, defeating the San Jose Earthquakes by the game’s lone goal at PayPal Park on Wednesday evening. Cristian Roldan scored the Seattle goal, his first since last Sept. 27, when he netted his two league goals for the season vs. the LA Galaxy.
· LAFC had their undefeated start to the season put to an end, falling 2-1 to the LA Galaxy in the latest version of El Tráfico at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday afternoon. Diego Rossi netted the LAFC goal, the first of the season for the defending MLS Golden Boot winner.
· The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Eduard Atuesta drove a low free kick under the Sounders wall for the second-minute opener, but Brad Smith potted a rebound in the second half to leave the teams in a 1-1 draw April 24 at Banc of California Stadium.
· The teams met three times during the regular season a year ago. In the last meeting, Danny Musovski scored a pair of goals and set up the third as LAFC took a 3-1 win Oct. 11 at Banc of California Stadium. Sounders FC won the first two meetings; first, Jordan Morris scored a pair of goals in a 3-1 win on Aug. 30 at CenturyLink Field, then Nicolás Lodeiro converted a pair of penalty kicks to give the Sounders the 3-0 win Sept. 18 in Seattle.
· The wins last year were the first for Sounders FC all-time in league play. LAFC won the first three, before the teams played to a 1-1 draw April 28, 2019.
· The teams also met for a second consecutive year in the MLS Cup Playoffs, Nicolás Lodeiro, Raúl Ruidíaz and Jordan Morris all scoring as Sounders FC took a 3-1 win in the Western Conference Round One. Sounders FC also took a 3-1 win at Banc of California Stadium in the Western Conference Final in 2019, behind a pair of goals from Ruidíaz.
· The teams also met in the round-of-16 in the MLS is Back Tournament, and Los Angeles Football Club gained a measure of redemption with a 4-1 win, as Diego Rossi netted a pair of goals and Brian Rodríguez added a goal and an assist.
SOUNDERS FC: Stefan Frei was credited with six saves before being forced from the field through injury in second-half stoppage time. As Sounders FC had used their available substitution windows, Alex Roldan was forced to take over in goal – and made one save to preserve the shutout. Roldan became the 14th field player in MLS history (12 in league games, two in the MLS Cup Playoffs) to take over in goal; he is the second to combine on a shutout (also: Mike Magee, who played the final 45 minutes for LA on June 25, 2011).
LAFC: Latif Blessing recorded an assist for a second consecutive game. … Corey Baird collected his first assist of the season; he has two goals and an assist in the first four games.
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