MLS MEDIA RESOURCES: WEEK 2 NEWS & NOTES
News and notes and statistical trends from around Major League Soccer
YOUNGSTERS CONTINUE TO MAKE THEIR MARKS IN MLS HISTORY
Young players continue to set superlatives across Major League Soccer, rewriting the record books as they go as the league kicks off its 26th season.
Two days before turning 20 years of age, Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper John Pulskamp stepped between the posts for the club’s season opener at the New York Red Bulls. Pulskamp made two saves as Sporting came from behind for a 2-1 victory – and in the process, Pulskamp became the third-youngest goalkeeper in MLS history to be was credited with a victory.
YOUNGEST GOALKEEPER CREDITED WITH WIN
GOALKEEPER AGE DATE MATCH
Bill Hamid 19 years, 161 days 5/5/2010 DC 2 vs. KC 1
Tim Howard 19 years, 165 days 8/18/1998 MET 4 vs. COL 1
John Pulskamp 19 years, 363 days 4/17/2021 KC 2 at NYR 1
Zac MacMath 20 years, 41 days 9/17/2011 PHI 1 vs. CLB 0
Jesse Gonzalez 20 years, 96 days 8/29/2015 DAL 2 vs. RSL 0
• Credit: Elias Sports Bureau
At DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, CF Montréal and Toronto FC moved their Canadian Classique for the first of three meetings this season. In TFC’s 4-2 defeat, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty received an assist on the final goal of the match – in the process, becoming the seventh-youngest player when recorded their first MLS assist in league history. Marshall-Rutty last year was the 11th-youngest player to be signed to a contract in MLS history.
YOUNGEST PLAYER TO RECORD FIRST MLS ASSIST
PLAYER DATE MATCH AGE
Freddy Adu 5/22/2004 DC vs COL 14 years, 355 days
Gianluca Busio 8/4/2018 KC vs HOU 16 years, 68 days
Diego Fagundez 9/25/2011 NE vs CHI 16 years, 223 days
Santino Quaranta 6/13/2001 DC vs MET 16 years, 242 days
Efrain Alvarez 3/2/2019 LA vs CHI 16 years, 256 days
Alphonso Davies 8/23/2017 VAN vs SEA 16 years, 294 days
Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty 4/17/2021 TOR vs MTL 16 years, 305 days
• Credit: Elias Sports Bureau
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SOUNDERS FC’S FREI MOVING UP SHUTOUT LEADERBOARD
Stefan Frei of Seattle Sounders FC opened his 13th season in Major League Soccer by making four saves in a 4-0 victory against Minnesota United FC at Lumen Field on Friday evening.
The shutout was the 83rd of Frei’s career in league play, pulling him into a tie for fourth-most in MLS history, along with Jon Busch. Next up on the all-time leaderboard is Joe Cannon, who recorded 86 clean sheets in his MLS career.
MOST SHUTOUTS (MLS CAREER)
PLAYER GP SHO
Nick Rimando 514 154
Kevin Hartman 416 112
Joe Cannon 342 86
Jon Busch 309 83
Stefan Frei 303 83
Zach Thornton 282 76
Matt Reis 293 75
Luis Robles 253 74
Bill Hamid 248 70
Sean Johnson 293 67
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MNUFC’S ST. CLAIR STILL UNBEATEN FROM THE SPOT
When Minnesota United FC goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair stepped up to face Raúl Ruidíaz from the penalty spot in Friday night’s match at Lumen Field, it was the third penalty kick St. Clair has faced in his MLS career.
St. Clair saved the Ruidíaz attempt – and for the third time in the three penalty kicks faced, St. Clair did not concede a goal (two saves, one off the crossbar).
St. Clair becomes just the third goalkeeper not to concede a goal in the first three penalty kicks faced in their MLS careers. Ian Feuer did not allow a goal in the first four penalty kicks he faced in 1998 (three saves, one post), while Jon Kempin did not concede in his first three penalties against over a three-year span from 2014-17 (all saves).
MOST UNSUCCESSFUL PENALTY KICKS AGAINST TO START CAREER
PKA START END
Ian Feuer 4 5/13/1998 8/22/1998
Jon Kempin 3 8/10/2014 8/23/2017
Dayne St. Clair 3 9/19/2020 4/16/2021
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SPORTING’S PETER VERMES REACHES GAMES MILESTONE
Sporting Kansas City manager Peter Vermes will reach a milestone this weekend when his club takes on Orlando City SC at Children’s Mercy Park on Friday evening. Vermes will become just the second person in Major League Soccer history to reach the mark of 600 matches as either a player or a head coach, in both league play and the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Vermes is behind only Jason Kreis, who has featured in 662 matches as a player or head coach. Vermes is the longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer history, taking over the role with Sporting midway through the 2009 season.
MOST GAMES INVOLVED IN, MLS CAREER (LEAGUE AND MLS CUP)
GAMES COACHED GAMES PLAYED
REGULAR MLS CUP REGULAR MLS CUP
SEASON PLAYOFFS SEASON PLAYOFFS TOTAL
Jason Kreis 316 19 305 22 662
Peter Vermes 370 20 184 25 599
Sigi Schmid 548 50 598
Dominic Kinnear 444 32 117 4 597
Ben Olsen 334 12 221 22 589
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MLS WEEK 2 – LOOK AHEAD
SPORTING KANSAS CITY vs. ORLANDO CITY SC
Friday, April 23, 2021 (Week 2, MLS Game #14)
Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kan.
6:30 p.m. CT (FS1 / FOX Deportes; TSN 5)
REFEREE: Joseph Dickerson. AR1 (bench): Kyle Atkins; AR2 (opposite): Kathryn Nesbitt; 4th: Brandon Stevis; VAR: Chris Penso; AVAR: Peter Balciunas
MLS Career: 41 games; FC/gm: 26.9; Y/gm: 4.0; R: 8; pens: 13
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Sporting 2 wins, 7 goals … Orlando City 3 wins, 9 goals … Ties 1
AT KC: Sporting 2 wins, 4 goals … Orlando City 1 win, 3 goals … Ties 0
· Sporting Kansas City opened their 2021 campaign with a quality away win, grabbing a 2-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on Saturday evening. Gadi Kinda and Daniel Salloí scored 63 seconds apart in the second half to give Sporting the win, the one minute apart for goals equaling the club record set five times previously.
· Orlando City SC began their season with a goalless draw with Atlanta United at Exploria Stadium. Pedro Gallese made three saves for the shutout.
· The teams met once a season ago, Tesho Akindele and Benji Michel scored goals two minutes apart in the first half to lead Orlando City to a 2-1 win Sept. 23 at Children’s Mercy Park. It was Orlando City’s first win in three visits to KC.
· Orlando City are undefeated on their home ground vs. Sporting KC, with two wins and a draw in three meetings there, including a win by the game’s only goal in the last meeting there, Aug. 14, 2019.
SPORTING: John Pulskamp made his MLS debut in goal for Sporting, and recorded two saves for the victory. Aged 19 years, 363 days (he turned 20 on Monday), Pulskamp is the youngest goalkeeper to be credited with a victory in an MLS game since 2010 and the third-youngest in league history.
OCSC: Orlando City are still undefeated all-time in season openers (1-0-6), the lone victory coming in 2017 vs. NYCFC.
NEW YORK CITY FC vs. FC CINCINNATI
Saturday, April 24, 2021 (Week 2, MLS Game #15)
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, N.Y.
1 p.m. ET (YES; WSTR – Star 64)
REFEREE: David Gantar. AR1 (bench): Jeffrey Greeson; AR2 (opposite): Gjovalin Bori; 4th: Robert Sibiga; VAR: Alan Kelly; AVAR: Thomas Supple
MLS Career: 96 games; FC/gm: 23.8; Y/gm: 2.8; R: 36; pens: 22
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: NYCFC 4 wins, 15 goals … FCC 0 wins, 4 goals … Ties 0
NYCFC HOME GAME: NYCFC 3 wins, 11 goals … FCC 0 wins, 3 goals … Ties 0
· NYCFC kicked off the new campaign with a 2-1 defeat by D.C. United at Audi Field on Saturday evening. Valentin Castellanos scored the NYCFC goal, giving them an early lead after 15 minutes.
· FC Cincinnati started off their third season in MLS with a 2-2 draw vs. Nashville SC at Nissan Stadium. Luciano Acosta and Brenner (from a penalty kick) both opened their FCC accounts with goals in the opening 12 minutes of the match.
· NYCFC has won all four meetings in the series between the teams. The teams met twice a year ago. Alexander Ring and Anton Tinnerholm scored on either side of halftime as NYCFC took a 2-0 win Sept. 12 at Red Bull Arena, then Alejandru Mitrita scored two goals, including the opener after 30 seconds, as NYCFC took a 4-0 win Sept. 26 at Red Bull Arena.
· The teams met twice in FC Cincinnati’s inaugural season, and New York City FC won both by heavy margins. Héber scored two goals and added an assist and Maximiliano Moralez had a goal and three assists as NYCFC took a 5-2 win on June 6 at Yankee Stadium; Héber and Valentin Castellanos each netted a pair of goals as NYCFC claimed a 4-1 win Aug. 17 at Nippert Stadium.
NYCFC: Anton Tinnerholm was credited with his first assist of the season, the 19th of his MLS career over four seasons.
FCC: Ronald Matarrita was credited with an assist in his FCC debut; he had 13 assists over five seasons with NYCFC.
NASHVILLE SC vs. CF MONTRÉAL
Saturday, April 24, 2021 (Week 2, MLS Game #16)
Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tenn.
1 p.m. CT (TVA Sports; MyTV 30)
REFEREE: Nima Saghafi. AR1 (bench): Peter Manikowski; AR2 (opposite): Adam Wienckowski; 4th: Fotis Bazakos; VAR: Daniel Radford; AVAR: Craig Lowry
MLS Career: 72 games; FC/gm: 26.8; Y/gm: 3.9; R: 9; pens: 24
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Nashville SC 1 win, 1 goal … CFM 0 wins, 0 goals … Ties 0
AT NASHVILLE: First meeting
· Nashville SC began their second MLS campaign by coming back for a 2-2 draw with FC Cincinnati at Nissan Stadium. Jhonder Cadiz pulled one goal back for Nashville FC after going two goals down in the opening 12 minutes, then Randall Leal hit for the equalizer midway through the second half.
· CF Montréal made an impressive to their season under new coach Wilfried Nancy, rolling to a 4-2 win against Toronto FC at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Mason Toye sent CFM on their way after just three minutes, and Romell Quioto, Victor Wanyama and Djordje Mihailovic also netted goals.
· The teams have met once in their histories. Randall Leal scored the game’s only goal after 33 minutes to lead Nashville SC to the victory last Oct. 27 at Red Bull Arena.
NASHVILLE SC: Randall Leal was also credited with an assist in the season opener, the second time he’s had a goal and an assist in the same MLS game (also: 10/20/20 vs. DAL). … Anibal Godoy was credited with an assist, his first for Nashville SC. It was his first in an MLS league game since April 19, 2019, when he was with San Jose.
CFM: Zachary Brault-Guillard was credited with two assists, the first multiple-assist game of his MLS career; he had two assists over 34 appearances in his first two MLS seasons. … Edward Kizza recorded an assist in making his professional debut. … Joel Waterman notched an assist, the second of his MLS career (in eight appearances). … Erik Hurtado was credited with an assist in making his MLS debut.
TORONTO FC vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
Saturday, April 24, 2021 (Week 2, MLS Game #17)
Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Fla.
3 p.m. ET (TSN 1 / 4; CTV)
REFEREE: Jair Marrufo. AR1 (bench): Corey Rockwell; AR2 (opposite): Brian Poeschel; 4th: Greg Dopka; VAR: Ted Unkel; AVAR: Kevin Klinger
MLS Career: 274 games; FC/gm: 22.9; Y/gm: 2.8; R: 43; pens: 86
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Toronto FC 6 wins, 23 goals … Whitecaps FC 5 wins, 19 goals … Ties 2
TORONTO HOME GAME: Toronto FC 4 wins, 13 goals … Whitecaps FC 2 wins, 9 goals … Ties 1
· Toronto FC started off their MLS campaign with a 4-2 loss to CF Montréal at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Marky Delgado and Richie Laryea netted the goals for TFC.
· Whitecaps FC got their new season started off on the right foot, defeating the Portland Timbers by the game’s only goal at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. Lucas Cavallini scored the lone goal from a corner kick just after the second half restart.
· The teams met three times a season ago, their most meetings in MLS play in one season. The teams met twice over four days’ time at BMO Field, and Toronto FC won both, each by shutout. Pablo Piatti netted a pair of goals in a 3-0 win Aug. 18, then Richie Laryea then scored the game’s only goal in the TFC win Aug. 21. On Sept. 5, Jake Nerwinski netted the game-winner with a quarter-hour left to give the ‘Caps a 3-2 win at BC Place.
· The three results last year were the first wins by the home team in the league series since 2013, when Whitecaps FC claimed a 1-0 win at BC Place. The away team had won four of the six matches in between, with two draws, including four in a row from 2015-18.
· The teams also met in the final of the Canadian Championship in 2018, with TFC winning the title 7-4 on aggregate, including a 5-2 win in the second leg at BMO Field. It was the second consecutive year the clubs met for the Canadian domestic title, the fourth time overall, and TFC have won all four. On three occasions (2011, 2012, 2018), the teams played to a first-leg draw in Vancouver; then, Toronto won the second leg at home.
TFC: Jahkeele Marshalll-Rutty was credited with his first career assist in MLS. At age 16 years, 305 days, he is the seventh-youngest player when recording their first assist in MLS history. … Michael Bradley garnered an assist, the 31st of his MLS career.
WHITECAPS FC: Cristian Gutíerrez was credited with an assist, the second of his MLS career (in 13 appearances).
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES vs. FC DALLAS
Saturday, April 24, 2021 (Week 2, MLS Game #18)
PayPal Park, San Jose, Calif.
12:30 p.m. PT (Univision; TUDN)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Earthquakes 28 wins (4 shootout), 100 goals … FC Dallas 20 wins (3 shootout), 77 goals … Ties 17
AT SAN JOSE: Earthquakes 16 wins (4 shootout), 56 goals … FC Dallas 8 wins (2 shootout), 38 goals … Ties 9
REFEREE: Timothy Ford. AR1 (bench): Jason White; AR2 (opposite): Art Arustamyan; 4th: Elijio Arreguin; VAR: Kevin Terry Jr.; AVAR: Mike Kampmeinert
MLS Career: 26 games; FC/gm: 20.4; Y/gm: 3.2; R: 5; pens: 3
· The Quakes opened their new season with a 2-1 defeat by Houston Dynamo FC at BBVA Stadium in the first match of the campaign. Paul Marie netted a late goal for the lone San Jose tally.
· FC Dallas started off the 2021 campaign with a scoreless draw with the Colorado Rapids at Toyota Stadium on Saturday evening.
· The teams did not meet in 2020. When they last met in 2019, they played to a pair of draws, a goalless result on April 27 at Toyota Stadium, and a 2-2 tie June 8 in San Jose.
· The Quakes now have a six-game undefeated streak alive in the series, since 2017, with three wins and three draws over that span. They have come away with points on their last four trips to Frisco, FCD’s last home win in the series coming in 2015.
· The Quakes have gained results in their last three home meetings in the series; their 4-3 win Aug. 29, 2018 was their first at home vs. FC Dallas since 2014, and their first ever vs. FCD at PayPal Park. FCD had come away with points on their previous five trips to northern California, with two wins and three draws.
QUAKES: Shea Salinas recorded an assist, the 52nd of his MLS career; he is the Earthquakes’ all-time leader in assists with 49.
FCD: Jimmy Maurer, the league’s leading goalkeeper in goals against average in 2020, made six saves for the shutout.
LOS ANGELES FOOTBALL CLUB vs. SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
Saturday, April 24, 2021 (Week 2, MLS Game #19)
Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, Calif.
3 p.m. PT (ESPN / ESPN Deportes; TSN 2)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: LAFC 4 wins, 11 goals … Sounders FC 2 wins, 9 goals … Ties 1
AT LOS ANGELES: LAFC 3 wins, 8 goals … Sounders FC 0 wins, 2 goals … Ties 0
REFEREE: Armando Villarreal. AR1 (bench): Cameron Blanchard; AR2 (opposite): Chris Elliott; 4th: Silviu Petrescu; VAR: Edvin Jurisevic; AVAR: Jonathan Johnson
MLS Career: 152 games; FC/gm: 22.5; Y/gm: 3.2; R: 28; pens: 34
· LAFC won their season opener for the fourth time in the club’s four-year history, getting goals from Corey Baird and José Cifuentes for a 2-0 win against expansion side Austin FC at Banc of California Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
· Sounders FC posted the biggest victory of the opening weekend, rolling to a 4-0 win against Minnesota United FC at Lumen Field on Friday evening. Raúl Ruidíaz scored a pair of goals to lead the way, while Fredy Montero scored his first on his return to the club – making him the all-time leading goalscorer in the Sounders’ MLS history (48 goals with Seattle).
· 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 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.
LAFC: Danny Musovski recorded the second assist of his MLS career, the first coming last Oct. 11 vs. Seattle. … Tristan Blackmon was credited with an assist for the first time since Oct. 6, 2019 vs. Colorado, when he had two of his four assists on the season (all four of his career assists). … Edward Opoku recorded his second career assist in four appearances, the last coming in his last league outing, Oct. 18, 2020 at Portland.
SOUNDERS FC: Fredy Montero also recorded an assist, the 49th of his MLS league career, the 19th time he’s had at least one goal and one assist in a game. … Stefan Frei was credited with four saves in recording the shutout, the 83rd of his MLS career. Frei is now tied for fourth all-time in MLS with 83 league clean sheets (with Jon Busch); next ahead is Joe Cannon at 86. … Will Bruin recorded the 30th assist of his MLS league career; he’s had one assist in each of the last two seasons. … Alex Roldan and Cristian Roldan each assisted on a goal, the first time in their MLS careers the brothers each had an assist in the same game (Alex assisted on a Cristian goal, April 15, 2018 vs. KC). … Joao Paulo was credited with an assist; he had five in 2020 in his inaugural MLS campaign. …
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION vs. D.C. UNITED
Saturday, April 24, 2021 (Week 2, MLS Game #20)
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
8 p.m. ET (MyRITV / MyTV38; NBC-Wash+ / TeleXitos)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Revolution 30 wins (3 shootout), 101 goals … D.C. United 34 wins (4 shootout), 115 goals … Ties 15
AT NEW ENGLAND: Revolution 19 wins (2 shootout), 50 goals … D.C. United 10 wins (2 shootout), 42 goals … Ties 9
REFEREE: Guido Gonzales Jr. AR1 (bench): Adam Garner; AR2 (opposite): Ryan Graves; 4th: Matthew Thompson; VAR: Jorge Gonzalez; AVAR: Claudiu Badea
MLS Career: 17 games; FC/gm: 26.7; Y/gm: 4.2; R: 7; pens: 6
· The Revolution came back from two goals down to secure a point in their 2021 season opener, reaching a 2-2 draw with Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field on Saturday evening. Adam Buksa and Gustavo Bou netted goals 13 minutes apart after the Fire took a 2-0 lead after just 11 minutes, all four goals coming in the opening 27 minutes of the match.
· D.C. United came back to claim a victory in their 2021 season opener, defeating New York City FC at Audi Field. Brendan Hines-Ike and Russell Canouse scored five minutes late in the first half after NYCFC took an early lead, propelling United to the win.
· The teams met four times last season, and the Revs won the final three. Teal Bunbury scored two goals in the final quarter of the match, as the Revolution came back for a 4-3 on Nov. 1 at Gillette Stadium. Earlier, Gustavo Bou and Adam Buksa scored very late as the Revolution claimed a 2-0 win Sept. 27 at Audi Field; Bou and Bunbury also netted first-half goals as the Revolution took a 2-1 win at Audi Field on Aug. 25. The teams also met during the group stage of the MLS is Back Tournament, reaching a 1-1 draw July 17.
· The Revolution win in the first meeting last year was the first by the away team since 2013, a Revolution 2-1 win at RFK Stadium. D.C. United’s last win in league play in Foxborough came April 14, 2012, the Revolution with four wins in the nine meetings since, with five draws.
· The teams have also met four times in the MLS Cup Playoffs, with United winning three of the four series all-time, last a 2-1 win at RFK Stadium in the Knockout Round in 2015. They have met five times in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the Revolution winning three, last in 2017.
REVOLUTION: Carles Gil recorded his first assist of the season; he has two assists in his last three league games dating back to the end of last season. … Tajon Buchanan collected his fifth career assist, starting his third season in the league.
UNITED: Julian Gressel collected his first assist of the season, his fourth with United; he has 39 career assists in MLS in five seasons (121 appearances). … Junior Moreno recorded his seventh career assist in starting his fourth season in MLS.
PHILADELPHIA UNION vs. INTER MIAMI CF
Saturday, April 24, 2021 (Week 2, MLS Game #21)
Subaru Park, Chester, Pa.
8 p.m. ET (PHL17)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Union 2 wins, 5 goals … Inter Miami 0 wins, 1 goal … Ties 0
AT UNION: Union 1 win, 3 goals … Inter Miami 0 wins, 0 goals … Ties 0
REFEREE: Alex Chilowicz. AR1 (bench): Corey Parker; AR2 (opposite): Diego Blas; 4th: Rubiel Vazquez; VAR: Jose Carlos Rivero; AVAR: Brian Dunn
MLS Career: 43 games; FC/gm: 23.9; Y/gm: 3.5; R: 6; pens: 13
· The Union started off defense of their Supporters’ Shield triumph with a scoreless draw with MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew SC at Historic Crew Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
· The LA Galaxy dampened Phil Neville’s debut as Inter Miami head coach, storming back for a 3-2 win at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Robbie Robinson (the No. 1 overall selection by Inter Miami in the 2020 SuperDraft) scored his first career goal, and Gonzalo Higuaín also converted a penalty kick for Inter Miami.
· The teams met twice in Inter Miami’s inaugural campaign, and the Union won both. Kai Wagner and Kacper Przybylko netted goals as the Union took a 2-1 win during group play at the MLS is Back Tournament on July 14; Anthony Fontana, Ilsinho and Brenden Aaronson all netted goals as the Union claimed a 3-0 win Sept. 27 at Subaru Park.
UNION: Andre Blake made six saves for the shutout; he made eight shutouts in 2020 on his way to winning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors.
INTER MIAMI: Gonzalo Higuaín also recorded an assist, the third of his MLS career, the first time he’s had a goal and an assist in the same game. … Rodolfo Pizarro collected his first assist, his sixth in MLS in 20 appearances.
ATLANTA UNITED vs. CHICAGO FIRE FC
Saturday, April 24, 2021 (Week 2, MLS Game #22)
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
8 p.m. ET (Bally Sports South/SE; WGN-TV)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: ATLUTD 4 wins, 11 goals … Fire 3 wins, 11 goals … Ties 0
AT ATLANTA: ATLUTD 3 wins, 8 goals … Fire 0 wins, 1 goal … Ties 0
REFEREE: Allen Chapman. AR1 (bench): Eric Weisbrod; AR2 (opposite): Jeremy Kieso; 4th: Sergii Demianchuk; VAR: Alejandro Mariscal; AVAR: Ian McKay
MLS Career: 177 games; FC/gm: 22.0; Y/gm: 3.7; R: 44; pens: 75
· Atlanta United began their 2021 MLS season with a goalless draw with Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium.
· Fire FC kicked off their new season with a 2-2 draw with New England Revolution at Soldier Field, the first time in club history they have opened the season in that venerable stadium. Robert Berić and Luka Stojanovic scored goals in the opening 11 minutes to give the Fire an early lead.
· The teams met once a season ago. Fabian Herbers and Robert Berić each netted first-half goals as Fire FC took a 2-0 win Sept. 27 at Soldier Field.
· Fire FC have won the last two meetings between the teams, both in home games, the previous victory a 5-1 win July 3, 2019 at SeatGeek Stadium, the most goals allowed by ATLUTD in a single game in their history. The Fire win ended a three-game Atlanta United winning streak in the series, including a 2-0 win June 1, 2019 in the last matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as Josef Martínez scored a pair of goals.
ATLUTD: Brad Guzan made three saves for the shutout, the 62nd of his MLS career.
FIRE FC: Luka Stojanovic was also credited with his first assist in MLS, in his third appearance. … Robert Berić also recorded an assist, his second in MLS; both assists have also come in games where he’s scored a goal (also: Sept. 12, 2020 vs. CLB). … Przemyslaw Frankowski was credited with an assist, the 11th of his MLS career in his third season, his second in his last three appearances. … Boris Sekulic recorded an assist, his third in his second MLS campaign.
MINNESOTA UNITED FC vs. REAL SALT LAKE
Saturday, April 24, 2021 (Week 2, MLS Game #23)
Allianz Field, St. Paul, Minn.
7 p.m. CT (Bally Sports Extra/CW; KMYU-12)
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: MNUFC 4 wins, 16 goals … Real 1 win, 8 goals … Ties 4
AT MINNESOTA: MNUFC 4 wins, 14 goals … Real 0 wins, 5 goals … Ties 1
REFEREE: Drew Fischer. AR1 (bench): Logan Brown; AR2 (opposite): Cory Richardson; 4th: Baldomero Toledo; VAR: Sorin Stoica; AVAR: Eric Boria
MLS Career: 137 games; FC/gm: 25.1; Y/gm: 3.1; R: 19; pens: 40
· MNUFC started off their new season with a 4-0 defeat by Seattle Sounders FC at Lumen Field on Friday night in a rematch of the 2020 Western Conference Final.
· Real Salt Lake will be the final team to open their 2021 season, after sitting out the opening weekend. RSL finished the preseason by lifting the trophy as champions of the Visit Tucson Sun Cup, defeating the Colorado Rapids 3-0 and Phoenix Rising FC 1-0, before falling 1-0 to the LA Galaxy.
· The teams met three times a season ago. Robin Lod netted a pair of goals as Minnesota United FC rolled to a 4-0 win Sept. 6 at Allianz Field; they also reached a goalless draw on July 17 during the MLS is Back Tournament, and on Sept. 27 in St. Paul.
· MNUFC has a seven-game undefeated streak alive in the series, after the teams also reached a 1-1 draw July 20, 2019 in the last meeting at Rio Tinto Stadium; the teams have reached draws in the last two meetings in Sandy. The lone RSL win in the series came there June 17, 2017.
· The away team has never won in the series. MNUFC had won the first three meetings in Minnesota before the scoreless draw last year.
MNUFC: Dayne St. Clair saved a penalty kick – all three penalty kicks against him in his MLS career have been unsuccessful (two saves, one off the crossbar).
RSL: Albert Rusnák is tied for the seventh-most goals in RSL club history with 30 – level with Kyle Beckerman, who retired this year following 21 seasons, the most of any player in MLS history. In sixth place is Yura Movsisyan at 31. … Rusnák is also fifth on the club with 28 career assists.
COLORADO RAPIDS vs. AUSTIN FC
Saturday, April 24, 2021 (Week 2, MLS Game #24)
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colo.
7 p.m. MT (Altitude 2; KNVA [CW Austin])
REFEREE: Marcos de Oliveira. AR1 (bench): Jose da Silva; AR2 (opposite): Andrew Bigelow; 4th: Rosendo Mendoza; VAR: Malik Badawi; AVAR: Matthew Nelson
MLS Career: 42 games; FC/gm: 25.1; Y/gm: 3.5; R: 4; pens: 13
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: First meeting.
· The Rapids started off their new season with a goalless draw with FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on Saturday evening.
· Austin FC began their history by falling to a 2-0 decision to Los Angeles Football Club at Banc of California Stadium on Saturday afternoon, both goals coming in the final half-hour of the match.
· The teams are meeting for the first time in their histories. They have two more meetings scheduled this season – July 31 at Q2 Stadium, and Sept. 29 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
RAPIDS: William Yarbrough made four saves for the shutout, the fifth of his MLS career (in 15 career league appearances).
AUSTIN FC: Brad Stuver made seven saves between the posts starting as the first goalkeeper in Austin FC history. It was his 10th career appearance in MLS, his first since Sept. 7, 2019, when he made five appearances for NYCFC.
PORTLAND TIMBERS vs. HOUSTON DYNAMO FC
Saturday, April 24, 2021 (Week 2, MLS Game #25)
Providence Park, Portland, Ore.
7:30 p.m. PT (KPDX; QuestTEXAS Ch. 55 / TeleXitos 47.2)
REFEREE: Ismail Elfath. AR1 (bench): Mike Rottersman; AR2 (opposite): Jeremy Hanson; 4th: Ramy Touchan; VAR: Younes Marrakchi; AVAR: Joshua Patlak
MLS Career: 162 games; FC/gm: 25.6; Y/gm: 3.3; R: 45; pens: 52
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Timbers 7 wins, 29 goals … Dynamo 5 wins, 26 goals … Ties 5
AT PORTLAND: Timbers 6 wins, 19 goals … Dynamo 1 win, 9 goals … Ties 1
· The Timbers started off their 2021 MLS campaign with a defeat by the game’s only goal to Cascadia rivals Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.
· Dynamo FC extended their undefeated streak in season openers to 10 straight, defeating the San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 at BBVA Stadium in the first game of the season Friday evening. Memo Rodríguez and Maximiliano Urruti scored on either side of halftime to send the Dynamo on their way.
· The teams met once last season. Jeremy Ebobisse and Diego Valeri scored on either side of halftime as the Timbers won during group play at the MLS is Back Tournament on July 18.
· The last meeting at Providence Park came June 22, 2019, Diego Valeri scoring one goal and setting up the remaining three as the Timbers rolled to a 4-0 win. The teams also reached a 1-1 draw May 15 at BBVA Compass Stadium.
· Over the history of the league series, the away team has won just once – in 2011, in the first meeting between the teams in Portland. The Timbers have a seven-game undefeated streak at Providence Park alive in the series, winning the past four; the Dynamo have never lost to the Timbers at home.
TIMBERS: Diego Chará started his 11th season with the Timbers, the most seasons for any player in the club’s history.
DYNAMO FC: Tyler Pasher recorded an assist, the first of his MLS career in his second career appearance – his first since May 20, 2017 when with Sporting KC. … Joe Corona collected the fourth assist of his MLS career, his first since Sept. 15, 2019, while with the LA Galaxy.
LA GALAXY vs. NEW YORK RED BULLS
Sunday, April 25, 2021 (Week 2, MLS Game #26)
Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, Calif.
2:30 p.m. PT (FS1 / FOX Deportes; TSN 2)
REFEREE: Victor Rivas. AR1 (bench): Ian Anderson; AR2 (opposite): TJ Zablocki; 4th: Kevin Stott; VAR: Edvin Jurisevic; AVAR: Jonathan Johnson
MLS Career: 18 games; FC/gm: 22.9; Y/gm: 3.8; R: 3; pens: 9
LEAGUE HEAD-TO-HEAD: Galaxy 17 wins (1 shootout), 67 goals … Red Bulls 20 wins (1 shootout), 66 goals … Ties 8
AT GALAXY: Galaxy 9 wins (0 shootout), 34 goals … Red Bulls 7 wins (0 shootout), 27 goals … Ties 5
· Javíer Hernández led the Galaxy to a come-from-behind victory in their 2021 season opener, defeating Inter Miami CF 2-1 at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Hernández netted two goals, each time answered an Inter Miami goal, as he matched his goal total from 2020 in the opener. Sacha Kljestan then scored the game-winner in the 81st minute for the win.
· The Red Bulls started of their new season with a 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City at Red Bull Arena on Saturday evening. 17-year-old Caden Clark gave the Red Bulls the lead early in the second half with their first goal of the season.
· The teams did not meet in 2020. In the last meeting, the Red Bulls got goals from Marc Rzatkowski and Derrick Etienne Jr. early in the second half to claim a 3-2 win against the Galaxy on May 4, 2019 at Red Bull Arena. It was the second consecutive win in the series for the Red Bulls – both by 3-2 scoreline – after winning that last matchup in Carson on April 28, 2018
· The Red Bulls win in the last meeting ended a streak of two consecutive wins by the away team in the series, after the teams played to draws in each of the two meetings prior to that. The Galaxy have won once in their last five home meetings in the series, a 4-0 victory on Sept. 28, 2014; the Red Bulls win in the last meeting was their first in Harrison since 2013.
GALAXY: Ethan Zubak recorded his first career assist, in his 19th appearance over three seasons. … Sebastian Lletget collected his 23rd career league assist in opening his seventh campaign.
RED BULLS: Carlos Miguel Coronel started between the posts in his New York Red Bulls debut. It was his first league match since May 11, 2019, with the Philadelphia Union; he came to NYRB from the Red Bull Salzburg (Austria).
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