MLS Match Week 2 – A Hooligan Take | OneFootball

Keep it classy, San Diego

That was the catchphrase of famous (if fictional) San Diego celebrity news anchor Ron Burgundy. Sadly, that class was not on display on Saturday, as their inaugural home match was tainted by three incidents of homophobic chanting in the second half. The single word chant is frequently heard in Mexican club and national team matches, and FIFA has repeatedly fined the Mexican federation for failing to control it. Recently, USMNT fixture against El Tri was shortened when fans refused to cease chanting.

San Diego FC strongly condemned the chants in a postgame news conference and released statement. During the game the public address system and stadium scoreboard both warned the chanters to stop, which went unheeded. In his postgame conference San Diego coach Mikey Varas strongly condemned the chanting fans, making his statements in both English and Spanish. “The chant that was heard tonight is unacceptable,” Varas said. “It’s outside of our value system. It doesn’t represent the players, myself or the club, and it certainly doesn’t represent San Diego or Baja California. It’s not a reflection of who we are. We’re a community full of love, of support, and we believe in the power of diversity.”

San Diego FC held St. Louis CITY to a nil-nil draw before a crowd of 34,506.

The Power of Wilf

Ivorian winger and Crystal Palace legend Wilfried Zaha made his debut for Charlotte FC Saturday during their home opener, with immediate impact. His threatening run towards the box was broken up by Atlanta’s defense but the ball wiggled into the path of Pep Biel who put it away. Five minutes later, Zaha punched a Brad Guzan save straight out of the air and into the right corner for his first Charlotte goal.

Props to that other Premier League alumnus, Miguel Almíron, who forced keeper Kristin Kahlina into two saves in the first half.

On the Bounce

Real Salt Lake overcame a disappointing past few weeks with a crucial 2 – 0 win over the visiting Seattle Sounders. Buoyed by a Sounders own goal in the 8th minute, Real sealed the deal when Forster Ajago scored off a breakaway.

Minnesota United FC won their home debut 1 – 0 from Kelvin Yeboah’s 69th minute goal. Visitors Montréal CF dominated possession (65%) but could only muster three shots the entire game, zero on frame.

Turns out not drawing red cards early in a game can be a positive. Portland Timbers traveled down to Austin but had to wait until David Costa’s 89th minute free kick curled over the cluster of defenders and straight into the net to stamp the win.

Big Scores; Bigger Wins

Philadelphia Union jump to the top spot in the East with a convincing 4 – 1 thumping of FC Cincinnati. Tai Baribo becomes the first MLS player to score a hat-trick this season, netting in the 6th, 30th and 52nd minute.

Orlando City SC made all four shots on frame count as they heaped misery on Toronto FC. The visitors took 56% possession and scored two late goals to make the scoreline a somewhat respectable looking 4 – 2.

The San Jose Earthquakes continue to defy expectation. Going into Kansas City, they struck early with two goals. Josef Martínez got an assist and goal. Sporting drew one back in the 27th minute, and the match settled into a tactical battle until Hernan Lopez’ second yellow put the Quakes a man down in the 52nd minute. They managed to keep Sporting’s chance minimal, and held on for their second victory, keeping them atop the Western Conference.

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