🖐 things we learned as MLS returned with a bang | OneFootball

MLS returned with a bang over the weekend. We saw 43 goals scored across 12 games and plenty of notable debuts across the league. Here are some of the major takeaways from the weekend that was.

Where there is Evander there is hope

Aug 24, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Timbers midfielder Evander (10) reacts in the second half against St. Louis CITY SC at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Evander has launched himself into stardom this season, leading a prolific Timbers attacking force that has already scored 54 goals this season — the most in the Western Conference and second-most in MLS.

The Brazilian's supreme talent was on full display once again in a scintillating 4-4 draw with St. Louis City at Providence Park Saturday evening, capped off by his stunning free-kick in the ninth minute of stoppage time to earn the point.

Evander made history on the night as well, becoming the fastest Timber to reach 20 goals and 20 assists for the club, hitting that milestone in 48 games, 14 games quicker then Portland and MLS legend Diego Valeri.

The Timbers may be on the bubble when it comes to MLS Cup Playoff contention, but with the magnificent Brazilian in the center of the park, anything is possible.

Summer signings are already shining

Aug 24, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Austin FC forward Osman Bukari (7) celebrates after scoring a goal against Nashville SC during the second half at Geodis Park. Mandatory Credit: Casey Gower-USA TODAY Sports

While MLS may be transitioning into one of the major 'selling leagues' in the global transfer market, there have been quite a few notable summer signings, and they have hit the ground running all around the league.

In Minnesota, Kelvin Yeboah became the first United player to score multiple goals in his MLS debut for the club. Luca Langoni made his New England debut in the Revs' thumping win against Montréal, coming off the bench to bag a goal and an assist.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund legend Marco Reus announced himself on the scene in Los Angeles his own respective goal and assist off the bench.

And although he signed for the club much earlier in the summer, Austin winger Osman Bukari finally bagged his first goal in MLS after the Leagues Cup break, showing a level of talent that could change the Verde's fortunes down the stretch this season.

This weekend should serve as a reminder to quite a few clubs in MLS that don't care much for loosening the purse strings – solid recruitment can turn your season around in a flash.

Messi-less Miami don't seem to skip a beat

No Messi, no problem in Miami. The Herons reminded everybody why they remain the leaders in the Eastern Conference this weekend, easing past second-place FC Cincinnati thanks to an early Luis Suárez brace.

Having suffered a 6-1 defeat in Cincinnati only last month, Miami have seemingly made big strides when it comes to squaring off with the other contenders in MLS.

The emergence of youngster Yannick Bright in the midfield has given Federico Redondo more freedom in the center of the park, and only added more depth to a team that was once considered rather top-heavy.

With the depth pieces continuing to contribute with more than just dirty work, Miami are quickly transforming into a team that doesn't need to rely on its stars.

With all that said, Messi will be back sooner than later...

Possession isn't the name of the game

Aug 24, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Toronto FC forward Prince Owusu (99) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second half against Houston Dynamo FC at Shell Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

In the era of Manchester City, maintaining possession seems to have become a marker for a team's success.

Ball-playing center-backs and goalkeepers have been elevated to the top of the tree in their positions, and teams the world over have started playing out from the back to emulate the dominant European sides. But the results in MLS over the weekend showed us another, to some fans — the pure way.

In Houston, the Dynamo seemingly swamped Toronto, but the visitors from north of the border escaped with a 1-0 win after just 28% of the possession. Meanwhile in Sandy, San Jose stunned Real Salt Lake with a 2-0 win victory on the road after having only 36% of the ball.

That peculiar trend held true in Montréal, where the Revolution stormed into town and earned a whopping 5-0 victory with only 42% of the possession. Sporting KC also earned an emphatic victory with less of the ball, thumping Orlando City 3-0 at Children's Mercy Park with only 40% possession.

Teams may look to model themselves off of the Columbus Crew or dominant clubs abroad, but in MLS there is always another way.

The Eastern Conference is wide open

Aug 24, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New England Revolution forward Esmir Bajraktarevic (47) and forward Giacomo Vrioni (9) celebrate a win over CF Montreal at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

MLS is known for its parity, but the Eastern Conference is taking that parity to the extreme.

After another weekend in which points were at a premium, the final few playoff spots in the east are more than up for grabs.

D.C. United sit bottom of the table after their home loss to FC Dallas, yet they are only two points shy of Atlanta United in 9th, the final playoff spot.

Nashville, Chicago, New England, Montréal, and Philadelphia are all within two points or less of Atlanta, and with less than 10 games to go for most teams, that pack will most likely be shuffled relentlessly.

If you're a fan of one of those teams, don't you dare take a weekend off. Just one round of fixtures could see you plummet or rise more up to six places in the standings. Its getting tight!