Major League Soccer Weekend Review | OneFootball

After another dramatic weekend of MLS action, full of twists and turns, there is plenty of action to dissect now that the dust has settled. Let’s get into it…

What happened?

In perhaps the result of the weekend, Cincinnati stormed into the home of their bitter rivals, and reigning MLS Cup champions, Columbus Crew, and earned a 2-1 victory to take bragging rights in Ohio.

Staying in the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi and his Miami mates erased a two-goal deficit in Montréal to earn all three points and keep up their early season push for the Supporters Shield.

Toronto FC saw their three-game win streak snapped against NYCFC before a major fight broke out between the sides after the match.

In the Western Conference, the LA Galaxy snatched a draw against conference leaders Real Salt Lake thanks to a goal on the last kick of the game, while LAFC thumped Vancouver to reignite their recent run of good form.

Finally on Sunday, Seattle ended a six-game winless streak in the Cascadia derby, beating bottom-dwellers Portland at Providence Park.

Player of the matchday

D.C. United’s Christian Benteke was the easy choice for Player of the matchday this week after bagging a hat-trick against Atlanta United in a win on the road, his third for the Screaming Eagles.

Benteke has been one of the most dominant players in the league this season, and he only seems to be getting better with each passing week.

Goal of the matchday

Matias Rojas vs CF Montréal

Rojas was only on duty to take the free-kick because Lionel Messi was temporarily on the sidelines after receiving treatment for a knock. Now that’s one way to make the most of your opportunity!

Winners of the matchday

FC Cincinnati are an easy shout for ‘winners of the matchday’ this week after snatching a precious away win the ‘Hell is Real Derby’ on Saturday.

Thanks to two goals in two minutes, including one from new signing Kevin Kelsey, Pat Noonan’s men made an early statement of intent in not only the Eastern Conference, but MLS as a whole.

That’s now seven wins from their first 12 matches for the reigning Supporters Shield winners, as they look primed and ready for another run towards an MLS Cup after losing in heartbreak fashion to Columbus in the Eastern Conference Final last season.

Should Cincinnati win their game in hand over MLS and Eastern Conference leaders Inter Miami, they will go level on points with the seemingly untouchable Herons.

Losers of the matchday

It’s starting to get ugly for Atlanta United. The Five Stripes haven’t secured an MLS victory in six consecutive matches after winning three of their first five to kick off the campaign.

To make matters worse, Atlanta have been leaking goals in that stretch, giving up two more goals in every game but two since a late March win against strugglers Chicago.

Gonzalo Pineda’s seat must be starting to get hot, if not scorching, despite his side sitting just two points out of the playoff spots.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium was once a fortress for this Five Stripes side, but the once happy hunting ground has become a playground for MLS opponents.

Given the structure of the league, there is plenty of time for Atalanta to turn it around, but there are little signs that show a potential momentum swing on the horizon any time soon.