MLS Roundup: Match week 1

The 2021 MLS campaign kicks off to a thrilling start filled with goals, cards, and of course, a few controversial moments.

Real Salt Lake was the only team to sit out this weekend. But the club will begin their season when they visit Minnesota United at Allianz Field on Saturday, April 24.

“Soccer without fans is like a sport without soul. And now the soul has returned to Major League Soccer. Welcome back.” ~ MLS Commissioner Don Garber

Teams notably performed at a higher intensity as clubs welcomed back a limited number of fans for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.

The best example is when the Seattle Sounders continued their dominance in a 4-0 shutout against Minnesota United in front of over 7,000 fans. Joāo Paulo, Raúl Ruidíaz, and Fredy Montero lead the squad to a strong finish after a slow first half.

Key Moments

LAFC welcomed Austin FC to the league with a 2-0 shutout at the Banc of California stadium. And with the win, the Black and Gold became the second MLS club to win all four season openers. Besides a pair of goals from Corey Baird and Jose Cifuentes, the memorable moment came in the 22nd when some miscommunication on the side lines resulted in an early substitution for Carlos Vela.

Chicharito is on the verge of breaking his goal drought from last season after scoring a pair of second-half goals against David Beckham’s team. The Mexican international only score two goals in twelve last season.

The reigning MLS Cup champions (Columbus Crew) played the current Supporters Shield winners (Philadelphia Union) to a scoreless draw at Historic Crew Stadium.

Lastly, the Vancouver Whitecaps stunned their Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers when Canadian International Lucas Cavalini scored the lone game-winner. It feels their luck is finally changing with Marc Dos Santos at the helm.

Final scores:

Houston Dynamo 2-1 San Jose Earthquakes

Seattle Sounders 4-0 Minnesota United

CF Montreal 4-2 Toronto FC

Orlando City FC 0-0 Atlanta United

LAFC 2-0 Austin FC

DC United 2-1 New York City FC

FC Dallas 0-0 Colorado Rapids

New York Red Bulls 1-2 Sporting Kansas City

Chicago Fire 2-2 New England Revolution

Nashville SC 2-2 FC Cincinnati

Inter Miami FC 2-3 LA Galaxy

Columbus Crew 0-0 Philadelphia Union

Vancouver Whitecaps 1-0 Portland Timbers