MLS Weekend Wrap: St Louis Golazo and Free-Scoring Englishman Lead Headlines
The latest round of Major League Soccer fixtures delivered thrilling moments, from a spectacular goal in St Louis to a hat-trick from a red-hot English striker. Across the league, teams are shaping their early-season narratives, with standout performances and surprising struggles taking center stage.
Hartel's Worldie Ignites St Louis Victory
If St Louis had constructed Energizer Park as an indoor venue, Marcel Hartel's breathtaking strike might have literally blown the roof off. In a crucial match against New England, Hartel capitalized on a poor pass from Brayan Ceballos in the 83rd minute, opting for an audacious chip over goalkeeper Matt Turner to secure a 2-1 win. This goal marked the first victory under the new leadership of chief soccer officer Corey Wray and head coach Yoann Damet, providing a much-needed boost after a winless start to the season.
The emotional context added depth to the triumph, as the team paid tribute to Ilona Löwen, wife of midfielder Eduard Löwen, who recently passed away from cancer. Players wore black armbands with her initials, and fans coordinated in gray to show support. "It's been emotional, to say the least," Damet remarked, highlighting the team's resilience and shared values.
On the field, St Louis showed promise with midfielders Chris Durkin and Daniel Edelman forming a dynamic partnership. While one win in five games won't guarantee playoff contention, their early chemistry suggests brighter days ahead for the club.
Philadelphia Union's Defensive Woes Deepen
In a shocking turn, the Philadelphia Union, last season's Supporters' Shield winners, have stumbled out of the gate with an unprecedented five consecutive losses. Their latest defeat came at home against Chicago Fire, who secured a 2-1 victory with goals from Hugo Cuypers and Jonathan Bamba. This poor start has left Union fans and management searching for answers, especially after exiting the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Chicago, under Gregg Berhalter, continues to invest heavily, with a new $750 million stadium in development. Their strategy of deploying three senior designated players paid off in this match, contrasting sharply with Philadelphia's struggles to find form.
Surridge's Scoring Prowess Attracts Premier League Interest
Sam Surridge has emerged as one of MLS's most prolific scorers, leading the league with multiple goals this season. The 27-year-old Englishman, formerly of Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, notched a hat-trick for Nashville SC, helping them top the Eastern Conference. With 45 goals in 75 MLS games, his consistent performance has sparked speculation about a potential return to the Premier League.
Surridge has been transparent about his ambitions, stating, "I've always expressed, eventually I want to be playing in England." However, he acknowledges the faith shown by Nashville and is focused on repaying them with strong performances. His situation mirrors that of players like Riqui Puig, who chose to thrive in MLS rather than struggle for minutes in Europe.
Dos Santos's Unbeaten Run at LAFC Continues
Marc Dos Santos has made an impressive start as head coach of Los Angeles FC, guiding the team to an unbeaten streak of nine matches. This includes a league-record five consecutive clean sheets to begin the season, a feat underscored by their run to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-finals. In a recent scoreless draw against Austin, LAFC's defense remained solid despite a midweek fixture.
Dos Santos, known for his defensive acumen from previous roles with Vancouver Whitecaps and San Francisco Deltas, has quickly adapted to leading one of MLS's glamor clubs. His ability to maintain a stout shape and build team culture has positioned LAFC as a contender in the Western Conference.
Goal-Filled Matches Highlight Weekend Action
Other notable games featured high-scoring affairs:
- Charlotte FC dominated Red Bull New York with a 6-0 victory, boosted by a red card to Gustav Berggren and Wilfried Zaha's first goal of the season.
- FC Dallas edged out Houston Dynamo 4-3 in a Texas derby, with Logan Farrington scoring twice and Petar Musa netting the winner late.
- Colorado Rapids, under Matt Wells, secured a 3-0 win over Sporting KC, with Paxten Aaronson scoring his first brace since 2024, showcasing an aggressive offensive approach.
As the MLS season progresses, these storylines will continue to evolve, offering fans plenty of drama and excitement on and off the pitch.
