MLS was back with some midweek action to begin the final charge heading into the Leagues Cup break. Here’s what happened that dramatic night.
What happened
July 17, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan (6) runs during the second half against the New England Revolution at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports.
The biggest shock of the night came when Chicago stunned Cincinnati at TQL Stadium to derail their Supporters Shield plans at the top of the East.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami showed they will be fine without the injured Lionel Messi by beating Toronto 3-1 in Fort Lauderdale.
Staying in the East, New York City came back strong in Atlanta to take a late point against Atlanta United, while Orlando City continued their winning streak with a comfortable win in Nashville. DC United stunned Minnesota thanks to two late goals, compounding Minnesota’s problems.
Late in the game, Seattle extended their winning streak to five consecutive games with a comfortable victory against St. Louis City, while LAFC and Real Salt Lake drew in Los Angeles.
The Galaxy returned to winning ways against Colorado, fending off a late charge from the Rapids to hold on and take all three points in a five-goal thriller.
Statistics of the night
History!
Player of the night
Cucho just doesn’t slow down.
With his goal in the first half tonight, @ColumbusCrew forward Cucho Hernández (38 goals, 22 assists) became the first player in Crew history to record 60 goals in a three-year period. pic.twitter.com/w8DxB8BHEV
– MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) July 18, 2024
What this means
The Supporters Shield continues to heat up. Just seven points separate Inter Miami in first and Columbus Crew in sixth, although Columbus has two games in hand on its rivals.
In the West, the Galaxy took first place thanks to a draw at home to LAFC just ahead. However, just like Columbus, LAFC has two games in hand against its cross-town rivals.
What comes next?
July 17, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; The Seattle Sounders FC during the national anthem before their game against St. Louis CITY SC at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
MLS is back this weekend with the final round before the Leagues Cup break. The weekend’s games are highlighted by two late games between the Cascadia and Los Angeles clubs. Hot Seattle will host LAFC in the perfect game to show their true credentials, while Portland will travel to Carson to face the Galaxy.
