/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71147340/usa_today_18711202.0.jpg)
There was a full slate of MLS games in Matchweek 21, with an oh-so-symmetrical seven games played on Saturday and seven games on Sunday, but there was no movement at the top of the tables: The league leaders proved why they’re the best in MLS, with LAFC and New York City FC getting tough road wins this sweaty July weekend.
Top Games
Chicago Fire 1 - 0 Seattle Sounders
Remember when Seattle were good? The Sounders have looked completely lost this past week, first getting shut out on Wednesday at Nashville and now this 1-0 loss to cellar-dwellers Chicago Fire. Seattle managed just two shots on target, and never controlled the flow of a lurching game that was won in the 23rd-minute goal by 32-year-old defender Rafael Czichos — it was just his second goal in MLS.
Atlanta United 1 - 1 Orlando City
A hard-fought draw that had all the feels: Atlanta United looked like they were going to be embarrassed at home by a compact and professional Orlando City that took the lead in the 10th minute. But then United roared back in the second half, terrorizing the Orlando defense with wave after wave of fast-break attacks. It’s a miracle that Atlanta scored only once. Credit to Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who kept his team in the game, and to Atlanta, who made this an entertaining match to watch.
New Jersey Red Bulls 0 - 1 NYCFC
The Red Bulls turned their press up to 11, but NYCFC walked away with three points behind a brilliant sequence of play that saw Santiago Rodíguez feed a cross that Taty Castellanos lashed into the goal in what might be his final game for New York City. It’s not a bad way to go out: This was only the second time NYCFC beat New Jersey at Red Bull Arena. Not all is lost in New Jersey, as the Red Bulls still lead the league with 327 fouls this season.
Nashville SC 1 - 2 LAFC
What can stop LAFC? Not Nashville, it seems: LAFC rolled to a comfortable road win that was more lopsided than the scoreline suggests. Giorgio Chiellini got the start for Los Angeles, and new signing Gareth Bale came on late in the second half to get a taste of MLS. But the second goal didn’t come from any of the team’s big names: It was 23-year-old Ecuador international José Cifuentes who headed home the game-winner in the opening minute of the second half. Talk about a deep roster.
Goal of the Week
It’s not just the quality of this glancing header from Cucho Hernández of Columbus Crew, it’s that the Colombian international has scored four goals in less than 90 minutes of playing time: He’s too good for MLS.
CUCHO. HERNADNEZ.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2022
4 goals in 3 games. This guy is goooood.#CLBvCIN // Heineken #RivalryWeek pic.twitter.com/oxHe5pq7aW
Scoreboard
Saturday, July 16
Philadelphia Union 2 - 1 New England Revolution
CF Montréal 1 - 0 Toronto FC
Minnesota United 2 - 0 DC United
Chicago Fire 1 - 0 Seattle Sounders
Colorado Rapids 1 - 0 LA Galaxy
FC Dallas 1 - 1 Austin FC
Inter Miami 3 - 2 Charlotte FC
Sunday, July 17
Atlanta United 1 - 1 Orlando City
New Jersey Red Bulls 0 - 1 NYCFC
Columbus 2 - 0 FC Cincinnati
Nashville SC 1 - 2 LAFC
Real Salt Lake 3 - 0 Sporting KC
San Jose 1 - 2 Houston Dynamo
Portland Timbers 1 - 1 Vancouver Whitecaps
Tables
Here's how things stand in the East following Heineken #RivalryWeek: pic.twitter.com/1Ki3cbnPpN
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2022
It's a tight race at the top of the West after Heineken #RivalryWeek! pic.twitter.com/KEFC9BLr6L
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2022