Major League Soccer scores big on opening weekend
Big crowds, late game drama, and no ties sets the tone for MLS' 2023 season.
Major League Soccer (MLS) 2023 season kicked off last weekend with a lot of anticipation and excitement from fans across the United States and Canada. The first week of the new campaign saw some thrilling action, surprising results, and standout performances from some of the league’s brightest stars.
Welcome to MLS
One of the standout games of the weekend was the clash between newcomers St. Louis City SC and Austin FC . The match lived up to its billing, with both teams putting on a great display of attacking football. St. Louis City SC won their first ever match by scoring twice in the final 12 minutes to collect all three points and stun Austin FC in front of a sellout crowd inside Q2 Stadium.
Union roll & Rooney’s men rally
In other games, the 2022 MLS Cup finalist Philadelphia Union handled the Columbus Crew 4-1, with Julian Carranza scoring two goals and Daniel Gazdag scoring twice on penalty kicks. DC United, who endured a miserable 2022 campaign, started the new season with a bang, securing a last second 3-2 victory over Toronto FC. Ted Ku-DiPietro scored his first career MLS goal in the 8th minute of stoppage time in the second half. Ex-Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke‘s 90th-minute equalizer was also assisted by Ted Ku-DiPietro.
Stoppage time brace
Meanwhile, there was a shock result in the game between Atlanta United and the San Jose Earthquakes. Atlanta United, who had been trailing 1-0 since the 12th minute, produced a stunning ending by scoring in the 3rd and 9th minute of second half stoppage time win 2-1. Record transfer signing and 2022 World Cup Champion Thiago Almada scored two glorious goals and almost shook the roof off Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Seattle steamroll
One of the most impressive performances of the weekend came from the Seattle Sounders against the Colorado Rapids. Ex-NYCFC striker and new signing Heber said hello to the Seattle faithful with a debut goal. US International Jordan Morris scored twice while fellow US International Cristian Roldan also got in on the scoring action. Seattle routed Colorado 4-0 for a fantastic opening match. Seattle’s goals showcased their clinical finishing ability, and they will be hoping to continue in that vein as the season progresses.
There were no ties on opening weekend
Elsewhere, there were wins for Nashville SC, FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami, Orlando City SC, Minnesota United, and Real Salt Lake. The New England Revolution got off to a winning start with a shock 1-0 victory over hosts Charlotte FC in front of over 69,000 fans.
The final opening weekend game was played in the Pacific Northwest and saw the home side Portland Timbers squeak by Sporting KC with Juan Mosquera scoring the games only goal in the 6th minute.
Recap
Overall, it was a fantastic start to the new MLS season, with plenty of drama and excitement on display. Fans will be hoping that the rest of the campaign will be just as thrilling, with plenty of twists and turns as the teams battle it out for the ultimate prize in North American soccer.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the teams fare and which players emerge as the stars of the show. With a number of talented players and some exciting new signings, the MLS is set for another thrilling season of soccer action. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the next round of fixtures as the race for the playoffs heats up.
