The first week of MLS phase one regular season restart promised excitement for North American soccer fans and it delivered.
It all started with Toronto asserting its dominance with a 3-0 win over Canadian counterparts Vancouver Whitecaps on Tuesday. Then came the New York Red Bulls winning the 17th edition of the Hudson River Derby over NYCFC on Thursday. On Friday, Sporting Kansas City secured the Western Conference's top spot with a 2-1 away win over Minnesota United FC. And the weekend was as eventful as it could be, featuring three upsets in LA Galaxy defeating LAFC, Inter Miami taking down Orlando City in its first home game in Ft. Lauderdale and the Sounders' 3-0 thrashing over rivals and MLS is Back Tournament champions Portland in Providence Park.
Match of the week: Seattle Sounders vs Los Angeles FC
After a disappointing MLS is Back Tournament round of 16 exit at the feet of LAFC, the Seattle Sounders will fight for vengeance on Sunday at 10 p.m. in CenturyLink Field. The Sounders are coming off a 3-0 win over Cascadia Cup rivals and MLS is Back champions Portland and will play LA Galaxy on Wednesday.
Peruvian forward Raul Ruidiaz had a much-needed influential performance, scoring two goals, and registering one assist. Left-back Joevin Jones, who made his return after being sidelined with a left adductor strain, assisted Ruidiaz' in the opening goal of the game. Manager Brian Schmetzer is slowly but surely getting his team to its full potential as key players return from injuries.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles FC enters this matchup having lost to LA Galaxy 2-0 on Saturday, resulting in the Galaxy edging them in El Traffico's all-time record 3W-2L-3D and missing out on three points. Real Salt Lake and LAFC, both tied in points – nine – in the Western Conference, will meet on Wednesday.
Manager Bob Bradley summoned a starting forward line consisting of Uruguayan wingers Brian Rodriguez and Diego Rossi with Mexican Striker Carlos Vela in between the two. Despite having the 2019 MLS Landon Donovan MVP award recipient back in the squad, Vela and LAFC were not able to find the back of the net. Both sides had the same amount of chances, but the Galaxy was able to make the best out of them.
The game will be available on national television aired on FOX Sports 1 on Sunday at 10 p.m.
Talk of the week: Other important storylines
Eastern Conference leaders Columbus Crew will take on bottom dwellers New York City FC on Monday's lone match at 7 p.m to kick off the week.
Headlining Tuesday, which includes five afternoon matchups, is a matchup between top of the Western Conference Sporting Kansas City and bottom of the table Houston Dynamo at 8:30 p.m.
LA Galaxy and the Seattle Sounders, two sides that disappointed in the MLS is Back Tournament, are looking stronger than they did a month ago after respective derby wins last week. They will face-off at Dignity Health Sports Park on Wednesday at 11 p.m.
The Canadian Classique between Toronto FC and Montreal Impact will be Friday's lone fixture at 8 p.m.
The Galaxy will play again on Saturday in an important rivalry match with the San Jose Earthquakes – California Clasico – starting at 10:30 p.m.
Top transfers and trades: Aug. 17-23
Aug. 21 – Matheus Aias – from Watford to Orlando City SC
Aug. 21 – Mangus Eriksson – from San Jose Earthquakes to Djugardens IF
Aug. 21 – Carlos Teran – from Envigado to Chicago Fire FC
Aug. 21 – Santiago Patino – from Orlando City SC to Cimarrones de Sonora
Aug. 20 – Jonathan Klinsmann – from St. Gallen to LA Galaxy
Aug. 20 – Kamohelo Mokotjo – from Brentford to FC Cincinnati
Aug. 19 – Yony Gonzalez – from Benfica to LA Galaxy
Aug. 18 – Phelipe – from Gremio to FC Dallas
Aug. 17 – Kekuta Manneh – from FC Cincinnati to New England Revolution
Aug. 17 – Ariel Lassiter – from Alajuelense to Houston Dynamo
Aug. 17 – Tommy McNamara – from Houston Dynamo to New England Revolution
Aug. 17 – Wilfred Zahibo – from New England Revolution to Houston Dynamo
