Saturday, March 03, 2018

MLS: Inauspicous Start To Reds' Title Defense As Crew Knock Off TFC In Toronto; Dynamo Blast Five Stripes; Philly, Quakes Earn Season-Opening Home Wins; Late Goals Salvage Home Draws For Lions, Hoops

Saturday marked the opening day of Major League Soccer's 23rd season as six games were on the docket.

At Toronto:

Federico Higuain (44') and Gyasi Zardes (46'; remember him, Galaxy fans?) each scored once as the Columbus Crew spoiled the opening contest of Toronto FC's MLS Cup title defense by knocking off the Reds 2-0 on the road.

At Houston:

Andrew Wenger (5'), Philippe Senderos (23'), Mauro Manotas (27'), and Darwin Creen (45'+2) each scored a first-half goal as the Houston Dynamo did all the damage in the opening half of their season-opening 4-0 home demolition of Atlanta United.

At Chester, Pennsylvania:

Anthony Fontana (43') ad C.J. Sapong (69') each scored once as the Philadelphia Union opened their season by blanking the visiting New England Revolution 2-0.

At Orlando, Florida:

Stefano Pinho's equalizer in the third minute of second-half stoppage time lifted Orlando City to a 1-1 home draw with DC United in the season opener for both clubs.

Yamil Asad scored for DC in the 32nd minute.

At Frisco, Texas:

Marcelo Silva's own goal in the 86th minute carried FC Dallas to a 1-1 curtain-raising home draw with Real Salt Lake.

Joao Plata scored for RSL in the 25th minute.

At San Jose, California:

Danny Hoesen scored twice (27', 59') as the San Jose Earthquakes opened their season by holding off visiting Minnesota United 3-2.

No comments: