After Matchday 5 wrapped up, we got changes on the top of the MLS scoreboard. First of all, Inter Miami could not retain the top of the Eastern Conference, and now Cincinnati is the current leader as the team with the most points in the season so far.
Inter Miami is now in 2nd place, but we have the NY Red Bulls, Columbus Crew, and Toronto tied with them at 10 points. However, it is interesting enough that the top team in the Western Conference is at the pinnacle with 10 points, but their lead is only 1 point over the second-placed LA Galaxy.Â
Things got pretty interesting going forward in the season due to the results from this weekend’s clashes, so it is time to take a deep dive and look at what happened during these games.
MLS Matchday 5 Roundup – New York RB 4 – 0 Inter Miami
When and Where?
Saturday, March 23, 2:00 pm ET at the Red Bull ArenaÂ
Moneyline odds:Â
New York RB 2.264
Inter Miami 3.035
Draw Offs:Â
3.54
Where can I watch it?Â
MLS Season Pass on Apple TVÂ
Inter Miami seemed prepared to comfortably take the top of the conference at the beginning of the MLS season, but something has not been going their way recently, and it backfired hard in this clash. Even with other stars in the team, the Messi-dependance in the squad is palpable.
Things were favoring New York RB going into the field, but we doubt anybody would’ve expected to see the 4-0 score the match ended with as Lewis Morgan decided to pull a hat trick, which started as early as the 3rd minute.
Wikelman Cardona managed to jump in after Morgan’s second to add his own in the 66th minute, only to be followed by the Scottish’s 3rd goal in the 70th minute.
It was a terrible night out for Inter Miami, but at least they are still second on the scoreboard for the Eastern Side.
MLS Matchday 5 Roundup – New England 1 – 1 Chicago Fire
When and Where?Â
Saturday, March 23, 2:00 pm ET at the Gillette StadiumÂ
Moneyline odds:Â
New England 1.95Â
Chicago Fire 3.62
Draw Offs:Â
3.78
Where can I watch it?Â
MLS Season Pass on Apple TVÂ
Chicago Fire managed to do way better than expected, and even though they didn’t win this match, they fought to get a point.
Not only did New England fail to score three points as many had expected they would at home, but they also had to play catch up after Chicago scored on them in the 20th minute.
The score was even after New England scored in the 4th extra minute of the first half, so everybody expected they would try to push the fight back and take over in the second half. However, that didn’t happen, and Chicago managed to end the score in a draw.
MLS Matchday 5 Roundup – LAFC 5 – 0 Nashville SC
When and Where?Â
Saturday, March 23, 10:30 pm ET at the Banc of California StadiumÂ
Moneyline odds:Â
LAFC 1.575Â
Nashville SC 5.50
Draw Offs:Â
4.18
Where can I watch it?Â
MLS Season Pass on Apple TVÂ
LAFC took the chance to beat Nashville at home to heart, as they not only secured the win but they went ahead and fully destroyed them on the field.
Scoring three times during the first half was enough to break a Nashville that couldn’t fight the pressure back, but going out in the Second half and scoring another two goals was sending a message to the rest of the teams.
LAFC looked like a beast in this clash, but they must keep the pace to make up for their previous results.
MLS Matchday 5 Roundup – Timbers 1 – 3 Philadelphia
When and Where?Â
Saturday, March 23, 10:30 pm ET at Providence ParkÂ
Moneyline odds:Â
Timbers 2.185Â
Philadelphia 3.12Â
Draw Offs:Â
3.62
Where can I watch it?Â
MLS Season Pass on Apple TVÂ
The Portland Timbers fell to Eastern Conference side Philadelphia Union in what was an impressive upset, as the Union managed to not only get past the locals but to do it overwhelmingly with a whooping 1-3.
Philadelphia started early, getting the first goal in the 28th minute to get the lead thanks to Julian Carranza. It was in the second half where Quinn Sullivan marked the 2nd in the 58th, and Julian came again in the 67th minute to make the most of Mikael Uhre’s play and score another.
Jonathan RodrÃguez scored his first goal for Portland on the 80th, logging a 90-minute performance in his first match at Providence Park, and breaking Philadelphia’s clean sheet.