Our Major League Soccer expert James Nalton picks the standout players from the latest round of games in MLS, including his two votes for the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) MLS Player of the Matchday.
By James Nalton
The Top Two
9.2 FotMob rating: Luis Suárez, Inter Miami
Suárez will get the credit for two goals in this 4-1 win in Chicago against the Fire, but the own goal from Tobias Salquist which opened the scoring was mostly down to him, too.
It showed the attacking awareness few players have ever matched and has made him one of the greatest No. 9s the game has seen.
He played a one-two with an initial blind pass around the corner to his current support act Diego Gómez, before receiving the return ball and causing the save that led to the own goal.
Suárez then made sure to get his name on the scoresheet, finishing well on two occasions for a brace.
Despite his age and knee issues, which might cause him to retire altogether at the end of 2024, the burst of speed remains in his head and can make his goals look easy.
Inter Miami have won eight games out of nine in Lionel Messi’s absence through international call-ups and injury, and if Miami win the Supporters’ Shield on this form, Suárez, not Messi, might be the league’s MVP.
9.1 FotMob rating: Luca Orellano, FC Cincinnati
Given their usual prowess in recent times it is difficult to believe FC Cincinnati had not won in MLS since that memorable 6-1 thrashing of Inter Miami in July.
Four defeats on the bounce followed that victory, including revenge for Miami that has seen them take the initiative at the top of the table.
It was important that Cincinnati bounced back and at least maintained pressure on a Miami team that now looks likely to win the Supporters’ Shield.
Orellano played a big part in bringing some belief back to the team in a 4-1 win against Montreal.
It was his cross that caused trouble for the Montreal defence and saw Kevin Kelsy open the scoring.
He then scored twice from free kicks, the first via a deflection from a set piece just outside the area, and then another from inside his own half having noticed Jonathan Sirois off his line. Needless to say, it was the round’s standout goal.
It was also the second time this season Orellano has scored from such a distance, and in the absence of the suspended reigning MVP Luciano Acosta, he was able to sprinkle the star quality when it was needed.
Three more standout performers
8.8 FotMob rating: Braian Ojeda, Real Salt Lake
Like Cincinnati, Real Salt Lake had gone four games without a win in MLS, but recorded a 2-0 win against New England to remain in the mix at the top of the Western Conference.
Having sold one star player, Andrés Gómez, to Rennes in the summer transfer window, and missing another, Chicho Arango, through injury, it was time for RSL to show they have strength in depth and a solid gameplan that can survive without their stars.
Ojeda’s performance was important, but his assist was fairly unusual. He got a flick on an incoming free-kick into the opposition area which, rather than being a deft touch, ricocheted all the way out to Philip Quinton on the other side of the area, who was in enough space to score.
Ojeda had more touches than any other player on the pitch, with 88, completed 86% of his passes, made three successful dribbles and won seven duels.
9.0 FotMob rating: Facundo Torres, Orlando City
Suárez wasn’t the only in-form Uruguayan this week as Facundo Torres scored twice in Orlando’s 3-0 win against Nashville.
His first goal saw him start the move and finish it, getting on the end of Dagur Dan Thórhallsson’s cross having fed him down the right wing. He then finished well at the far post to record a brace.
The goals meant Torres has now passed Nani’s record for goals and assists combined for Orlando City in MLS with 52 (per MLS whose definition of an assist is more favourable than other stats providers).
Torres was heavily involved in general play, drifting into the centre from the right wing, with 53 touches and a pass success of 36/40 (90%) to go with his two goals.
9.2 FotMob rating: Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Minnesota United
Minnesota United have struggled in the middle of this season after a promising start, but have now won two of their last three as they look to embark on a positive end to the 2024 campaign.
Hlongwane scored twice in this latest win – 2-1 against bottom-of-the-table side San Jose Earthquakes.
He finished emphatically to open the scoring before hanging around in the right place to turn in the winner amid a scramble in the six-yard box.
He now has nine goals for the season, bettering last season’s tally, and these recent victories mean Minnesota still have an outside chance of making the playoffs.
(Cover Image from IMAGO)
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