🖐 things we learned from MLS matchday 26

MLS matchday 26 delivered a ton of storylines. From top-five clashes to big upsets, let’s dig into the five things we learned from the action.

The Portland Timbers are the real deal

Jul 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis (41) celebrates the win with midfielder Evander (10) against Real Salt Lake at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Neville appears to have his Timbers side humming. The Cascadia club have been on a tear since hitting rock-bottom against rivals Seattle back in may, only losing twice in 12 MLS games.

In that time they’ve climbed up the Western Conference standings, and now they have their signature result to cap off the hot-streak after beating Real Salt Lake by a staggering 3-0 scoreline Saturday evening.

The attacking force of Evander, Felipe Mora, and Jonathan Rodríguez has proven to be one of the best in the division. The trio have racked up 55 goal contributions between them and do not appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

Phil Neville’s side now sit just two points out of the top-four in the West.

Columbus are the true kings of MLS

Jul 13, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Columbus Crew forward Christian Ramirez (17) celebrates with midfielder Alexandru Matan (20) and defender Steven Moreira (31) after scoring a goal in the second half against LAFC at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

As statement wins go, it doesn’t get much bigger than storming into BMO Stadium and thumping LAFC 5-1 — but that is exactly what the Crew did over the weekend.

Christian Ramirez, Cucho Hernández, and Diego Rossi continue to run riot on even the best defensive forces in the league, while the unrelenting press keeps teams from launching any attacks on the Crew rearguard.

Wilfried Nancy’s side have won nine of their last 11 games in MLS and after leaving Los Angeles with a scalp on Saturday, they reminded everybody that whoever wants to win MLS Cup, and the Supporters Shield will have to go through Columbus first.

It was only a blip for Charlotte

Jul 13, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Charlotte FC forward Kerwin Vargas (18) celebrates scoring during the second half against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte’s hot streak burnt out in recent weeks, and they headed into a showdown with Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati over the weekend on the back of two straight defeats.

But that big task was no problem for Dean Smith’s side, as they cruised out of TQL with a famous victory, fending off multiple Cincinnati fightbacks.

That victory could prove to be a vital one for the Crown, as they remain within two points of the Eastern Conference top-four.

The icing on the cake for the North Carolina faithful comes in the form of a reminder — Charlotte still have a couple of Designated Player spots to play with heading into the summer transfer window.

The LA Galaxy are an enigma

Jul 13, 2024; Frisco, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig (10) takes a drink of water in the second half against the FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

You never know which LA Galaxy you’re going to get from one week to the next. The front-foot, free-flowing Galaxy lead by Riqui Puig and Dejan Joveljić is good enough to drive a dagger into any team in MLS.

Yet without Joveljić the Galaxy look blunt, and after just one shot on target against FC Dallas over the weekend, Greg Vanney’s side proved that they are only a few missing pieces away from slipping into mid-table obscurity.

However, Vanney’s comments after the loss in Texas at the weekend could give some hope to the Galaxy faithful that reinforcements could be on their way this summer.

“It’s something in consideration (making summer signings),” he said. “Will (Kuntz) and the guys are figuring through our resources and what options are available. Certainly things we’ve talked about.”

Jordan Morris must get his flowers

Jul 13, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Seattle Sounders FC forward Jordan Morris (13) celebrates a goal against Austin FC in the second period at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports 

Seattle are slowly beginning to creep back into the picture after four straight wins, and veteran forward Jordan Morris is a big reason why.

Morris has constantly rotated throughout the forward positions, but a recent run as down the middle has seen the 29-year-old catch fire, bagging nine goals in his last 11 games.

It is no surprise that as Morris got hot, the Sounders did too. If he continues to find the back of the net and mask the slowing down of Raúl Ruidíaz, you just never know how high the ceiling might be for a team lead by Brian Schmetzer.