The MLS regular season roared back on Saturday, and new stars met the moment with standout debuts during Matchday 29.
Marco Reus delivered 1g/1a in a 2-0 win over Atlanta United, extending LA Galaxy's lead atop the Western Conference standings. Luca Langoni similarly starred off the bench, icing the New England Revolution's 5-0 rout at CF Montréal with 1g/1a. St. Louis CITY SC midfielder Marcel Hartel also stepped up, producing three assists in a wild 4-4 draw at the Portland Timbers.
Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets helped Inter Miami CF become the first Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs-bound team, secured via a 2-0 win over FC Cincinnati. Suárez bagged a brace, including the fastest goal in Inter Miami history, while Busquets expertly led the backline as the Supporters' Shield leaders weathered Tomás Avilés' first-half red card.
FC Dallas earned their first road win of the season, with Sebastian Lletget tallying 1g/2a in a 4-3 triumph over D.C. United. Albert Rusnák added 1g/1a in a 3-2 win at Minnesota United FC, continuing his quietly fantastic season for Seattle Sounders FC. Evander (1g/2a) sealed Portland's comeback draw vs. St. Louis with another must-see free kick.
LA center back Maya Yoshida showed his World Cup experience vs. Atlanta, and Charlotte FC center back Adilson Malanda successfully partnered with summer signing Tim Ream in a 1-1 draw vs. New York Red Bulls. Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver made seven saves in a 2-0 win at Nashville SC, highlighted by stopping Hany Mukhtar's penalty kick.
San Jose Earthquakes interim coach Ian Russell leads the latest Team of the Matchday presented by Audi after a 2-0 win at Real Salt Lake – building off their strong Leagues Cup performance.
Team of the Matchday (3-4-3, left to right): Brad Stuver (ATX) - Adilson Malanda (CLT), Sergio Busquets (MIA), Maya Yoshida (LA) - Sebastian Lletget (DAL), Marcel Hartel (STL), Evander (POR), Albert Rusnák (SEA) - Marco Reus (LA), Luis Suárez (MIA), Luca Langoni (NE)
Coach: Ian Russell (SJ)
Bench: Drake Callender (MIA), Jackson Ragen (SEA), Jake Davis (SKC), Carles Gil (NE), Riqui Puig (LA), Cristian Espinoza (SJ), Bobby Wood (NE), Kelvin Yeboah (MIN), Alonso Martínez (NYC)
Audi Goals Drive Progress
MLS Academies have been identified as one of the most important resources for building on-field talent in North America. Through the Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative, Audi has committed $1 million per season in an effort to advance academies league-wide, and to drive progress for the sport. For every goal scored in the regular season, Audi will contribute $200 into the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund to directly support each MLS Club Youth Academy.
