King Wilf crowned by Charlotte: MLS Gameweek 2 round-up | OneFootball

The MLS is back underway and the second match-week was action-packed. Lionel Messi was rested by Inter Miami, but there was still plenty of drama up and down the league. Here are the main talking points.

Wilfried Zaha’s dynamic debut

Crystal Palace legend Wilfried Zaha made his debut for new club Charlotte FC on Saturday, and registered a goal and assist to mark the occasion to be named Man of the Match. The Ivory Coast international has had a busy week, as his daughter was born in London just two days before the game, but he said the joyous news just gave him “extra power, extra strength” for the game.

Inter Miami cope without Messi

Some Houston supporters were unhappy they could not see the greatest player of all time in action, who was rested. Houston were moved to issue an apology to fans who had bought tickets in anticipation of seeing Lionel Messi. But Inter Miami did not struggle in his absence.

Luis Suarez managed a hat-trick of assists to help his side ease into a 4-1 victory. The Uruguayan forward was set-up by his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets to get himself on the scoresheet too.

LA Galaxy faltering so far

They won the MLS Cup last term, and were the best team in North America, but Greg Vanney’s side have made a very disappointing start to this season. Two losses in their first two is an abysmal start, but they may be slightly excused due to a terrible injury list.

Riqui Puig, Joseph Paintsil, Miki Yamane, Mauricio Cuevas, Matheus Nascimento, Garcés and Sanabria are all out at the moment. When some players are back, Galaxy should make a recovery.

San Jose Earthquakes cause a rumble

The Earthquakes are currently top of the Western Conference after the first two games. They have scored six goals and conceded only once. When considered that last season they finished dead last in their Conference, this has been a highly impressive start to the campaign for Bruce Arena’s side.

Sure, the quality of the opposition could get stronger, with both Salt Lake and their latest victims Sporting Kansas City amongst the favourites to struggle this season, but no one can argue with the progress that San Jose have made.

Philadelphia Union look united

A breathtaking start to the season for the Philadelphia Union. To go to Orlando and run them ragged was impressive for a season opener, but this weekend’s 4-1 home win over Cincinnati was even better.

Tai Baribo has made a fantastic start to the season, with five goals in the first two games, including a hat-trick against Cincinnati.