Around the MLS: Matchweek 3

Story posted March 19, 2023 in CommRadio, Sports by Ben Palillo

This past weekend was another action-packed affair for the MLS.

Joaquín Torres’ late winner leading the Philadelphia Union over Chicago Fire FC, St. Louis City SC staying undefeated after defeating the Portland Timbers and MLS NEXT Pro revealing its new playoff format were some of the top storylines from this past weekend.

Let’s dive into these top storylines from America’s top league.

Joaquín Torres’ Late Winner Leads the Philadelphia Union Over Chicago Fire FC

After a stunning 2-0 loss to Inter Miami, the reigning Eastern Conference champions looked to grab a crucial early season victory over Chicago Fire FC.

The Fire had some excellent chances early. In the 19th minute, Rafael Czichos sent a strike from the center of the box that Andre Blake managed to fight off. Then in the 30th minute, Kacper Przybyłko sent a header that Blake saved.

On the save, though, Blake went down with an injury, and Joe Bendik came in as an injury substitute.

By the time the first half came to an end, the Fire had amassed four yellow cards. The cards caught up to the blue and red as the second half began.

In the 50th minute, Fabian Herbers made a late challenge and was booked for the second time, forcing the Fire to play with 10 men.

It looked like the Fire would hang on to earn a point, but then in the 90th minute, Joaquín Torres struck.

Torres dribbled in towards the box and took a shot that skipped off the turf and past Chris Brady to secure three points for the Union.

The Philadelphia Union will try to win consecutive games for the first time this season when they travel on Saturday to take CF Montréal. While the Chicago Fire will look for their first win when they host FC Cincinnati.

St. Louis City SC Stays Undefeated After Defeating the Portland Timbers

The MLS’ newest squad looked to stay hot when they traveled to Portland to take on the Timbers.

The green and gold got the Timbers Army into the game early. In the third minute, Eryk Williamson sent a corner that Zac McGraw connected on to give Portland the early 1-0 lead.

The Timbers looked like they were going to enter the half with a 1-0  but then Jared Stroud struck. In the 45th+1, João Klauss sent a cross into the box that Stroud skipped into the net.

Then in the 75th minute, St. Louis City SC took the lead. Eduard Löwen blasted a long free kick into the box that Kyle Hiebert headed in to give St. Louis City SC a 2-1 lead they would never relinquish.

St. Louis City SC will look to stay undefeated when they host the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, while the Portland Timbers will look to grab three points against Atlanta United.

MLS NEXT Pro Reveals a New Playoff Format

The MLS NEXT Pro playoffs will look a little different this year. On Tuesday, the league announced a new format with a “pick your opponent” structure.

Seven teams will make the playoffs from each conference, with the number one seed earning a bye to the conference semifinals.

The two and three seeds in each conference will now select their opponents for the opening round, while the two remaining teams not picked will face off with the higher seed hosting.

Then in the conference semifinals, the number one seed will choose their opponent. Finally, the team with more points will host the Conference Finals and Finals.

 

Ben Palillo is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email bgp5079@psu.edu.