Atlanta United defeated San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 in the 2023 MLS week one game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, February 26.
Gonzalo Pineda’s side had played six friendly games ahead of the new season where they registered only one victory against St. Louis City, lost three matches, and drew twice.
While San Jose Earthquakes, on the other hand, won three out of the four friendly matches they played.
J. Ebobisse put San Jose in the lead 12th minute to the start via a wonderful header from a close range to the high center of the goal post after receiving a fine assist from Cristian Espinoza.
However, Thiago Almada’s late amazing brace dashed the visitor’s hope of winning the opening match, allotting Gonzalo’s side a good start to the season.
Argentina international Thiago Almada propelled his team to a breathtaking victory against San Jose with two dramatic late injury time goals at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Thiago Almada restored parity via a right-footed shot from outside the box to the top right corner in 90+3 minutes before sealing Atlantas’ victory with a wonderful right-footed shot from a free kick in 90+9 minutes.
Meanwhile, Nashville FC opened the MLS tournament for the new season, defeating New York City 2-0 on Saturday, February 25 before Sunday’s long fixtures.
Charlotte 0-1 New England
Sunday’s Major League Soccer tournament opener didn’t go well with Charlotte as they lost 0-1 on their home soil.
Henry Kessler’s right-footed shot from the right side of the box a minute to stoppage time handed New England a late away victory.
FC Cincinnati 2-1 Houston Dynamo FC
FC Cincinnati was highly impressive in the MLS season opener, defeating Houston Dynamo FC 2-1 in their opening match.
Álvaro Barreal was instrumental as Sergio Santos opened the scoresheet via his right-footed shot from the center of the box sending the ball to the bottom left corner.
Schmitt restored parity before the end of first-half (45+2) before Nwobodo made it 2-1 in favor of the home club as he fired a right-footed shot from the center of the box.
DC United 3-2 Toronto
DC United eventually defeated tough rival Toronto who almost grabbed a 2-1 away victory but thanks to Christian Benteke and Theodore Ku-Dipietro’s two late winning goals that sealed DC United’s 3-2 victory.
Inter Miami 2-0 Montreal
It was an easy victory and a good start for manager Philip John Neville as Inter Miami thrashed Montreal 2-0.
Serhiy Kryvtsov scored the first goal for Miami in the 41st minute of halftime following Gregore headed pass from a corner kick.
Shanyder Borgelin later sealed the 2-0 victory against Montreal in the 76th minute of the second half via a wonderful right-footed shot from the center of the box.
Orlando City FC 1-0 New York Red Bulls
Orlando City FC were also one of the winning teams in Sunday’s MLS fixtures as they thrashed New York Red Bulls 1-0 to secure their first three points.
Facundo Torres converted a penalty awarded to Orlando City after Sean Nealis’ hand touched the ball in the penalty area.
Philadelphia Union 4-1 Columbus Crew
Jim Curtin’s Philadelphia Union team currently sits at the top of the MLS table after they ruthlessly defeated Wilfried Nancy’s Columbus Crew 4-1.
Dániel Gazdag and Julián Carranza both registered two goals each while Jakob Glesnes erroneously scored against his own side.
Meanwhile, it was an awful Sunday for Austin, Dallas, and Vancouver Whitecaps as they all lost their first MLS home matches.
St. Louis City thrashed Austin 2-1 and Dallas suffered a 1-0 home defeat against Minnesota United FC, while Real Salt Lake clinched their first three points, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1.
