NFL Action Kicks Off with Exceptional Debut by Wilfried Zaha
The MLS returned to action on Saturday, continuing the high-energy performances that marked its opening weekend with a series of thrilling matches. The early game featured Charlotte FC hosting Atlanta United at Bank of America Stadium, and it was a debut to remember for Ivorian star Wilfried Zaha. The former Premier League standout made an immediate impact on North American soil, scoring just five minutes after assisting Liel Abada’s opening goal in the 49th minute. Charlotte FC’s 2-0 victory not only showcased Zaha’s talent but also highlighted the team’s potential under manager Dean Smith. Smith, in his post-match interview, praised Zaha, stating, "He’s the type of player we were missing last season for sure. We’ve seen in one performance today he can produce moments of magic."
Real Salt Lake Secures a Convincing Win
Following the early game, Real Salt Lake entertained Seattle Sounders at Rio Tinto Stadium. The match got off to an unexpected start when Nouhou Tolo inadvertently scored an own goal in the 12th minute, giving Real Salt Lake a 1-0 lead. The home side extended their advantage in the 79th minute through a goal from substitute Forster Ajago. The 2-0 win was a confident start for RSL, demonstrating their organization and resilience. This victory adds to the early optimism surrounding the team’s prospects in the 2025 season.
Philadelphia Union’s Dominant Display
The evening brought a flurry of excitement with Philadelphia Union maintaining their early-season form by thrashing FC Cincinnati 4-1. Tai Baribo, the Union’s prolific forward, stole the show with a hat-trick, marking his incredible start to the season. This performance sees Baribo join a select group of players who have scored five goals in the first two matches of an MLS season, including Javier Hernández, Ayo Akinola, and Brian Ching. The Union’s manager, Jim Curtin, must be delighted with the early returns from his star striker, who has now tallied five goals in just two fixtures.
Orlando City’s Rebound Victory
Orlando City also had a reason to celebrate as they secured their first win of the season in a high-scoring 4-2 match against Toronto FC. The victory came as a perfect response to their 4-2 loss to Philadelphia Union the previous weekend. Manager Oscar Pareja would have been pleased with his team’s ability to bounce back and assert their attacking prowess. The match was a rollercoaster, with Orlando’s players displaying both defensive grit and offensive flair, ultimately securing the three points.
Narrow Wins for Columbus Crew and NY Red Bulls
Columbus Crew and NY Red Bulls both recorded narrow victories, maintaining their perfect start to the 2025 MLS campaign. The Crew triumphed 1-0 over the New England Revolution in a relatively dull affair, with a goal from Gyasi Zardes sealing the deal. Meanwhile, the NY Red Bulls clinched a 2-0 win over Nashville SC at Red Bull Arena, with Emil Forsberg’s stunning strike standing out as a goal of the matchday contender. Both teams will be looking to build on these results as the season progresses.
San Jose Earthquakes and D.C. United Battle for Points
Bruce Arena’s guidance continues to pay dividends at San Jose, as the Earthquakes secured another victory, this time a 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City. Despite being reduced to ten men after Hernán López’s red card, the Earthquakes showed remarkable resilience to secure the three points. San Jose’s early success under Arena’s leadership positions them as serious contenders in the Western Conference.
In a heart-stopping finish, D.C. United’s Jacob Murrell broke the deadlock in the final minutes with a spectacular bicycle kick, securing a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire. This late equalizer saved the capital club from a disappointing result, especially after Christian Benteke’s missed penalty in the 90th minute. Despite the setback, Benteke’s overall performance and his contribution to the club’s 40-goal milestone in just 70 games highlight his importance to the team.
Player of the Day: Tai Baribo
It is virtually impossible to overlook Tai Baribo’s performance for Philadelphia Union this week. His hat-trick in the 4-1 win over FC Cincinnati was a masterclass in clinical finishing, and he now leads the race for the Golden Boot. Baribo’s impressive tally of five goals in two matches places him in elite company, joining Javier Hernández, Ayo Akinola, and Brian Ching in the annals of MLS history. His early form is a significant boost for the Union as they aim to maintain their dominance in the Eastern Conference.
Stat of the Day: Christian Benteke’s Milestone
While much of the post-match discussion will likely center around Christian Benteke’s missed penalty, his overall contribution to D.C. United cannot be ignored. Benteke’s goal against the Chicago Fire marked his 40th regular-season goal in just 70 games for the club, making him the second-fastest player to reach this milestone. He now trails only El Salvadorian legend Raúl DÃaz Arce, who achieved the feat in 58 games. Benteke’s performance underscores his importance to D.C. United, even if this particular match ended in a draw.
Eastern Conference Standings
Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew are off to a flying start in the Eastern Conference, having won both of their opening matches to accumulate six points each. Charlotte FC, buoyed by Wilfried Zaha’s debut performance, sits in third place with four points. These early results set the stage for a competitive race, with teams vying to establish their credentials in the conference. FC Cincinnati and New England Revolution, who have yet to taste victory, will be eager to turn things around in the coming weeks.
Western Conference Standings
In the Western Conference, San Jose Earthquakes and LAFC are locked at the top with six points apiece, thanks to their back-to-back victories. San Diego FC, despite their 0-0 draw with St. Louis City, sits third with four points, alongside FC Dallas. Both Montréal and Sporting Kansas City face an early-season challenge after losing their first two matches, with their managers likely to make tactical adjustments to improve their performances.
Looking Ahead
The second week of MLS action promises more exciting fixtures. Vancouver Whitecaps will welcome LA Galaxy to BC Place, and Houston Dynamo will play host to Inter Miami. These matches could be crucial in shaping the early-season narratives for each team. With the league’s star power and increasing competitiveness, fans can expect more high-quality football and dramatic moments as the 2025 season unfolds.
A Promising Start to the 2025 MLS Season
The return of MLS action this past Saturday was a fitting sequel to the opening weekend’s excitement. From Wilfried Zaha’s magical debut to Tai Baribo’s historic hat-trick, and from the narrow victories of Columbus Crew and NY Red Bulls to the resilient performances of San Jose Earthquakes and D.C. United, the league has shown its depth and quality. As the season progresses, these early performances will only fuel the anticipation for what lies ahead, with fans and pundits alike eager to see how the teams develop and compete over the coming months.
