MLS Weekend Wrap: Long-Range Goals Deliver Thrills Amid VAR Scrutiny
In an era where VAR dissects every goal in slow-motion, long-range strikes provided a much-needed immediate emotional hit this MLS weekend. These moments bypass the usual scrutiny, as VAR only intervenes for offside infractions, sparking familiar debates: could the goalkeeper have done anything to save it?
Zavier Gozo's Wonder Goal for Real Salt Lake
Zavier Gozo's goal for Real Salt Lake against Sporting Kansas City stands out as unsaveable. The 19-year-old homegrown talent, already a standout in MLS early weeks, collected the ball just outside the box, flicked it up, and volleyed to the far post, leaving goalkeeper John Pulskamp helpless. With two goals and three assists in 539 minutes, Gozo is proving to be a rising star, drawing attention from European clubs.
Wessam Abou Ali's Clever Finish for Columbus Crew
Wessam Abou Ali of Columbus Crew also delivered a stunning long-range effort in a 3-1 win over Atlanta United. After scoring the opener with a header, the Palestine international received a through ball, cut back like a running back, used defenders as screens, and fired an audacious strike to the far corner. This clever reading of space highlighted Atlanta's ongoing defensive struggles.
Goalkeeper Gaffes and Own Goals
Not all long-range goals were intentional. Colorado Rapids' Zack Steffen suffered a blunder when a back pass from Keegan Rosenberry, complicated by wind, swerved into his own net, gifting Toronto FC a point. Steffen's dismay was palpable, but coach Matt Wells defended him, emphasizing his importance to the team. The match also featured chaos with five goals and three red cards, including contentious decisions that shifted momentum.
Josh Sargent's Comeback Goal
Amid the mayhem, Josh Sargent scored his first goal since leaving Norwich City, heading in a corner to secure three points for his team. This capped a dramatic comeback in a match filled with red cards and defensive lapses.
Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga's Dominance for LAFC
Los Angeles FC showcased offensive firepower with Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga leading a 6-0 rout of Orlando City. Son recorded four assists in one half, becoming only the second player in MLS history to achieve this feat. Bouanga's hat-trick brought his MLS goal tally to 69, surpassing Sebastian Giovinco in fewer games. Their partnership has propelled LAFC to the top of the Western Conference with 16 points and zero goals conceded.
Other Notable MLS Highlights
- Diego Chara set an MLS record with his 124th yellow card, but his Portland Timbers fell 3-2 to Vancouver Whitecaps after blowing a late lead.
- Kelvin Yeboah scored the winner in Minnesota United's 2-1 victory over LA Galaxy, continuing his strong return from injury.
- Petar Musa netted his seventh goal of the season for FC Dallas in a 4-0 win over DC United, boosting his World Cup prospects.
- The Philadelphia Union extended their worst-ever start with a sixth straight loss, falling 2-1 to Charlotte FC.
This weekend in MLS underscored the thrill of long-range goals, offering fans pure joy and agony in equal measure, all while navigating the complexities of modern officiating.
