Atlanta

The Argentine made his long-awaited return from injury in their 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union, having a hand in all three goals as they opened up a 10-point lead over FC Cincinnati in the table.

It was their fifth consecutive win following their heavy 6-1 loss to Cincinnati, and Messi acknowledged how well the team had performed amid some injury troubles this season.

"As we said at the beginning, we know the squad we have, and the title is our goal," he told Apple TV. "We're realistic and take responsibility for it.

"Unfortunately, we've had a lot of bad luck with injuries this year and were never at full strength for one reason or another. We were always missing players, but the team always managed to push through."

On his own return from an ankle problem he sustained playing in the Copa America final, he said: "It was a lot of time off the field. Little by little, I found myself with the group. I felt good, and that's why we decided that I would start. I am very happy."

Meanwhile, Atlanta are down in 10th on 31 points, half of Miami's own points tally, though they did shock the Herons in their last meeting, beating them 3-1 on the road.

They have won just once since the return of MLS action following the Leagues Cup break though – a narrow 1-0 victory over Charlotte FC – and lost last time out at home to Nashville SC.

The Five Stripes were outplayed on Saturday, and midfielder Ajani Fortune has urged his team-mates to show more of a fight when they meet Miami on Wednesday.

"We will change the little things, like the work rate and stuff like that, but we look to keep fighting," he said.

"I think that's the biggest thing we were missing [against Nashville], so once we have that, we'll be in a better spot to perform."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Atlanta United – Saba Lobjanidze  

Saba Lobjanidze had recorded at least one assist in three consecutive home appearances, but that run came to an end against Nashville.

Indeed, nine of his 12 goal contributions this season have come at home, including all six assists.

Inter Miami – Lionel Messi

Messi was straight back into the action for Miami after an eight-game absence, scoring twice and assisting one against Philadelphia last time out.

He has now netted 27 goals for the Herons, and another brace against Atlanta would draw him level with their all-time leading goalscorers, Gonzalo Higuain and Leonardo Campana.

MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN

Miami are currently on a five-match winning streak in MLS, scoring 14 goals in that run. They have actually netted in each of their last 14 matches; however, they have struggled for clean sheets, only keeping one in their last 13 games in the competition.

Atlanta have proven a thorn in Miami's side over the years and have won their last two matches against the Herons, including that 3-1 victory at Chase Stadium in May. Indeed, they have only failed to beat Miami in four of their previous meetings (W5 D3).

Atlanta have won only two of their last 11 regular season home matches (D3 L5) dating back to the beginning of April, while they have won just two of their last eight outings in MLS (D1 L5). 

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Atlanta United – 28.6%

Draw – 24.4%

Inter Miami – 47%

Castellanos, who netted 17 regular-season goals, opened the scoring in 49th minute with a miscued volley which bounced in fortunately over Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Alexander Callens doubled New York City's lead four minutes later, heading in unmarked from close range after Guzan tipped Maxi Moralez's effort on to the frame of the post.

Atlanta defender Alan Franco was sent off late for dissent to rub salt into the wounds, as New York City secured a fifth semi-final berth in the past six seasons.

New York City will next play Eastern Conference top seed and Supporter's Shield winners New England Revolution.

Sebastian Blanco netted a second-half double as Portland Timbers came from behind to beat Minnesota United 3-1, clinching four consecutive wins and a Western Conference semi-final date with Colorado Rapids.

Franco Fragapane gave Minnesota an 11th-minute lead, but Portland rallied with Larrys Mabiala heading in the equaliser before half-time.

Blanco rifled in a low drive early in the second half before opening a two-goal lead with a spectacular 66th-minute long-range strike.

Zardes scored a brace as Columbus thrashed Jaap Stam's Cincinnati 4-0 in Florida on Saturday.

Stam took charge of Cincinnati for the first time since being appointed coach in May, but they were well beaten in the Group E clash.

Columbus opened the scoring in the 27th minute through Lucas Zelarayan, who curled in a wonderful 20-yard free-kick.

Just three minutes later and it was 2-0, Zardes finishing clinically after a pass from Youness Mokhtar.

Zardes got on the end of a lovely cross from Zelarayan early in the second half, finishing from close range to complete his brace.

A fine team move led to the sealer with half an hour remaining, Mokhtar curling into the bottom corner from inside the area.

Also in Group E, the Red Bulls edged Atlanta United 1-0.

The game's only goal came through Florian Valot, who finished in a one-on-one in the fourth minute.

Youness Mokhtar's first-half goal saw Columbus edge Atlanta 1-0 in Group E at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on Tuesday.

Columbus will finish top of the group with three wins from as many games, while Atlanta are out.

Mokhtar's goal in the 18th minute came after a fine team move before the attacker tucked away a Milton Valenzuela pass.

Montreal overcame DC United 1-0 to remain a chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.

Saphir Taider's deflected strike from distance just after the half-hour mark secured third place in Group C for Montreal.

While DC United have been eliminated, Thierry Henry's Montreal must wait for results in other games to see if they will feature in the last 16.

Alcivar caught Brad Guzan napping in the Atlanta goal in the 11th minute, spectacularly curling his right-footed corner into the far post for an Olimpico.

Having lost to Atlanta in March and following their defeat to Philadelphia Union the week prior, Miguel Angel Ramirez's side needed to regain momentum and not lose early ground in the Eastern Conference.

Alcivar's early goal provided an ideal platform, with Charlotte also now stopping their opponents from scoring a first-half goal in five of their opening seven games of the MLS season.

It was their third victory in as many games where they have led at the interval, moving to fifth in the East on nine points.

In Sunday's second and final game, Austin moved to within two points of LAFC at the top of the Western Conference, following a 1-0 win over Minnesota United.

It started slowly at Q2 Stadium, with an extremely passive first half providing only two shots in total over the opening 45 minutes.

Maxi Urruti's goal in the 58th minute eventually proved to be winner, with Minnesota generating a low cumulative xG of 0.47 from eight shots in the second half.

Austin's defensive solidity is the base their play has been built upon in their second season, with only FC Dallas conceding fewer goals than them so far in the Western Conference.

Josh Wolff's side has now secured three wins and two draws in six games, adding to a logjam at the top of the West, with only three points separating the top seven sides.

Expansion side Charlotte drew a single-game attendance record of 74,479 fans, eclipsing the 73,019 mark set by Atlanta United in the 2018 MLS Cup.

Galaxy had the better of the chances with Victor Vazquez hitting the woodwork in the 18th minute, while Javier Hernandez forced a good save from Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.

Alvarez made the decisive breakthrough with a spectacular left-foot shot from outside the box which nestled into the top corner to spoil the Charlotte party.

Scottish forward Lewis Morgan netted a first-half hat-trick as New York Red Bulls won 4-1 away to Toronto.

Morgan's finishes for his opening two goals were similar, set up by Patryk Klimala with curling right-foot shots in the 17th and 24th minutes.

Jesus Jimenez pulled one back for Toronto, before Klimala released Morgan on halfway and the Scot raced forward to slot home for his treble.

Carles Gil's penalty on the stroke of half-time earned 2021 Supporters' Shield winners New England Revolution a 1-0 home win over Dallas. The victory meant Revs head coach Bruce Arena became the all-time leader among MLS coaches for regular-season wins.

Francisco Calvo scored twice in the final 10 minutes as 10-man San Jose Earthquakes salvaged a 3-3 draw with Columbus Crew.

Ola Kamara netted a stoppage-time winner for DC United as they beat Cincinnati 1-0, while Chicago Fire and Orlando City drew 0-0 and Real Salt Lake won 1-0 over Seattle Sounders.

Colorado Rapids won 3-0 over Atlanta United at home and Vancouver Whitecaps held on for a goalless draw with reigning MLS Cup champions New York City.

Sporting KC got past Houston Dynamo 1-0 while 10-man Philadelphia Union edged Montreal 2-1 and Minnesota United drew 1-1 with Nashville.

George Campbell headed home the opener in the 25th minute for his first MLS goal and Atlanta benefitted from an own goal by Daryl Dike in the 38th. 

Ezequiel Barco ended any suspense by netting in the 72nd minute after taking a long ball and working his way laterally across the penalty area before firing home with his right foot.

The emphatic win leaves Atlanta level on points with D.C. United, who remain seventh in the Eastern Conference on goal differential.

In Western Conference play, Portland defeated Vancouver 1-0 thanks to a 66th-minute own goal by Ranko Veselinovic. 

Felipe Mora's low drive from the right side got past Vancouver goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau and appeared headed for the net, but it was Veselinovic who made sure it got there with a failed clearance.

Portland moved past Minnesota and into fifth in the conference with the victory, while Vancouver remained just outside play-off position, one point adrift of Real Salt Lake.

Josef Martinez put Atlanta in front with an hour played, converting from the spot for his first goal of the campaign – the Venezuelan having failed to score in his first two starts of a season for the first time prior to matchday three.

Adam Armour nodded Charlotte level from a Benjamin Bender delivery just six minutes later and that looked set to deprive Atlanta of the three points.

But in the sixth minute of stoppage time, a raking Marcelino Moreno pass found Jake Mulraney on the right and his left-footed effort was deflected out of Kristijan Kahlina's reach to spark bedlam in the stands.

There was no such late rescue for the Red Bulls, however.

Gerhard Struber's men were the dominant force, managing 18 shots to Minnesota's five, but they could not find a way past the inspired Dayne St. Clair in the visitors' net.

Patryk Klimala spurned the best chance of all after just 14 minutes, with his feeble penalty kept out by St. Clair, who was only starting due to first-choice Tyler Miller being ruled out with an illness.

That was one of eight saves made by St. Clair, the most made by any goalkeeper in a single game this season.

Minnesota were more clinical, with Luis Amarilla converting with a well-taken volley from 10 yards early in the second half.

The Red Bulls were unfortunate not to get a late penalty after John Tolkin's pass appeared to be handled in the box, but Minnesota survived that scare to claim their first win of the season and prevent the home side from becoming the only side in MLS to have a 100 per cent record after three matches.

Lewis Morgan's brace helped David Beckham's Inter defeat Eastern Conference rivals Atlanta United 2-1 in Miami on Wednesday.

In the midst of a three-game winless streak and with just five points from their nine regular-season matches, expansion franchise Inter opened the scoring through Morgan midweek.

A 28th-minute counter-attack led by Rodolfo Pizarro resulted in former Celtic winger Morgan beating Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan from an acute angle.

Atlanta equalised five minutes later when Eric Remedi put the ball over the line from his position on the ground after his initial backheel was blocked by Andres Reyes.

The winning goal came seven minutes before half-time – Morgan restoring Inter's lead with a curling finish from the top of the penalty area.

But not before some wild penalty drama, starting in the 40th minute. Inter goalkeeper Luis Robles saved Ezequiel Barco's attempt but Erick Torres crashed in to convert the rebound.

It was ruled out for encroachment, however, following a video review, though Barco was given a retake after Inter were also penalised for encroachment but Robles thwarted the Atlanta attacker again.

Inter are 13th in the 14-team Eastern Conference, three points adrift of eighth-placed Atlanta and 15 behind leaders Columbus Crew.

Toronto are second and two points adrift of the Crew following their last-gasp 2-1 win at Canadian rivals the Impact.

Pablo Piatti's 32nd-minute opener had been cancelled out by Montreal's former Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama eight minutes into the second half.

But Altidore popped up with the winner in the 89th minute, finishing under onrushing Impact goalkeeper Clement Diop, snapping Toronto's run of back-to-back defeats.

Elsewhere, Real Salt Lake accounted for slumping Supporters' Shield holders Los Angeles FC 3-0, Minnesota United edged Dallas 3-2 and Lalas Abubakar's 96th-minute equaliser salvaged a 1-1 draw for Colorado Rapids against in-form Houston Dynamo.

David Beckham's Inter Miami were looking to keep their fading play-off hopes alive on Saturday, however, second-half goals from New York City pair Valentin Castellanos and Talles Magno dashed that dream.

Inter Miami had never taken a point against New York City in their three previous meetings, losing all three. New York City were one of two teams Inter Miami had faced more than once without claiming a point, along with DC United.

That drought continued despite Inter Miami defender Jorge Figal initially cancelling out Castellanos' 33rd-minute opener at DRV PNK Stadium, where co-owner Beckham was in attendance.

But New York City – third in the Eastern Conference – hit back via Castellanos and Magno to clinch a play-off spot thanks to results elsewhere as Inter Miami were left to pick up the pieces in Phil Neville's first season as head coach.

Cade Cowell, meanwhile, scored a memorable solo goal as the Earthquakes outlasted Real Salt Lake 4-3 in a wild showdown.

The 18-year-old collected the ball in his own half with 21 minutes remaining before barging down the right flank, cutting in between two RSL defenders and finishing past David Ochoa with the outside of his boot.

Elsewhere, Fabio netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner as New York Red Bulls edged Montreal 1-0 to move into the seventh and final play-off spot in the east.

Defending champions Columbus Crew kept their slim play-off hopes alive with a 3-1 win over DC United, Toronto and Atlanta United drew 1-1 and 10-man Dallas edged Austin 2-1.

Expansion franchise Inter – co-owned by former Manchester United, Real Madrid and England star David Beckham – made their home debut in Miami on Saturday.

Making their home bow at the former site of Lockhart Stadium, while they wait for their yet-to-be constructed Miami Freedom Park to be built, Inter had lost five consecutive games since joining the league.

Inter exited the MLS is Back Tournament behind closed doors in Orlando with three straight defeats amid the coronavirus pandemic, but a return to regular league action saw Diego Alonso's men finally prevail.

Julian Carranza gave Inter a 12th-minute lead, only for Orlando's Daryl Dike to restore parity for the MLS is Back Tournament runners-up six minutes later.

Inter moved ahead again thanks to another Carranza goal approaching the half-hour mark before Rodolfo Pizzaro's volley doubled the advantage four minutes into the second half.

Orlando star Nani reduced deficit with 10 minutes remaining, however, Inter held on for a memorable three points.

Goals from Ethan Zubak and Sebastian Lletget helped the Galaxy claim bragging rights with a 2-0 victory against LAFC.

The Galaxy were routed 6-2 by LAFC at the MLS is Back Tournament last month, however, they avenged that painful defeat.

LAFC also saw star Carlos Vela exit the game early in the second half with an apparent knee injury at Banc of California Stadium.

Elsewhere, Pity Martinez's brace inspired Atlanta United's 2-0 win at home to Nashville, while Real Salt Lake came from behind to rout Colorado Rapids 4-1 thanks to a four-goal second half.

The Argentine stepped up to convert the 83rd minute spot-kick, extending New England's lead to 12 points from second-placed New York City in the east.

Canada international Tajon Buchanan had put Revolution ahead in the 19th minute with an excellent header and they looked good value for the win until Toronto's 79th-minute equaliser.

Jonathan Osorio levelled the game with a close-range tap-in from Pozuelo's shot across goal.

But New England found a winner, with Bou sending his penalty high to the goalkeeper's right for his 12th goal of the season. The win extends Revolution's unbeaten run to seven games.

New York City kept up the pressure in second spot with a 2-0 home win over Inter Miami thanks to a double from Valentin Castellanos, including a Panenka penalty.

The victory means City are undefeated across their past six league games, winning four of them.

New York Red Bulls slumped to their fourth defeat in five MLS games, conceding a late penalty in dramatic circumstances in a 2-1 loss at Montreal.

Former Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama netted the 90th-minute spot-kick as the third different shooter after their previous two efforts were saved but retaken due to encroachment from keeper Carlos Coronel.

The result means the Red Bulls, who had gone ahead from Pascal Klimala's 45th-minute penalty, are winless in seven league games.

Sporting KC maintained their grip on top spot in the Western Conference with a 2-0 win at in-form Dallas.

Mexico international Alan Pulido put Sporting ahead with angled shot in the 12th minute before Daniel Salloi netted his 10th goal of the season in the 63rd minute with a sharp finish.

LA Galaxy are second in the west after Kevin Cabral's first-half strike earned a 1-0 win at Minnesota United.

Colorado Rapids scored twice in the second half to win 3-1 at Houston Dynamo, while Real Salt Lake beat 10-man Austin 1-0 to move up to sixth in the west.

Sacha Kljestan netted a stoppage-time penalty to clinch all three points for Galaxy, who had been in a freefall with a winless nine-game span.

Chicharito poked in at the back post for the opening goal in the 62nd minute, pouncing on Larrys Mabiala's defensive error from Victor Vazquez's ball into the box.

The Timbers equalized 10 minutes later when Sebastian Blanco's cross-cum-shot drifted over Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond and in off the post.

Blanco hit the upright from a long-range effort, before LA won a penalty when substitute Efrain Alvarez was brought down inside the box by Josecarlos Van Rankin.

Kljestan fired low to Timbers keeper Steve Clark's right for the winner which moves Galaxy up to 42 points, retaining their grip on sixth spot in the Western Conference.

Supporters Shield-leading New England Revolution conceded late as they drew 2-2 at home with Chicago Fire.

The sides traded four goals in the second half, with Wilfred Kaptoum drilling in a low opener in the 47th minute before Alvaro Medran equalized instantly with a classy volley.

Gustavo Bou netted his 13th goal of the season to restore Revolution's lead with a deft lob from Carles Gil's lofted pass in behind the defence in the 76th minute.

Bou was denied by Chicago keeper Gabriel Slonina before Brian Gutierrez danced forward for the visitors, finding Ignacio Aliseda who fired home an angled 88th minute leveller.

Western Conference leaders Seattle Sounders missed the chance to close on New England after going down 2-1 at Houston Dynamo.

Maxi Urruti scored a spectacular volley to put Houston ahead on the quarter hour, with Darwin Quintero doubling their lead with a fine solo left-foot strike in the 20th minute.

Jimmy Medranda halved the deficit with a rifled 41st minute shot after recycling an over-hit corner, although Houston came closest to a second-half goal, hitting the woodwork four times, before Seattle's Joao Paulo had a stoppage-time free-kick cannon into the crossbar.

Real Salt Lake solidified their grip on a playoffs spot with a 3-1 home victory over Colorado Rapids, who are third in the Western Conference.

Minnesota United remained ahead of RSL by two points with a 1-0 triumph at lowly Austin thanks to Franco Frangapane's 16th-minute strike.

US international Gyasi Zardes netted a double as Columbus Crew thrashed Inter Miami 4-0, condemning them to their sixth straight defeat, during which they have scored one goal and conceded 16 times.

Luiz Araujo and Marcelino Moreno both netted late in each half as 10-man Atlanta United triumphed 2-0 at Toronto.

Junior Urso netted early as Orlando City eased past struggling Cincinnati 1-0, while DC United and Nashville drew 0-0 with the visitors recorded a draw for the fourth successive game.

The defeat means the Galaxy are winless in their past eight matches and while they dropped down to sixth in the Western Conference, their form means they could find themselves only a point ahead of the post-season chasing pack.

Former Manchester United forward Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez stung RSL goalkeeper David Ochoa's palms early, before Damir Kreilach scored his 11th goal of the season to put the hosts 1-0 on the stroke of half-time.

Ochoa denied Chicharito again in a 57th-minute fast break, before the latter equalised with 14 minutes remaining midweek.

But in the fifth of six stoppage-time minutes, Anderson Julio lashed in a wonderful volley from outside the box to claim the win for fifth-placed RSL and boost their play-off chances.

United States teenager Ricardo Pepi netted his 12th goal of the campaign as 10-man Dallas went down 3-1 to Western Conference contenders and second-placed Sporting Kansas City.

Daniel Salloi scored a double for Sporting KC, taking his season tally to 14, while Dallas had Bryan Acosta sent off.

Seattle Sounders stayed top of the Western Conference, ahead of Sporting KC, as Raul Ruidiaz scored a brace in a 3-1 win away to San Jose Earthquakes.

Ruidiaz opened the scoring in the 25th minute, before firing home from the spot three minutes prior to the break. The Peruvian has 16 MLS goals this season, behind only DC United's Ola Kamara with 17.

Dairon Asprilla scored the winner as Portland Timbers claimed a 2-1 victory at Los Angeles FC to remain fourth in the west.

Supporters' Shield leaders New England Revolution maintained their 14-point advantage atop the Eastern Conference with a 4-1 triumph away to Montreal, extending their unbeaten run to six games.

Nashville, second in the east, blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Orlando City, while DC United got past Minnesota United 3-1.

Atlanta United boosted their play-offs hopes with a 1-0 win over Inter Miami, who have lost three in a row, while Toronto beat FC Cincinnati 3-2.

New York City suffered a second straight loss, going down 2-0 to Chicago Fire, and Philadelphia Union could only manage a 1-1 draw at New York Red Bulls.

Colorado Rapids eased past Austin 3-0 and Houston Dynamo played out a goalless draw with Vancouver Whitecaps.

First-half goals from Tajon Buchanan, Emmanuel Boateng and Adam Buksa helped New England open up a 3-0 half-time lead and they never looked back.

Canada international Buchanan was critical, pouncing on a rebound to fire home the opener from close range, before dribbling in the box and providing the pass for Boateng's first-time effort.

Cincinnati pulled a goal back from record signing Brenner's 54th-minute strike but Buksa added a second on the hour, from Gustavo Bou's assist, to seal a comfortable win.

Revolution have now won four straight matches and are unbeaten in eight games. New England have scored a league-leading 44 goals this year and turned it on without injured star midfielder Carles Gil.

Benji Michel scored a 51st-minute winner as Orlando City snapped their three-game winless run with a 1-0 win over Chicago Fire to move up to second in the east.

Orlando were not helped when Nani was substituted on the half hour, but found a winner when Michel drove home after Tesho Akindele's steal.

Quinn Sullivan netted an 87th-minute equalizer to keep Philadelphia Union in touch with Orlando after a 1-1 home draw with Montreal.

Djordje Mihailovic had put Montreal ahead on the stroke of half-time before Sullivan's leveler which leaves Union two points behind Orlando.

Inter Miami continued their form resurgence with a 3-1 victory over Toronto, moving them up to 11th in the east and leaving the Canadians in last.

Mexican midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro netted a double while Robbie Robinson also scored as Inter claimed their third win in four games.

Damian Moreno scored a late winner as Atlanta United claimed their fourth consecutive win, edging DC United 2-1.

Houston Dynamo snapped their four-game losing run with 2-2 draw with Dallas in their Texan showdown, while Austin climbed off the foot of the Western Conference with a 3-1 home win over Portland Timbers.

Colorado Rapids claimed a third straight win, getting past Real Salt Lake 2-1 in the Rocky Mountain Cup while Vancouver came from behind to win 2-1 over LAFC.

After numerous delays, New York Red Bulls' derby with New York City was postponed with the pitch deemed unplayable after inclement weather as Hurricane Henri approached.

Eastern Conference leaders Columbus produced a late comeback to draw with Chicago Fire, but their lead is now just three points after Philadelphia enjoyed a win.

Philadelphia left it late to overcome New England Revolution 2-1 at Subaru Park.

With the game locked at 0-0, New England were reduced to 10 men when Matt Polster was shown a second yellow card in the 56th minute.

Just 17 minutes later and Philadelphia took the lead, Anthony Fontana chipping in from close range.

But a fine equaliser from Tajon Buchanan appeared to have New England set to earn a point.

However, there was late drama as Fontana drilled in a wonderful goal from 25 yards in the 95th minute.

Columbus appeared set for their second defeat of the MLS season when they fell 2-0 behind in Chicago.

But Fatai Alashe pulled a goal back for the Crew before Gyasi Zardes' 88th-minute equaliser.

At the bottom of the conference, Inter Miami slumped to a 2-1 loss to Orlando City.

Coming off a win over Atlanta United, Inter suffered their seventh loss in 11 games this season.

Elsewhere, the New York Red Bulls recorded a 2-0 win over DC United and New York City edged Cincinnati 2-1.

Nashville enjoyed a 4-2 win over Atlanta United, Dallas beat Houston Dynamo 2-1 and the Colorado Rapids thrashed Real Salt Lake 5-0.

Galaxy, who had endured a nine-game winless skid, had beaten Portland Timbers 2-1 on the weekend before backing that up in Houston to reinforce their grip on sixth spot in the Western Conference midweek.

Greg Vanney's Galaxy went ahead in the 39th minute from veteran Sacha Kljestan's penalty, after Maynor Figueroa brought down Kevin Cabral inside the box.

Zarek Valentin's own goal on the stroke of half-time from Efrain Alvarez's cutback doubled Galaxy's advantage.

Two minutes into the second half, Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez provided a well-weighted pass for Kevin Cabral to add a third, moving Galaxy up to 45 points and above Real Salt Lake into fifth in the west.

New England Revolution moved another step closer to clinching the Supporters' Shield with a come-from-behind 3-2 win at DC United.

Adam Buksa, Carles Gil and Gustavo Bou all scored within 18 minutes as the Revolution responded to Nigel Robertha's 51st-minute opener for DC United.

The result moved Eastern Conference pacesetters New England to 69 points from 31 games, with Western Conference leaders Seattle Sounders closest behind them on 58 points after 30 games after they lost ground following a 1-1 draw with third-placed Colorado Rapids.

Elsewhere, Nashville – second behind New England in the east – drew for the fifth straight game in a 1-1 stalemate against defending MLS champions Columbus Crew and Cristian Arango's hat-trick guided Los Angeles FC past Dallas 3-2.

Inter Miami snapped their six-game losing skid and kept alive their faint play-off aspirations with a 3-0 home victory over Toronto.

Gudmundur Thorarinsson equalised late for New York City but their winless run extended to six games after a 1-1 draw at Atlanta United, Minnesota United were 3-2 winners against Philadelphia Union, Orlando City and Montreal played out a 1-1 draw.

Chicago Fire prevailed 4-3 over struggling FC Cincinnati, Vancouver Whitecaps came from two goals down to win 3-2 away to Portland Timbers, while San Jose Earthquakes eased past lowly Austin 4-0.

Hernandez had won a 26th minute penalty but spurned the early chance, with Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver saving to his left.

Galaxy midfielder Sebastian Lletget got in behind the Austin defence and calmly put them ahead 10 minutes later.

Former Manchester United man Hernandez earned redemption for his missed penalty when he scored the Galaxy's second goal in the 77th minute to seal the points.

The Galaxy have four wins from five games and move into second spot in the Western Conference, while it is back-to-back losses for Austin.

Eastern Conference leaders New York City stumbled to a second consecutive draw with Toronto's Jacob Shaffelburg equalizing with a quarter of an hour to go to finish 1-1.

City, who drew at Orlando City last weekend, had gone ahead through Jess Medina in the 54th minute but could not claim the three points.

Last season's Supporters' Shield winners Philadelphia Union maintained their uplift in form with a 1-0 home victory over the New York Red Bulls.

Philadelphia have now gone three games unbeaten, with Jamaican striker Cory Burke netting a ninth minute winner.

The Red Bulls suffer their third loss of the campaign and had substitute Dru Yearwood given his marching orders late on to rub salt into their wounds.

Logan Ketterer made a penalty save as the Portland Timbers recorded a 2-0 away win over the San Jose Earthquakes.

Ketterer dived low to his left to deny veteran Chris Wondolowski from the spot in the 62nd minute with Portland up 1-0 at the time.

Yimmi Chara had earlier chipped in the opener in the fifth minute, with Marvin Loria heading home his first goal of the season in the 74th minute, condemning San Jose to a second straight home defeat.

Colorado Rapids climbed up to third in the West with a 3-1 home win over Houston Dynamo after a thrilling four-goal first-half.

Michael Barrios provided two assists while Cole Barrett scored on the stroke of half-time after an explicable error from Houston keeper Marko Maric.

Marcelino Moreno scored a 94th minute header to help Atlanta United leapfrog Montreal into second in the Eastern Conference with a 1-0 win.

Finnish midfielder Robin Lod scored a last-gasp winner, forcing the ball home from close range from a corner, as last season's MLS Cup semi-finalists Minnesota United edged Dallas 1-0.

Nashville SC remain unbeaten after their fourth draw of the campaign, holding Real Salt Lake 0-0.

The Revolution raced to a three-goal lead but were forced to hold on in the final quarter of an hour after strikes from Patryk Klimala and Andres Reyes midweek.

Carles Gil provided the assist for all three Revolution goals, taking his season tally to an MLS-high 10, stabbing through to Canadian forward Tajon Buchanan for the 26th-minute opener.

Spanish midfielder Gil laid off for DeJuan Jones' 32nd-minute strike, before pumping the ball forward for Gustavo Bou to make it 3-0 six minutes into the second half before the Red Bulls rallied.

The win moved New England five points clear in the Eastern Conference, sitting ahead of Orlando City – who have a game in hand – and Philadelphia Union who are both on 18 points.

Jamiro Monteiro scored the only goal of the game as Philadelphia kept up their good form with a 1-0 victory over Columbus Crew.

Seattle Sounders remain unbeaten after Raul Ruidiaz's 88th-minute penalty clinched a 2-1 win against Real Salt Lake, extending their club-record unbeaten start to 10 matches.

Cristian Roldan had put Seattle ahead five minutes into the second half, reacting fastest to score from a rebound inside the box.

RSL levelled with 12 minutes to go, when they won a penalty which was converted by Slovakian Albert Rusnak.

Ruidiaz had the final say netting his eighth goal of the season with a cool Panenka finish from the spot for the Western Conference-leading Sounders.

New York City continued their rollercoaster run with a 1-0 triumph over Atlanta United via Ismael Tajouri's 69th-minute winner.

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez got on the scoresheet before late drama as LA Galaxy won 2-1 at Vancouver Whitecaps.

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward Chicharito opened the scoring, sliding home in the 47th minute with Galaxy appearing destined to claim all three points before a 90th-minute equaliser from Janio Bikel.

There would be another late twist, when the Galaxy's Efrain Alvarez scored in the third minute of stoppage – his stunning strike finding the back of the net after hopeful ball into the box.

Mexico international Carlos Vela also netted along with providing an assist as Los Angeles FC won 2-0 over Dallas.

Elsewhere, Sporting Kansas City defeated Colorado Rapids 3-1, Portland Timbers and Houston Dynamo drew 2-2, Nashville outlasted Toronto 3-2 courtesy of a 92nd-minute winner, Cincinnati edged Chicago Fire 1-0, Minnesota United beat Austin 2-0, while 10-man Montreal and DC United played out a goalless stalemate.

At the helm of Montreal, Henry's Impact came from behind to beat the New England Revolution 2-1 on the opening day of the MLS season.

The Arsenal great's side had fallen behind after just 13 minutes at Stade Olympique, where Teal Bunbury volleyed in a Cristian Penilla cross.

However, Romell Quioto headed in from close range to bring Montreal level just eight minutes before half-time.

And the hosts found an 80th-minute winner as Maximiliano Urruti spectacularly lobbed stranded New England goalkeeper Matt Turner.

Hernandez made his LA Galaxy debut in a 1-1 draw away to the Houston Dynamo.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward played 90 minutes as Houston came from behind, Mauro Manotas cancelling out Cristian Pavon's opener.

Atlanta United spoiled Nashville SC's first MLS game with a 2-1 victory at Nissan Stadium.

Walker Zimmerman scored Nashville's first goal to cancel out Ezequiel Barco's opener, but Emerson Hyndman's 37th-minute strike proved to be the winner in front of a crowd of 59,069.

Elsewhere, Oswaldo Alanis' brilliant 95th-minute free-kick helped the San Jose Earthquakes hold Toronto to a 2-2 draw.

The Colorado Rapids recorded a 2-1 win over DC United, Dallas beat Philadelphia Union 2-0, Orlando City and Real Salt Lake played out a 0-0 draw and Sporting Kansas City overcame the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1.