Raul Ruidiaz scored a brace as Seattle Sounders continued their strong start to the MLS season with a 3-0 home win over previously unbeaten LA Galaxy on Sunday.

Australian full-back Brad Smith provided an assist for Ruidiaz's 20th-minute opener, before scoring a goal himself three minutes later, forcing home a rebound.

Ruidiaz settled the contest in second-half stoppage time when he fired home on his left foot from substitute Jimmy Medranda's low cross.

The Sounders dulled the threat of Galaxy forward Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez – who had scored five goals in his opening two games – in a strong display, where they marginally lost possession but had nine to two shots on target.

The win moves Seattle to seven points from three games to start the new campaign, while the Galaxy suffered their first blemish of the campaign after scoring six goals in their opening two games.

Inter Miami drew a blank in the absence of the Higuain brothers with a 0-0 draw away to Nashville.

Former Juventus and Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain and brother Federico were unavailable for the match after flying back to their native Argentina following the death of their mother to cancer.

The Higuain brothers' team-mates offered a wonderful sign of support ahead of the game.

Inter Miami – co-owned by former Manchester United, Madrid and England star David Beckham – have four points from three games, while Nashville are still winless but have drawn all three matches this season.

Diego Rubio's incredible free-kick helped Colorado Rapids to a 1-0 victory away to Vancouver Whitecaps.

Rubio struck in the 26th minute with a curling right-foot shot that found the top corner, going in off the post and crossbar.

The spectacular strike earned the Rapids their first three points of the season, while condemning the Whitecaps to their first defeat.

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez and his redemption story continues to gather pace after his hat-trick guided LA Galaxy past New York Red Bulls 3-2.

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Chicharito endured a difficult and injury-plagued 2020 season, Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer netting just twice after joining the Galaxy.

But Chicharito is enjoying a red-hot start to the 2021 campaign, taking his tally to five goals in two matches to begin the season following his treble against the Red Bulls.

Not since 2010 had the Galaxy opened their season with back-to-back wins, but that changed at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday.

Chicharito opened the scoring in the ninth minute, pouncing on a deflected shot for an easy tap in for the Galaxy before the Red Bulls equalised via Andrew Gutman 17 minutes later.

However, Chicharito restored the Galaxy's advantage with a cool finish past Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel four minutes prior to half-time.

Chicharito completed his hat-trick on the hour-mark when he acrobatically put the ball into the back of the net at the back post, while Cristian Casseres Jr. set up a tense finale three minutes later.

The Galaxy top the Western Conference with two wins from two games, while the Red Bulls remain winless at the foot of the Eastern Conference standings.

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez started the MLS season with a bang, scoring twice as LA Galaxy spoiled Phil Neville's Inter Miami debut in a 3-2 victory.

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Chicharito endured a difficult and injury-plagued 2020 season, Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer netting just twice after joining the Galaxy.

But Chicharito kicked off his redemption season in style – his two-goal second half sinking David Beckham's Inter Miami in Sunday's season opener.

"I'm holding [back] my tears. I suffered the loss of my grandfather, I would love him to keep watching [me] scoring goals," Chicharito said. "I'm very touched because, like I told you, last year was very difficult.

"I miss him so much and these goals are for him, my kids, my whole family, my friends, everyone. I maintain patience, I keep grinding and thankfully things are coming around and hopefully, like I say, I just want to be a part of an unbelievable season and lift the trophy."

Trailing to Robbie Robinson's opening goal in first-half stoppage time, Chicharito equalised just past the hour mark in front of a sell-out crowd in Miami.

Former Juventus and Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain restored Inter Miami's lead in the 68th minute – just his second goal for the club since arriving in the United States.

It had ex-United utility and former England women's boss Neville dreaming of a dream start in Miami, where he replaced Diego Alonso as head coach ahead of the 2021 season.

But Chicharito levelled proceedings again with a trademark header 17 minutes from the end before Sacha Kljestan put the Galaxy in front in the 81st minute.

Elsewhere, reigning champions Columbus Crew drew 0-0 against Supporters' Shield holders Philadelphia Union, while Vancouver Whitecaps edged Portland Timbers 1-0.

LA Galaxy have appointed former Toronto boss Greg Vanney as their head coach.

Vanney, who resigned from his position at Toronto in December, takes over after a difficult 2020 season for Galaxy.

The former Galaxy defender said he was looking forward to the opportunity as he replaces Guillermo Barros Schelotto.

"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to coach the LA Galaxy," Vanney said.

"The LA Galaxy are an iconic club with a rich history in Los Angeles, MLS and North American soccer over the last 25 years.

"I am committed to working tirelessly for this club, our fans and Los Angeles to win a championship. I look forward to this new challenge in my career and am eager to get started."

Galaxy have missed the playoffs in three of the previous four seasons, winning just six games in 2020.

Vanney led Toronto to a treble in 2017, winning the MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield and Canadian Championship.

"Greg is a part of the history of the LA Galaxy and we are confident that he is the right person to lead our team moving forward," Galaxy general manager Dennis te Kloese said.

"He has deep knowledge of this club and Major League Soccer as a player and a coach and has proven to be a consistent winner with a championship pedigree. His accolades as Toronto FC's manager are evidence of his ability to create and sustain success in our league.

"We look forward to working with Greg to continue to build a team that will compete for trophies."