Last Updated on March 11, 2024 2:15 pm by Erwin Noguera
The MLS excitement continues, and this past weekend, we enjoyed many outstanding games from matchday 3 of the 2024 season.
Against many odds, we saw Inter Miami’s first loss. However, many may claim that this was due to the absence of Leo Messi due to injury. Likewise, we also enjoyed big wins for the visiting Timbers, Minnesota against Orlando City, and draws for Austin FC and St. Louis City, Nashville and LA Galaxy, and Cincinnati vs. DC United.
One way or another, this shows how evenly matched the start of the 2024 MLS season is, and, of course, reaffirms that we are in for an action-packed and thrilling campaign.
Let’s take a look at what happened in the most remarkable matches of the MLS matchday 3.
MLS Matchday 3 Roundup – NYC FC vs. Timbers
When and Where?
Saturday, March 9, 2:00 pm ET at the Yankee Stadium
Moneyline odds:
NYC FC 1.85
Timbers 4.14
Draw Offs:
3.68
Where can I watch it?
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
NYC FC hosted the Portland Timbers with the mission of making their home ground respected. However, the team could not keep the result in their favor and lost 1-2.
The match started with NYC FC displaying an aggressive attacking approach, which paid off in the 10th minute with Santiago Rodriguez Molina’s goal. From this moment on, the match became an exceptional back-and-forth, where both teams had opportunities to score. However, the first half ended 1-0 in favor of the locals.
Then, in the second half, things remained the same, as both teams created some scoring chances, but could not finish them.
Finally, when everyone thought NYC FC’s victory was imminent, Portland woke up in the final minutes to score goals in the 85th and 90+7th minutes by Antony and Evander da Silva, respectively, to turn the score around and take the 2-1 victory.
Result: NYC FC (1) – (2) Timbers
MLS Matchday 3 Roundup – Columbus Crew vs. Chicago Fire
When and Where?
Saturday, March 9, 7:30 pm ET at the Lower.com Field
Moneyline odds:
Columbus Crew 1.57
Chicago Fire 5.20
Draw Offs:
4.44
Where can I watch it?
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Columbus Crew respected their home against Chicago Fire to take a 2-1 victory.
However, we can’t say it was an easy game for the reigning MLS champions, even though they dominated the match from start to finish. After several scoring chances that ended with no shots on goal, the duel went to halftime with a score of 0-0.
In the second half, the match was completely different, as both clubs took the field with the mission of hurting their opponents. In the 68th minute, Jacen Russer-Rowe scored 1-0 for Columbus Crew, which showed signs of improvement in the team. However, just four minutes later, Chicago Fire equalized with a goal by Fabian Herbers.
Finally, in the last seconds of the match, specifically in the 90+10th minute, Columbus Crew scored the final 2-1, thanks to Mohamed Farsi’s goal.
Result: Columbus Crew (2) – (1) Chicago Fire
MLS Matchday 3 Roundup – LAFC vs. Sporting KC
When and Where?
Saturday, March 9, 10:30 pm ET at the Banc of California Stadium
Moneyline odds:
LAFC 1.648
Sporting KC 5.00
Draw Offs:
4.04
Where can I watch it?
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
One of the most boring matches we had on this weekend’s matchday 3 was between LAFC and Sporting KC, which ended in a 0-0 draw. While many predicted a draw, it was, at least, expected to be 1-1.
Against many predictions, Sporting KC took the field with the mission to take control of the ball and the match at the Banc of California Stadium, and they did just that. Sporting had 61% possession of the ball, generated 16 scoring chances, and had 6 shots on goal. However, none of this was enough to beat LAFC’s goal.
On the other hand, the Californian team also had different chances to score at least one goal in this match. However, they were not able to take advantage of either.
Result: LAFC (0) – (0) Sporting KC
MLS Matchday 3 Roundup – Inter Miami vs. Montreal
When and Where?
Sunday, March 10, 4:00 pm ET at the DRV PNK Stadium
Moneyline odds:
Inter Miami 1.555
Montreal 5.35
Draw Offs:
4.44
Where can I watch it?
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Finally, Inter Miami succumbed for the first time this season against Montreal with a score of 2-3. Let’s remember that, for this match, Leo Messi was unable to play due to a strong kick received against Nashville in the CONCACAF Champions Cup in the middle of last week. In addition, Luis Suarez also did not start.
The match started with Montreal surprising a sleepy Inter Miami at all times. In the 13th minute, Fernando Álvarez scored the first goal for the visiting team, which was enough to take the lead to halftime at the DRV PNK Stadium.
In the second half, Inter Miami reacted and equalized in the 71st minute thanks to a wonder goal by Leonardo Campana. However, Montreal reacted immediately, and, in the 75th and 78th minutes, scored the goals that put them momentarily 3-1 on the scoreboard.
Finally, a superb goal by Jordi Alba in the 80th minute gave the team hope of an equalizer in the final minutes, something that did not happen.
Result: Inter Miami (2) – (3) Montreal
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