MLS Matchday 22 Roundup

Matchday 22 of the MLS experienced a weekend full of emotions and key duels in both conferences.

In the East, Inter Miami seems to be going from strength to strength: since their return from the 2025 Club World Cup, they have been stringing together victories, consolidating an unstoppable streak that positions them as contenders to dominate the Eastern Conference standings. Lionel Messi shone again, leading Inter Miami to a big double victory.

Still, the Eastern leaders are not far behind. Philadelphia Union, FC Cincinnati, Nashville SC, and Columbus Crew continue to score points regularly to stay on a roll and firmly in the top spots. In the Western Conference, San Diego FC and Minnesota United have managed to open a small gap over the Vancouver Whitecaps.

San Diego continues to keep up the good pace, while Minnesota managed a valuable victory at home (4-1 against the SJ Earthquakes), making it clear that they are fighting for the top spot. However, the battle is still open: Vancouver is not giving up and is lurking close behind.

The following is a complete summary of what happened in each of the MLS matches of matchday 22.

MLS Matchday 22 Roundup – Games

MLS Matchday 22 Roundup: Orlando City vs. Montréal

Prince Owusu was the hero for CF Montréal, scoring from the spot in the 83rd minute to salvage a 1-1 draw away to Orlando City on Saturday.

German striker Owusu reached a season-high 10 goals (a personal best) with a coolly struck penalty kick. He fooled goalkeeper Javier Otero with a brief pause before placing the shot low to his right.

In the closing minutes, Orlando tried to regain the lead, but ran into a well-placed visiting defense. Joel Waterman blocked an attempt from Alex Freeman inside the box, and shortly after, goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois prevented a second with a great save on Nicolas Rodriguez’s powerful shot from outside the box.

Orlando’s first goal of the game came in the 28th minute. Martín Ojeda collected a set piece with a short pass to Luis Muriel, who returned the ball for the Argentine to score with precision at the right post.

With that goal, Ojeda reached 10 goals for the campaign and joined a select group within the club: he is now the third player in Lions history with at least 10 goals and 10 assists in a single MLS season. He also racked up 20 goals and 31 assists with the club, making him only the third player to achieve those numbers with the franchise.

Ojeda himself came close to extending the lead in the 34th minute, but his goal was disallowed for offside. Minutes later, Owusu appeared to level the score for Montréal on a fast counterattack, but again the assistant raised his flag to disallow the goal.

Result: Orlando City 1–1 Montréal

MLS Matchday 22 Roundup: Philadelphia vs. New York RB

The Philadelphia Union put in a convincing performance this weekend to defeat the New York Red Bulls 2-0, a result that catapults them to first place in the MLS Eastern Conference. The goals came early: Indiana Vassilev broke the deadlock in the 9th minute and Bruno Damiani increased the lead in the 24th minute, giving shape to a victory that reflects the high level of the team.

Throughout the 90 minutes, the Union were superior in both play and statistics. They registered 17 total shots, five of which were on goal, while their opponent was barely troubled with a single direct shot on goal. Philadelphia also had a slight advantage in possession (52%) and showed greater accuracy in their circulation, with 464 completed passes and a 74% efficiency rate.

Jim Curtin’s team imposed conditions from the start thanks to high pressing, a well-balanced midfield, and a remarkable ability to take advantage of key moments. They struck first and were able to control the pace of the game, preventing the Red Bulls from finding an answer or settling into the game.

This win not only represents three more points on the table, but also a clear message to the rest of the conference: the Union are ready to fight for everything. In a league as competitive as MLS, taking advantage at this stage can be decisive for the playoffs.

Result: Philadelphia 2–0 New York RB

MLS Matchday 22 Roundup: Inter Miami vs. Nashville

Lionel Messi was once again the undisputed star for Inter Miami on a night that reaffirmed his great moment in MLS. With two goals, the Argentine star led the 2-1 victory over Nashville SC, allowing the Herons to remain firmly in the fight for the top of the Eastern Conference.

The first was a work of art: in the 17th minute, after being fouled on the edge of the box, Messi himself took the ball and took the free kick with mastery. A low left-footed shot, straight to the goalkeeper’s post, left Joe Willis with no reaction and unleashed euphoria in a Chase Stadium filled with more than 21,000 fans.

Inter Miami took the field with a very competitive eleven, without many variations from previous matches, showing from the start a clear offensive intention. Luis Suárez had a great opportunity in the first few minutes, after a rebound after a save from Tadeo Allende, but his lob attempt barely went over the crossbar.

Despite the early dominance, Nashville, with the likes of Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, responded at the start of the second half. Early in the second half, Andy Najar sent in a pinpoint cross that Mukhtar powerfully headed home to level the score.

However, Messi once again tipped the scales. He was alert to a mistake by the rival goalkeeper, stole the ball inside the area, coolly left it behind, and calmly scored his second goal of the night to seal the victory for the home team.

With this victory, Inter Miami maintains its perfect pace since returning from the Club World Cup and consolidates its position as one of the most feared teams in the tournament.

Result: Inter Miami 2–0 Nashville

MLS Matchday 22 Roundup: Chicago Fire vs. San Diego FC

San Diego FC earned a valuable away win with a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field, in a match in which they were able to impose their strategy from the start. Anders Dreyer was the star of the game, scoring both goals for the Californian team in the first half (7′ and 47′), while Hugo Cuypers scored for the home team in the final minute, at the 84th minute, on a play derived from a corner kick.

This victory allows San Diego to put behind it the painful defeat suffered last week against the Houston Dynamo (3-4 at home), and reaffirms its excellent campaign as a debutant team in MLS. With 42 points, Mikey Varas’ men remain at the top of the Western Conference, two points ahead of Minnesota United.

San Diego knew how to read the game perfectly. The coach took a more conservative approach, handing the initiative to a Chicago Fire that had been knocked out of the US Open Cup and had lost four of their last five matches. The gamble was clear: wait in their half and come out with speed on the wings, with Hirving “Chucky” Lozano on the left and Dreyer on the right.

The formula worked early on. In the eighth minute, Lozano, with an elegant back-heel after a pass from Luca Bombino, set up Dreyer, who scored unchallenged to make it 1-0. Just before the break, the Mexican was at it again: he sent in a pinpoint cross that Dreyer took advantage of to score his second goal of the night and extend the lead.

In the second half, the Fire reacted with drive and more possession, but came up against an inspired Pablo Sisniega, who made key interventions to sustain the visitors’ lead. Cuypers’ goal a few minutes before the end gave some excitement to the final whistle, but it was not enough to prevent the local team’s defeat.

Result: Chicago Fire 1–2 San Diego FC