AFRICAN PLAYERS IN MLS WEEK 3

African Players in the MLS Week 3.

Written by Sam Mbonu

Week 3 was done and dusted with surprising results. Houston Dynamo against all odds earned a goalless draw at Columbus Crew and Seattle Sounders vanquished LAFC in a 7-goal thriller. Let us also pretend that LA Galaxy, MLS Cup defending champions, is not going through a rough start to their title defense as they were beaten 3 zero. San Diego FC is having a Cinderella start to their inaugural season in the league, a 3-1away win at Real Salt Lake placed them 2nd with 7 points from 3 games in a stacked and highly competitive western conference.  

Week 3 produced 35 goals; 6 teams won on the road.

In this week 3 matches, several Nigerian and African players were in action for their various clubs, let's look at how they fared. 

Aliyu Ibrahim 

He was dropped to the bench in Houston Dynamo audacious goalless draw at Columbus Crew.  

Is equally important to know that Aliyu Ibrahim has started Houston Dynamo previous two games which they lost at home and the last time Aliyu got on the score sheet for the team was July last year Ben Olsen said dropping to the bench was to give him the need rest as he has come under fire. 

Chidozie Awuziem

He played for 90 minutes in Colorado Rapids 1-0 away win at Austin FC.

Since Chidozie moved from FC Cincy to Colorado Rapids, he has made 3 starts this season, played 90 minutes games in those 3 starts for the Rapids. 

Alhassan Yusuf

Super Eagles midfielder, Alhassan Yusuf played 90 minutes for New England Revolution's in their 2-0 home defeat to Philadelphia Union in MLS week 3 match up 

This current season, Alhassan Yusuf has made 3 starts and played full 90 minutes in all of them. 

New England is having a rough start this season. Just a point from 3 games places them 13th in a 15-team eastern conference. 

Their manager, Caleb Porter, is under pressure. 

Obinna Nwobodo 

He came off the bench in the 84th minute in FC Cincinatti 2-0 home win over Toronto FC. 

Obinna has started FC Cincinatti’s first two regular season games and played for 90 minutes.  

Obinna is a very important player for FC Cincinatti. 

Teenage Hadebe

Also, Zimbabwe defender, Teenage Hadebe started and lasted for 60 minutes for FC Cincinatti.  

Remember Zimbabwe and the Super eagles of Nigeria will face off the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on March 25th, just two weeks from now and Teenage Hadebe will be part of that team that will face the Super Eagles. 

Teenage Hadebe has started FC Cincinatti’s previous two MLS regular season matches. 

Amine Bassi

Moroccan midfielder, Amine Bassi made his third start of the season in Houston Dynamo,o goalless draw at Columbus Crew.

Amine Bassi has one goal is his last 3 starts for Dynamo this season.

Femi Awodesu

The Young defender made his 3rd start this season for Houston Dynamo in their week 3 goalless draw at Columbus Crew.

William Agada

Nigeria striker, William Agada came off the bench in the 77th minute for Sporting Kansas in their 2-1 away defeat at DC United. 

Agada has only started one MLS game and with 2 substitute appearances this season for Sporting Kansas as their search for first win of the season goes on.