WILFRED ZAHA GOT HIS DEBUT GOAL; MARTINEZ MOVES UP IN MLS GOAL SCORERS' RANKING, FALL OUT OF MLS WEEK TWO.

Written by Sam Mbonu

Over 40 goals were recorded in MLS week two matches as it delivered with the big names living up to expectations in both the east and western conference. 

The absence of Messi in Houston was not a problem for Javier Mascherano as Inter Miami condemned Houston Dynamo to a 0-2 start with a 4-1 thrashing in front of a fully packed Shell Energy Stadium. The game was electrifying as other Inter Miami superstars, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba etal made sure fans enjoyed the worth of their money with scintillating performances. Ticket prices to the game soared to over 200% per usual Houston Dynamo price on Seat Geek, their ticketing partners.  

As for the home team, the Houston Dynamo, this game revealed the current state of the playing squad. The sale of Micael in a club record deal open a spot to bring in experienced center back but seems the team has settled on giving rookie defender, Femi Awodesu chance to learn and grow. The young defender has been very impressive in his first two ever MLS games. Earlier in the 2nd half, Ezequiel Ponce’s header was ruled offside until veteran midfielder, Nico Lodeiro consolatory goal gave them some positives from the game.  

Even though some fans were left disappointed with the absence of Lionel Messi, the Shell Energy Stadium was filled to brim on Sunday soccer night in the city. 

However other games in week two gave some players a chance to score on their MLS debut. Charlotte FC, Wilfred Zaha scored on his MLS debut when he doubled Charlotte lead over Atlanta United in their 2-0 home win. 

Erstwhile manager of St Louis, Bradley Carnell who was ousted for mediocre performance in his second season at St Louis now with Philadelphia Union hit Pat Noonan's FC Cincinatti for 4 at the Subaru Park in an eastern conference clash. Both Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinatti are top contenders in the east.  

In the western conference, LAFC continued their perfect start this season with a slim 1-0 win over New York City FC. Ryan Hollingshead came up clutch in the 86th minute to ensure the black and gold took all 3 points at the BMO. 

Veteran MLS coach, Bruce Arena’s impact at the PayPal Arena has been felt. From recruitment to field productivity in just the second week of the season, the San Jose Earthquakes will rattle the western conference and upset the balance of play. The quality of their off-season recruitments reveals the intentions of San Jose hierarchy. Josef Martinez goal scoring prowess seems to have been reignited this season, now no 6 in the MLS all time scorer's list with 117 goals ahead of Bradly Wright Philips, Bruce Arena still considers him as one of the best forwards in the league.  

MLS defending champions fell 0-2 in this campaign as they slumped to their second defeat of the season at Vancouver Whitecaps. What a way not to start a title defense in a stacked up western conference that is ultra-competitive.  

Real Salt Lake bounced back from their opening day meltdown at San Jose with a 2-0 home win over Seattle Sounders. Ghanian forward, Forster Ajago whom they got through the 2024 MLS re-entry draft came off the bench to grab the second goal for RSL. 

As the 30th MLS regular season continues this weekend with week 3 fixtures, while some teams have set early season pace, some are struggling to find their rhythms.