Below is a selection of the notable performances and moments from the four matches played on the 23rd matchday of the 2023 MLS season, Tuesday, July 4.
Matchday 23 action concludes this evening as New York City FC host Charlotte FC at Citi Field (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass).
El Tráfico Sets New Single-Game Attendance Record
El Tráfico between the LA Galaxy and LAFC never disappoints, and the fireworks only continued on the fourth of July. Tuesday’s holiday matchup at the Rose Bowl featured a crowd of 82,110 fans, establishing a new standalone MLS attendance record. The game eclipsed the previous record of 74,479, which was set by Charlotte FC in their inaugural home match on March 5, 2022 against the Galaxy.
The Galaxy’s 2-1 victory over their bitter rivals was led by the duo of Tyler Boyd and 2023 MLS All-Star Riqui Puig. Boyd and Puig became the first pair of teammates to each score at least one goal and add one assist in an El Tráfico. To seal the victory, goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann came off the bench at halftime and made four crucial saves down the stretch.
Martínez’s Scissor Kick Makes History
Inter Miami CF forward Josef Martínez continues to rise the MLS scoring charts but is doing so in spectacular fashion. With Miami trailing 2-1 in the 90th minute, Martínez produced a sensational scissor kick goal to earn a point at DRV PNK Stadium (Watch Here).
Martínez’s goal was his 104th career regular season strike, which tied him with Dwayne Re Rosario for the ninth-most goals in league history. The Venezuelan international now has a team-high six goals on the season, with half of those coming as a substitute.
Óscar Pareja Joins the 150-Win Club
With just one defeat in their last 11 matches (5-1-5), Orlando City SC has vaulted up to sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. That run continued on Tuesday night, as the Lions convincingly dispatched Toronto FC, 4-0. Orlando’s depth was on display as seven different players either scored or assisted in the match.
The victory was also significant for head coach Óscar Pareja, who became just the sixth coach in MLS history to win at least 150 regular season matches. Of the six, only two others are active MLS managers – New England’s Bruce Arena (260) and Sporting Kansas City’s Peter Vermes (189). Pareja’s .556 winning percentage ranks as the second best among the 150-win club, behind only Arena at .601.
Hernández Hits 10 Assists For Columbus
One of the most clinical finishers in 2022, the Columbus Crew’s Juan ‘Cucho’ Hernández has turned provider in 2023. Hernández assisted on the Crew’s second goal in their 2-2 draw against Inter Miami CF, marking his 10th helper of 2023. The Colombian has now joined Lucas Zelarayán (2022) as the only Crew players since 2018 with at least 10 assists in a single season.
Hernández’s 10 assists are tied for the most in MLS with Atlanta’s Thiago Almada, and his service has helped Columbus produce the best offense in the league (42 goals). The Crew and Cucho will look to keep their high-flying offense going on Saturday when they host New York City FC at Lower.com Field (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass).
