Below is a selection of the notable performances and moments from the 13 matches played on the 29th matchday of the 2023 MLS season, Wednesday, August 30.
FC Cincinnati Clinches Playoff Berth in Style
On the strength of sensational goals from Landon Donovan MLS MVP contender Luciano Acosta and star scorer Brandon Vazquez, FC Cincinnati became the first team to clinch a berth in the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Cincinnati (57 points, 17-3-6) extended their lead in the Supporters’ Shield standings and now sit 10 points ahead of St. Louis CITY SC (47 points, 15-9-2) as they keep their eyes set on securing the league’s best record.
Following a tremendous give-and-go sequence (Watch Here), Acosta scored his 13th goal of the season – a career-high – and sits tied with Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar atop the Golden Boot presented by Audi leaderboard. He leads the league with 24 goal contributions this season and is one of only two players with at least 10 goals and 10 assists this year, joining Philadelphia’s Dániel Gazdag (10 goals, 10 assists).
Lodeiro Makes History in Seattle’s 2-1 Victory
In a Western Conference clash, Nicolás Lodeiro found Jordan Morris for an early goal and midfielder Albert Rusnák scored in the 90th minute to give the Seattle Sounders a 2-1 victory over Austin FC at Q2 Stadium. The victory moved Seattle into a tie with LAFC for the second-most points in the West, trailing only St. Louis CITY SC.
Lodeiro’s assist was the 10th of the season for the veteran midfielder, marking the sixth season of his career that he has eclipsed the 10-assist mark. Only four other players in MLS history have recorded six or more seasons with at least 10 assists – Preki (eight), Landon Donovan (seven), Brad Davis (seven), and Carlos Valderrama (six). His 80 assists are the most among active players in MLS history and he became the 15th different player to reach that milestone.
St. Louis CITY SC Second-Half Surge Keeps Club Atop West
A pair of first-time goalscorers proved to be the difference for St. Louis CITY SC, as defender Anthony Markanich (82nd minute) and forward Nökkvi Thórisson (85th minute) both registered their first career MLS goals in the club’s 2-1 victory over FC Dallas. With the win, St. Louis improved to 15-9-2 on the season, sit atop the Western Conference with 47 points, and trail only FC Cincinnati in the Supporters’ Shield standings in what has been a remarkable debut season.
With 15 victories this season, St. Louis tied Atlanta United (15 wins in 2017) for the second-most wins by an expansion club in their inaugural season (excluding the shootout era). Only the 2018 LAFC squad, which won 16 games and recorded 57 points in their inaugural season, sit between St. Louis and expansion-side history.
Reynoso’s Record-Setting Performance Powers Minnesota United
Minnesota United FC, behind a pair of early goals from midfielder Emanuel Reynoso, jumped out to a first-half lead over the Colorado Rapids and never looked back, as the club secured a 3-0 victory on their home turf. The victory extended Minnesota’s unbeaten streak to five matches and helped keep the club squarely in the mix in the Western Conference playoff race.
Reynoso’s brace marked the sixth multi-goal game of his Minnesota career, the most by a single player in club history. He surpassed the previous record of five goals held by Kevin Molino.
Orlando City SC Continues Remarkable Road Run
After conceding a penalty-kick goal to Charlotte’s Enzo Copetti in the 81st minute, Orlando City SC midfielder MartĂn Ojeda leveled the score for his club with an 88th minute strike as Orlando emerged from Bank of America Stadium with a point following a 1-1 draw.
With the draw, the Lions have earned 22 road points this season, the most in a single season in club history surpassing the previous record of 21 set last season. The club owns a 6-3-4 record on the road this season and their 22 road points are the most in MLS in 2023.
Next on the calendar for Orlando is a road showdown against Supporters’ Shield leaders FC Cincinnati, who are unbeaten at TQL Stadium in league play this season and boast the MLS' top home record (37 points, 12-0-1).
