MLS 360: Week 18

Steven Gerrard was introduced to the LA Galaxy fans but his former Liverpool team mate Robbie Keane’s hat-trick stole the headlines in their 4-0 demolition of Toronto.

Keane’s first came from the penalty spot, before tapping in from close range and then intercepting a back pass for his third, with Sebastian Lletget also netting late on. 

New signing Gerrard was introduced to the LA Galaxy fans

FC Dallas were also comfortable 3-0 winners against New England Revolution with star of the show Mauro Diaz opening the scoring with a free-kick.

The young Argentine then set up Fabian Castillo who scored at the second time of asking, before sliding in Michael Barrios for his first MLS goal.

Kei Kamara and Ethan Finlay combined again as the deadly duo helped Columbus Crew battle back from Anatole Abang’s early opener to beat New York Red Bulls 2-1.

First Finlay streaked onto a Kamara header and perfectly curled the ball into the far corner, before they combined again for the American to add his second.

New York’s other side had their own two-goal hero as David Villa struck twice to hand NYCFC a 2-1 win against Montreal Impact.

He showed his individual brilliance either side of an Ignacio Piatti penalty, first firing into the bottom corner before bending in a superb free-kick.

Colorado Rapids also had a DP to thank as Kevin Doyle’s first MLS goal earned them a 2-1 win against in-form Vancouver Whitecaps.

Doyle scored his first MLS goal

Vicente Sanchez got the hosts off to a flyer inside three minutes before Kekuta Manneh connected with a

Mauro Rosales cross to equalise for the Canadians.

Tyrone Mears snatched a late winner for Seattle Sounders as they beat 10-man D.C. United 1-0 to move joint-top of the Western Conference with Vancouver.

There was late drama in the live Sky Sports game too, as Jack Jewsbury netted the only goal of the game for Portland Timbers against San Jose Earthquakes.

Kaka scored and was then sent off as Orlando City battled to a 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake with Sebastian Jaime scoring for the fourth straight game.

Patrick Nyarko made a goal-scoring return for Chicago Fire as he cancelled out Alex’s strike for Houston Dynamo in the weekend opener.

Images courtesy of Kevork Djansezian and Ben Hoskins, with thanks.