Chicharito return to form continues as he dominates MLS weekend

Paul Okey
26 April 2021

Former Manchester United striker bags hat-trick to take his tally to five in two games; Higuain brothers create history.

The disappointment of 2020 is firmly behind Javier Hernandez and the Los Angeles Galaxy. After scoring a brace in the season opener, Chicharito went one better with a hat-trick on Saturday in the Galaxy's Matchday two win over New York Red Bulls.

The Mexican striker scored inside 10 minutes for a 1-0 lead and restored the Galaxy lead in the 41st minute. He put them on top 3-1 early in the second half as they held on for a 3-2 win.

The former Manchester United and West Ham United star now has five goals in the first two games for the Galaxy, more than he scored in his first season with the team.

The Galaxy will put their good start to the test next Sunday as they travel to the Pacific Northwest to face the Seattle Sounders. According to Paddy Power, the Galaxy are 4/1 to get a win over the reigning Western Conference champions. The Sounders are 8/15 and a draw is 10/3.

Special day for Higuain brothers

The Higuain brothers made history for David Beckham's Inter Miami FC on Saturday in Philadelphia. Gonzalo Higuain scored in the 73rd minute with his brother Federico assisting. Ten minutes later, Federico scored the game-winner, making them the first brothers to ever score in the same MLS game.

The goals also gave Inter Miami their first win of the season as they beat last year's Supporters' Shield winners 2-1.

Miami's new head coach Phil Neville spent multiple seasons playing alongside his older brother Gary at Manchester United. The two defenders never scored in the same game in the Premier League or while playing together for England.

Miami are on the road next week against fellow second-year team Nashville SC. Beckham's squad are 29/11, while Nashville are 14/11 and a draw is 12/5.

Sounders and LAFC draw

The two favourites in the Western Conference met up in week two. The match-up was without its full luster, though as LAFC's Diego Rossi and Carlos Vela were out injured, as were Seattle's Nicolas Lodeiro and Jordan Morris.

LAFC scored the opener in the second minute through Eduard Atuesta. His strike was the fastest goal in team history and came from a free-kick just outside the box. They couldn't hold on, though, and they have now kept just three clean sheets in their last 29 games.

Brad Smith headed home for the Sounders in the 54th minute to split the points. The Sounders have four points from their first two games and they return to Washington for the home opener in Matchday three.

Meanwhile, LAFC have four points from two home games despite not having the last two MLS Golden Boot winners available. LAFC head to Houston for their first road game. They are 13/10, Houston are 15/8 and a draw is 16/5.

* Odds correct at time of publication