MLS review: Chicharito can’t save LA Galaxy, and misery for Miami

Sean Fisher
20 September 2021

Javier Hernandez, LA Galaxy, MLS, Chicharito

Even Chicharito's return to the side couldn't turn around LA Galaxy's fortunes, Miami's play-off push hit a huge stumbling block, and FC Dallas' patience finally ran out with Gonzalez

MLS got back to it's usual routine this week with all the games being played over the designated three-day weekend period.

Seattle Sounders missed their chance to go back on top of the Western Conference after their 1-0 loss to Real Salt Lake on Sunday, leaving Sporting KC one point ahead of them before next weekend's highly anticipated showdown.

Elsewhere, Inter Miami's hype train came to a humbling stop against the New York Red Bulls, late drama saw Atlanta United hold off D.C. United, and LA Galaxy fell to another defeat.

Wake-up call for Miami

After having a great run of form over the last month, which included getting close to the play-off positions, things fell apart for Inter Miami on Friday night.

Phil Neville's squad hosted a New York Red Bulls team with only one road win so far this season, but ended up on the wrong side of a 4-0 thrashing in front of 18,000 fans.

The Red Bulls scored twice in the first 30 minutes before Jorge Figal's dismissal left Inter Miami with 10 men just before the break.

Fabio scored twice in the second half to cap off the humiliating defeat, and the stats made for terrifying reading, with Miami only registering two shots compared to NYRB's 27.

Now back in ninth place and three points outside of the last play-off spot, Neville and the Herons will need to quickly shake the defeat off and look forward.

Their next two games to end September's fixtures are crucial with a home game against second-placed Nashville SC and a trip to sixth-placed Atlanta United.

Galaxy are shut out in Minnesota

The Los Angeles Galaxy are finally back to full strength but it didn't help them avoid defeat on Saturday as they lost 3-0 at Minnesota United.

Chicharito entered the game in the 58th minute but by then United already trailed 2-0 courtesy of Emanuel Reynoso's brace in the opening 20 minutes.

Jonathan Dos Santos also came on alongside Chicharito as the Galaxy attempted to rescue a point in the second half. However, it was not to be, and Ethan Finlay put the game to bed just eight minutes later.

Minnesota scored with all three shots on goal while the Galaxy had two shots and 65% of the possession. They also completed over 90% of their passes but couldn't break through a stubborn defence.

The loss leaves the Galaxy in fourth place in the West with 38 points, five away from the top three. Minnesota United move up to seventh with 34 points, and lead LAFC for the final play-off spot by a point.

FC Dallas sack Gonzalez

Luchi Gonzalez is no longer in charge at FC Dallas after the team announced their parting on Sunday.

FC Dallas made the play-offs in each of the last two seasons under Gonzalez' leadership but this season they have slumped to 11th in the Western Conference.

With seven points between FC Dallas and the last play-off spot, the team decided to take action and sack Gonzalez following a 3-2 loss to rivals Houston Dynamo in Saturday's Texas Derby.

Dallas have now lost four games in a row and will begin the search for a new head coach.

Director of soccer operations Marco Ferruzzi will manage the team on an interim basis. Three of the assistant coaches were retained, while Mikey Varas was let go with Gonzalez.

MLS has had five coaching changes since the season began and FC Dallas follow Toronto FC, Atlanta United, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Real Salt Lake in making mid-season changes.