MLS week 6 highlights: FC Cincinnati, Chicago Fire earn first wins; 10-man LA Galaxy lose at Portland Timbers

Week 6 of the 2021 MLS season did not disappoint, providing audiences with outstanding goals and surprising defeats. FC Cincinnati and Chicago Fire both got their first win of the season, while LA Galaxy shocked with a 3-0 loss to the Portland Timbers. 

FC Cincinnati finally earned a victory this season, triumphing against CF Montreal 2-1 at DRV PINK Stadium. Despite maintaining their position in last place of the Eastern Conference, Cincinnati proved that a comeback is still possible. CF Montreal kicked off the scoring at Inter Miami’s stadium as Djordje Mihailovic raced through the defensive line before sending a low cross into the center of the goal.

Cincinnati retaliated with two goals that sealed the victory. Jurgen Locadia first found the equalizer in the 70th minute with a quick tap into the net after a deflected corner attempt. Gustavo Vallencilla followed in his teammate’s footsteps by heading in the rebound after an angled free kick.

Chicago Fire also earned their first victory over the weekend, defeating Inter Miami 1-0. The team’s four game losing streak is finally over with the help of Luka Stojanovic. The underrated hero of the match came in as a sub to wow fans with a 69th minute goal.

Stojanovic scored directly from a free-kick yards outside the penalty box, forcing Miami goalkeeper John McCarthy to simply watch the ball enter the frame. With a quick kick, the Fire midfielder ended the team’s three game goal drought. 

LA Galaxy, on the other hand, disappointed immensely. The team lost 3-0 to the Portland Timbers after a turbulent first half saw center back Derrick Williams expelled from the pitch with a red card.

After Williams violently challenged Timbers forward Andy Polo, the referee immediately and without question went to his pocket for the red card. No VAR was necessary.  

Portland seized the opportunity by scoring three goals in under 20 minutes. The first two came from young forward Felipe Mora, while Diego Valeri scored the last goal with a penalty. 

The Western Conference restructured a bit, with the Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City coming out victorious over the weekend holding the first and second spot. Sporting KC displayed some stellar moments during their match against San Jose, including a phenomenal goal by Alan Pulido.

On the east, the New England Revolution leads the table with Orlando City just two points behind. Both teams won over the weekend, maintaining a tight race at the top.

In 3rd place, the Philadelphia Union showed up against D.C. United with a 1-0 victory while still resting the necessary players for their CONCACAF Champions League matches.

The much anticipated action continues this weekend for week 7.