The best goals of MLS matchday 1 - ranked

Major League Soccer is officially back.

The 2023 campaign kicked off strong on Saturday, as several teams managed last-minute victories and historic triumphs. New expansion team St. Louis CITY made their debut against Austin at Q2 Stadium, coming in as underdogs to upset a major MLS Cup favorite with some stunning goals.

In the East, D.C. United bounced back from a disappointing 2022 campaign to defeat Toronto FC with an extra-time winner.

Here are the best goals on show in Matchday 1.

5. Joao Klauss (vs. Philadelphia Union)

Joao Klauss made history with St. Louis CITY on Saturday night, scoring the game-winning goal against Austin FC to seal the team's first ever victory.

St. Louis CITY kicked off their inaugural Major League Soccer season at Q2 Stadium, coming in as underdogs against Josh Wolff's side. But the new expansion team held their ground, holding Austin to a 2-2 draw before Klauss' stunning goal.

4. Julian Carranza (vs. Columbus Crew)

It was a dream start for the Philadelphia Union, triumphing 4-1 over the Columbus Crew in Saturday's season-opener. Daniel Gazdag and Julian Carranza dominated the scoresheet, but it was the latter's second of the night that deserves a place on this list.

After losing out to LAFC in last year's MLS Cup, the Union is coming back hungier than ever for the title.

3. Mateusz Klich (vs. Toronto FC)

It was a dream debut for D.C. United's new figure Mateusz Klich. The Polish player opened up the scoring against Toronto FC, finding the bottom left corner to incite chaos at Audi Field.

D.C. United signed Klich from Leeds United as a Designated Player, strengthening Wayne Rooney's attack. He supported Christian Benteke and Nigel Robertha to secure the 3-2 victory for the Black & Red on opening weekend.

2. Sebastian Driussi (vs. St. Louis CITY)

Sebastian Driussi was at it again on Saturday during Austin FC's season opener against St. Louis CITY. Though the Verde & Black ultimately lost 3-2 to the expansion team, Driussi's individual efforts must be recognized.

The equalizer stunned supporters at Q2 Stadium, sending stands into a frenzy as the ball went past goalkeeper Roman Bürki and into the back of the net.

After the 2022 MLS campaign, Driussi is expected to keep shining.

1. Thiago Almada (vs. San Jose Earthquakes)

We would expect nothing less from a World Cup winner.

Thiago Almada returned to Major League Soccer in a spectucular fashion, putting to use skills he may have learned in Qatar. The Argentine single-handedly won the game for Atlanta United, who trailed 0-1 to the San Jose Earthquakes for the majority of the game.

But Almada's free kick sealed the deal.