The best goals of MLS week 1- ranked

Major League Soccer is back, and with that, goals of the week is back too! 

The first round of action has concluded, and we gathered the top goals from the league’s best strikers. Carlos Vela made a strong case, bagging a stunning hat-trick against the Colorado Rapids, while Dom Dwyer managed a dream debut with Atlanta United. 

But ultimately, Portland Timbers icon Yimmi Chara topped it all. 

Here’s all you need to know about this week’s edition…

5. Luiz Araujo (vs. Sporting Kansas City)

Let’s kick it off with Luiz Araujo’s cheeky goal against Sporting Kansas City in the season opener. Working off of an over the shoulder flick by Josef Martinez, Araujo managed to manipulate the ball and strike it into the back of the net. 

It was his first goal of the season, and fifth overall for Atlanta United. 

The celebrations were short lived, however, as the player signalled for a change minutes later. Head coach Gonzalo Pineda has since confirmed he picked up a hamstring injury. 

When asked about an update, he responded: “Not yet but obviously didn't look good. You know, when someone feels like that after a sprint is not prognosis, but we'll see.”

4. Chicharito (vs. NYCFC)

Chicharito is back. 

Prior to kick off, the Mexican international vowed to be the first player to score for the Western Conference side this season, and he kept his word. He may have faded away into the background during the first half, but Chicharito made himself known in the 89th minute. 

After latching onto a pass from Raheem Edwards, Chicharito worked to beat NYCFC defender Maxime Chanot and find a pocket of space before burying a strike into the upper right corner of the net. 

The forward insisted on sharing the credit, adding it was a victory for the team not himself. 

"The effort of the team, it was incredible," Chicharito gushed, making clear that he didn't want to take individual credit for the win, praising the quality of their opponent before declaring. "It was a victory for the LA Galaxy, not Chicharito."

3. Dom Dwyer (vs. Sporting Kansas City)

It was a dream debut for Dom Dwyer, who scored in his first ever match for Atlanta United. The former Orlando City striker wasted no time adjusting, falling right into rhythm with Josef Martinez on the attack to infiltrate SKC’s backline. 

While Dwyer claims scoring against his former club is bittersweet, he expressed joy at a possible redemption arc. 

“It’s always nice to score on your first game for a new club, against your old team is bittersweet but that’s my first goal in a couple of years so I’m really happy to be part of this score and overall the team performance.

“Atlanta believed in me so as much as I have history in many teams, I’m focused on being here right now and what I’ve done in the past is the past and now it’s the present, so I’m focused on working hard and being an important part of this group.”

2. Carlos Vela (vs. Colorado Rapids)

El Rey. 

The long awaited comeback of Carlos Vela is underway. The LAFC forward kicked off the 2022 MLS season with a hat-trick to earn his side three points at home against the Rapids. 

While his first two strikes of the match were certainly high quality, his third goal really turned heads. Vela came from the right side to inch into the box and curve the ball into the left side of the net, leaving William Yarbrough on the floor after diving for the unmanageable save. 

LAFC players rejoiced. 

“He makes the difference for us. It’s a luxury to have him in the team,” said midfielder Ilie Sanchez.

“When you work defensively and you get a hold of the ball, you have the opportunity to create chances, and to have someone like Carlos Vela finishing those chances is what makes this team different. We really have to take advantage of the quality he provides. We are happy to have him with us and I’m enjoying him as a teammate. It really helps to have him in the locker room as a leader.”

1. Yimmi Chara (vs. New England Revolution)

Yimmi Chara tops the list with a stunning bicycle kick goal to get the equalizer and earn a point for the Timbers. The Colombian forward timed his overhead perfectly to leave viewers in utter shock. 

His acrobatic strike in the 78 minute marked the 11th goal of his Timbers career. 

During the 2022 MLS season opener, Chara also provided a secondary assist on the initial goal, playing the pass to Santiago Moreno before setting up Dairon Asprilla.

After playing a huge role in the team’s 2021 success, it looks like the Colombian is up for it again. No telling what Chara is capable of doing for Gio Savarese’s side.