MLS matchday 30 didn't disappoint, as several players around the league propelled their sides to crucial victories with the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs on the horizon.
Although Lionel Messi did notch two assists to lift Inter Miami over LAFC, 3-1, there were several other players around MLS that put on equally impressive clinics to help their respective teams. One key player registered a hat trick to help his team to victory, while another recorded a different kind of hat trick - one dealing with assists.
Here are the top three performers from MLS matchday 30...
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3. Christian Benteke - D.C. United
D.C. United pummelled Eastern Conference rivals Chicago Fire to move into a playoff spot in ninth place in the East for the time being, and Christian Benteke's brace helped seal the three points.
The two goals for Benteke moved him up to 10 in 2023 and he's now very much in the Golden Boot race, scoring a terrific goal inside 10 minutes to put his team in front.
2. Kai Wagner - Philadelphia Union
Kai Wagner showed his quality in Philadelphia Union's 4-1 thrashing of rivals New York Red Bulls, registering a hat-trick of assists on the night to help his team remain near the top of the Eastern Conference.
It was a special sight for the 26-year-old, as it isn't common to hear about a full-back/wing-back grabbing assist after assist, but it definitely helps to have someone like Mikael Uhre or Julian Carranza to finish chances off.
1. Juan 'Cucho' Hernandez - Columbus Crew
Juan 'Cucho' Hernandez has stepped up after the departure of Lucas Zelarayan, and he did not disappoint in Columbus Crew's 4-2 triumph over CF Montreal.
The 24-year-old put the Crew on his back and brought home player of the match honors after recording a hat trick at Stade Saputo, and Columbus will need him and the likes of Diego Rossi and Christian Ramirez to perform well as the postseason approaches.
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