Team of the Matchday: Son shines over St. Louis, Hudson River Derby delivers drama | MLSSoccer.com

Soccer

From debuts to derbies, stars rose to the occasion to earn their spot on the Matchday 37 Team of the Matchday presented by Audi.

Full team (3-4-3, left to right)

Starters: Sean Johnson (TOR) – Andrew Gutman (CHI), Thiago Martins (NYC), Alex Freeman (ORL) – Indiana Vassilev (PHI), Nectarios Triantis (MIN), Braian Ojeda (RSL), Dante Sealy (MTL) – Dor Turgeman (NE), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Joseph Paintsil (LA)

Coach: Pascal Jansen (NYC)

Bench: Pedro Gallese (ORL), Artem Smolyakov (LAFC), Andy Najar (NSH), Albert Rusnák (SEA), Diego Luna (RSL), Milan Iloski (PHI), Mikael Uhre (PHI), Petar Musa (DAL), Josef Martínez (SJ)

Team highlights

LAFC superstar Son Heung-Min continued the torrid start to his MLS career in the Black & Gold’s 3-0 victory at St. Louis CITY SC, scoring a brace for his eighth goal in as many matches.

Meanwhile, back in California, the LA Galaxy cruised to a 4-1 win over Sporting Kansas City, with Joseph Paintsil becoming the third player in club history to record a first-half hat trick.

New York City FC captain Thiago Martins netted the winner in a rollercoaster 3-2 victory at the New York Red Bulls, as Pascal Jansen led NYCFC to a fourth straight regular-season Hudson River Derby win.

Alex Freeman joined the theatrics with a 96th-minute headed equalizer to steal a point for Orlando City at FC Cincinnati in a 1-1 draw on Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire.

In the nation’s capital, the Philadelphia Union dominated D.C. United, 6-0. Indiana Vassilev lit up the scoresheet twice to help extend Philly’s lead atop the Supporters’ Shield race.

Making his debut in the New England Revolution’s 2-0 win against Atlanta United, U22 Initiative striker Dor Turgeman hit the ground running, contributing 1g/1a.

Fellow recent U22 arrival Nectarios Triantis continued to score bangers for Minnesota United FC with a stunning equalizer in their 1-1 draw at the Colorado Rapids, following up his debut masterstroke on Matchday 33.

Dante Sealy continued his breakout season for CF Montréal with 2g/1a to lead an impressive 4-1 victory at Charlotte FC.

In potentially meaningful Audi MLS Cup Playoffs results, Braian Ojeda scored the opener in Real Salt Lake’s 3-1 win against Austin FC. Andrew Gutman did the same in Chicago Fire FC’s 2-0 triumph over the Columbus Crew.

Finally, Sean Johnson helped Toronto FC secure a 1-1 draw against Inter Miami CF with five saves, including a stunning diving stop to deny Lionel Messi from close range.

Read MoreBecki Motsinger

Latest

Newsletter

Don't miss

5 Business Ideas Worth Starting in 2026

If there is one thing Nigerians understand well, it is how to spot opportunity inside hardship. In 2026, that mindset will matter more than ever. The economy is tough, competition is rising, and many people are looking for smarter ways to earn, build, and survive. But even in a difficult environment, some businesses still stand

Getting a business loan now comes with a frequent flyer upside

Australian fintech Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards, letting eligible SMEs earn up to 500,000 points per loan. What’s happening: Australian fintech lender Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards to allow eligible small and medium business owners to earn up to 500,000 Qantas Points per loan when taking out a Prospa Small Business

Why I went into real estate business years ago – Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo explains

Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo is one of the respected men of God in Nigeria. He is a global player. The headquarters of his church. KICC is in the UK. And he has run the church for years. Many don’t know that he is also a big real estate player both in London & Nigeria. He is the