Soccer <\/p>\n
From a goalkeeper assist to a 100th-minute game-winner, stars delivered unique and emotional contributions on the Matchday 22 Team of the Matchday presented by Audi.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Starters:<\/strong> John Pulskamp (SKC) – Carlos Harvey (MIN), Ethan Bartlow (HOU), Mitja Ileni\u010d (NYC) – Evander (CIN), Erik Thommy (SKC), Pep Biel (CLT), Hannes Wolf (NYC) – Joseph Paintsil (LA), Ezequiel Ponce (HOU), Lionel Messi (MIA)<\/p>\n Coach:<\/strong> Ben Olsen (HOU)<\/p>\n Bench:<\/strong> Oscar Ustari (MIA), Ian Smith (POR), Anthony Markanich (MIN), Diogo Gon\u00e7alves (RSL), David Da Costa (POR), Onni Valakari (SD), Tadeo Allende (MIA), Hany Mukhtar (NSH), Ramiro Enrique (ORL)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Lionel Messi<\/a> was as good as ever in Inter Miami CF<\/a>\u2019s 4-1 win<\/a> at CF Montr\u00e9al<\/a> as the Herons returned to MLS action following their historic FIFA Club World Cup<\/a> campaign. Miami\u2019s captain became the third player in MLS history to record (at least) two goals and one assist in three consecutive matches, all of which were of the world-class variety at Stade Saputo.<\/p>\n Speaking of, Ezequiel Ponce<\/a>\u2019s late brace and Ethan Bartlow<\/a>\u2019s pair of assists led Houston Dynamo FC<\/a> to a 4-3 comeback win<\/a> over Western Conference-leading San Diego FC<\/a> in arguably the most entertaining game of the 2025 season. Head coach Ben Olsen has guided his side back above the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs line.<\/p>\n Hannes Wolf<\/a> and Mitja Ileni\u010d<\/a> were equally as influential in New York City FC<\/a>\u2019s 3-1 win<\/a> against Toronto FC<\/a>, with each netting a goal and an assist to leapfrog rivals New York Red Bulls<\/a> in the Eastern Conference playoff race.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Erik Thommy<\/a> (1g\/1a) matched that output for Sporting Kansas City<\/a> in their 2-1 victory<\/a> at the Colorado Rapids<\/a>, pressing hard to assist the early opener before scoring the winner, assisted on a direct long ball from goalkeeper John Pulskamp<\/a>, who also produced several point-blank stops en route to eight total saves.<\/p>\n Continuing the trend, Evander<\/a> led FC Cincinnati<\/a>\u2019s 2-1 triumph<\/a> over Chicago Fire FC<\/a> with a goal and an assist to make his third consecutive Team of the Matchday starting XI. Meanwhile, Pep Biel<\/a> (1g\/1a) made history in Charlotte FC<\/a>\u2019s 2-2 draw<\/a> with Orlando City<\/a> by becoming the fastest player in club history to record 20 goal contributions (29 games).<\/p>\n Earning LA Galaxy<\/a> their second win of the season, Joseph Paintsil<\/a> netted a brace in a 3-0 victory<\/a> over Vancouver Whitecaps FC<\/a>. The Ghana international’s mother was in the crowd to see him play live for the first time since 2014.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nTeam highlights<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n