Soccer <\/p>\n
A trophy was won and history was made during Matchday 38, making for some straightforward choices on the Team of the Matchday presented by Audi.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Starters:<\/strong> Rafael Cabral (RSL) – Jordi Alba (MIA), Jack Elliott (CHI), Anthony Markanich (MIN) – Lionel Messi (MIA), Sebastian Berhalter (VAN), Marcel Hartel (STL), Thomas M\u00fcller (VAN) – Anders Dreyer (SD), Mikael Uhre (PHI), Tadeo Allende (MIA)<\/p>\n Coach:<\/strong> Bradley Carnell (PHI)<\/p>\n Bench:<\/strong> Chris Brady (CHI), Andr\u00e9s Herrera (CLB), Patrickson Delgado (DAL), Joaqu\u00edn Pereyra (MIN), Philip Zinckernagel (CHI), Pedro de la Vega (SEA), Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Amahl Pellegrino (SD), K\u00e9vin Denkey (CIN)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n In his first season at the helm, head coach Bradley Carnell led the Philadelphia Union<\/a> to their second Supporters\u2019 Shield title with a 1-0 victory<\/a> over New York City FC<\/a> behind Mikael Uhre<\/a>\u2019s winning goal.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n San Diego FC<\/a> set a new expansion points record (60) in their 4-2 win<\/a> at Houston Dynamo FC<\/a>, to hang on to the Western Conference’s top spot. Landon Donovan MLS MVP candidate Anders Dreyer<\/a> added to his case with a brace to pave the way.<\/p>\n Inter Miami CF<\/a> returned to winning ways in a 4-1 triumph<\/a> over the New England Revolution<\/a>, as Lionel Messi<\/a> (3a), Jordi Alba<\/a> (2g\/1a) and Tadeo Allende<\/a> (2g) put on a show for the Herons faithful.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n In the process, Messi became the second player in league history to record at least 40 goal contributions in an MLS season (41), trailing only Carlos Vela\u2019s 2019 campaign (49).<\/p>\n Vancouver Whitecaps FC<\/a> cruised to victory over the San Jose Earthquakes<\/a> by the same 4-1 scoreline<\/a>, with Sebastian Berhalter<\/a> (2g\/1a) and Thomas M\u00fcller<\/a> (1g\/1a) setting the tone with three brilliant long-range goals.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n In results with major Audi MLS Cup Playoffs implications, Minnesota United FC<\/a> defender Anthony Markanich<\/a> continued his goalscoring success from set pieces, notching a brace in a 3-0 win<\/a> over Sporting Kansas City<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Chicago Fire FC<\/a> defender Jack Elliott<\/a> did the same in a 2-2 draw<\/a> against Toronto FC<\/a>, overcoming his early own goal. Also netting a brace, Marcel Hartel<\/a> steered St. Louis CITY SC<\/a> past Austin FC<\/a>, 3-1<\/a>, at Q2 Stadium.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Finally, Real Salt Lake<\/a> squeaked past the Colorado Rapids<\/a>, 1-0<\/a>, in the Rocky Mountain Cup despite the visitors racking up 2.5 expected goals. RSL goalkeeper Rafael Cabral<\/a> delivered a couple of stunning, point-blank saves in stoppage time among his three on the night.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nTeam highlights<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n