Soccer <\/p>\n
Matchday 15 is in the books.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
What did we learn? Did the games confirm our priors or change the complexion of the league?<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s dive into some key takeaways from another weekend of MLS action.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
First, he notched an assist. Then came a goal. Then, in what felt like the blink of an eye, another three more goal contributions.<\/p>\n
By the final whistle Saturday evening at TQL Stadium, FC Cincinnati<\/a> had claimed a 6-2 victory<\/a> over Orlando City<\/a> and\u00a0Evander<\/a> had made history<\/a>. He became just the ninth player in MLS history to claim five goal contributions in a single game (2g\/3a).<\/p>\n The Brazilian No. 10 was everywhere against Orlando. Playing on the left side of Pat Noonan\u2019s front three, his ability to drop between the lines sent the visitors scrambling and his on-ball magic changed the game.<\/p>\n Now, we know the Lions\u2019 defensive work leaves a lot to be desired, both in terms of goals conceded and expected goals allowed. But with Evander, they have a built-in cheat code in the final third.<\/p>\n Heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup<\/a> break, only Inter Miami CF<\/a>\u2019s Lionel Messi<\/a> (20) has posted more goal contributions than Evander (15). And he’s among the leaders in American Soccer Analysis\u2019s more holistic goals-added metric.<\/p>\n As Cincinnati leave behind their early-season slump, it’s because their main man is playing at an Landon Donovan MLS MVP level.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The morning after their 1-0 win<\/a> over the New England Revolution<\/a>, the star winger announced he had played his last game<\/a> for CLTFC.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n His loan from Turkish side Galatasaray lasted through June 30, and since Charlotte won’t play again until after Zaha\u2019s contract expires, that was that.<\/p>\n The Crystal Palace legend brought plenty of on-ball gravity, drawing more fouls than any player in the league last year (122, as per FBref, far ahead of New England captain\u00a0Carles Gil<\/a>\u2019s 101) and again this year (46, one ahead of New York City FC<\/a>\u2019s Nicol\u00e1s Fern\u00e1ndez Mercau<\/a>).\u00a0<\/p>\n But the pieces never quite clicked into place for Zaha to become an elite MLS attacker. It’s not hard to see why both parties didn\u2019t decide on a new contract.<\/p>\n Now, Zaha leaves Charlotte in sixth place in a malleable Eastern Conference. That’s a positive. And with a Designated Player spot to play with, The Crown have the chance to take a big swing this summer in hopes of climbing the standings.<\/p>\n Keep a close eye on them in the transfer market.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Wilfried Zaha makes his departure from Charlotte FC official. pic.twitter.com\/POroRSAfRY<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 TopBin90 (@Topbin90) May 24, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n The 2026 season didn\u2019t exactly start with a bang for Jorge Ruvalcaba<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Mexican international, acquired<\/a> by Red Bull New York<\/a> from LIGA MX\u2019s Pumas during the offseason, was immediately starting every game for Michael Bradley on the left wing. But the goals and assists weren\u2019t coming.\u00a0<\/p>\n Now, adjusting to a new league, a new set of teammates and a new tactical approach isn’t easy. But ever since Ruvalcaba scored in RBNY’s impressive 2-2 draw<\/a> at Inter Miami back in April, he\u2019s been on something of a scoring tear. With seven goals in his last nine MLS games, the tricky attacker has become a thorn in the side of opposing defenders.<\/p>\n In a 2-1 win<\/a> over Sporting Kansas City<\/a> on Saturday, Ruvalcaba nabbed a brace. Along the way, he showed off the skill and unpredictability in tight spaces that made him a transfer target over the winter:<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u2014 Red Bull New York (@NewYorkRedBulls) May 24, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n With Adri Mehmeti<\/a> providing elite midfield play and Julian Hall<\/a> leading the line, RBNY’s attack will be among the league’s absolute best if Ruvalcaba continues his form on the wing.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Through the World Cup break, two teams are on pace to break the MLS single-season points record.<\/p>\n In one corner, we have Nashville SC<\/a>, who lead the Supporters\u2019 Shield race with 33 points on a 2.36 points-per-game pace. In the other corner, we have Vancouver Whitecaps FC<\/a>, who are breathing down Nashville\u2019s neck from their second spot in the Shield race with 32 points on a 2.29 points-per-game pace.\u00a0<\/p>\n Both clubs are ahead of the points-per-game mark (2.18) that Inter Miami achieved to set the single-season points record (74) back in 2024.<\/p>\n What\u2019s going so right for these teams? Well, for one thing, both are showing off tremendous depth.<\/p>\n In last weekend’s 2-1 win<\/a> over NYCFC, Nashville were missing four starters due to injury: Sam Surridge<\/a>, Andy N\u00e1jar<\/a>, Patrick Yazbek<\/a> and Eddi Tagseth<\/a>. They beat LAFC<\/a> last time out, also missing those same players. And they were missing most of that crew in their 3-0 victory<\/a> at New England. And\u2026 you know what, you get it.<\/p>\n In last weekend’s 4-2 win<\/a> over San Diego FC<\/a>, the Whitecaps were missing four typical starters as well. Their regular first-choice wingers were out with injuries, while Yohei Takaoka<\/a> and Andr\u00e9s Cubas<\/a> missed out due to suspension. No matter. Vancouver went ahead and posted the highest xG total by an away team all season.\u00a0<\/p>\n These two teams atop the Shield race look invincible. Only time will tell if they truly are.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Nashville SC and Vancouver Whitecaps are both on pace to break the MLS single-season record for points, while San Jose Earthquakes are trending towards tying the second-best points tally. We’re in for a fantastic Supporters’ Shield race once MLS returns. pic.twitter.com\/S9ALW62rDv<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ben Wright (@benwright) May 24, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Don\u2019t look now, but St. Louis CITY<\/a> are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.\u00a0<\/p>\n Fresh off a dramatic victory over the Houston Dynamo<\/a> in the US Open Cup<\/a> quarterfinals, St. Louis took care of business in a 3-0 win<\/a> over Austin FC<\/a> in a week that showed off the club\u2019s improved squad depth and tactical acumen.<\/p>\n While there\u2019s still plenty of work to do on the roster, a fact that will likely make sporting director Corey Wray plenty busy this summer, St. Louis have some depth in each part of the field. Just this week, Ben Lundt<\/a> stepped in for the injured Roman B\u00fcrki<\/a> in goal. Fallou Fall<\/a> moved into a starting center back role. Eduard L\u00f6wen<\/a> showed he\u2019s ready for more minutes in Yoann Damet\u2019s box midfield. The list goes on.<\/p>\n Quietly, St. Louis have pushed up to 12th in MLS in expected goals (xG) differential per game, according to American Soccer Analysis. They haven\u2019t lost a game in any competition since May 3, going unbeaten in their last five matches.<\/p>\n While they sit below the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs line, CITY look increasingly comfortable rotating and moving off the ball in Damet\u2019s base 3-4-3 shape. If this team hops above the postseason line in the first year of their rebuild, I won\u2019t be surprised.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
\n