The LA Galaxy extended its unbeaten run to start the 2024 MLS season to six games with a 1-0 win over winless Seattle Sounders.
Young Brazilian DP Gabriel Pec scored his first career goal for the Galaxy on assists from Joseph Paintsil, the Galaxy’s other offseason DP signing, and Riqui Puig, its sole returning DP.
The Galaxy leads FC Cincinnati (also 3-0-3) on goal difference. The only other unbeaten team is Philadelphia, which knocked Minnesota United out of the top spot in the Western Conference with a 2-0 win.
On tap for the Galaxy this week: A trip to BMO Field on Saturday for the first El Trafico rivalry match of the season against LAFC.
• Trivia. The last time the Galaxy began a season unbeaten through the first six matches was back in 2010.
No Messi and no Cucho
Inter Miami was once again without the injured Lionel Messi for its 1-1 tie with NYCFC. He has not played since suffering a strained hamstring two weeks ago.
Miami coach Tata Martino said Messi’s fitness was still being evaluated as the Herons prepare for Wednesday’s Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal game with Mexico’s Monterrey.
“Wednesday’s game is very important but we have to think about the entire year, not just one game,” the Argentine coach said.
Also absent on Saturday was Colombian star Cucho Hernandez, who missed the Columbus Crew’s 2-2 tie with Nashville SC.
The only comment Crew coach Wilfried Nancy would make about Cucho’s puzzling absence was “team policy.” Columbus hosts Tigres in their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal first-leg match on Tuesday.
Rapid’s Mihailovic beats LAFC’s Lloris twice
Djordje Mihailovic, who returned to MLS after a year at AZ in the Netherlands, scored his first two goals for Colorado and added an assist in a stunning 3-2 win over LAFC.
Mihailovic’s first goal came on a free kick into the top corner past French World Cup champion Hugo Lloris in the 83rd minute. The second goal in the 89th minute was less elegant, hitting off Mihailovic’s knee past Lloris to secure the win.
Top 5: 2024 scorers (MLS)
1. *Lewis Morgan (NY Red Bulls), 6 goals (+1)
2. Chicho Arango (Real Salt Lake), 5 goals (+3)
2. Giorgos Giakoumakis (Atlanta United), 5 goals (+1)
2. Dejan Joveljic (LA Galaxy), 5 goals
2. Luis Suárez (Inter Miami), 5 goals (+1)
*Tied MLS record for most goals in March in a single season.