MLS: Nani assist as Orlando moves above Philadelphia, Ruidiaz stunner

Nani came up with a crucial assist as Orlando City leapfrogged Philadelphia Union into second spot in the Eastern Conference with a 2-1 win in MLS on Thursday.

Orlando had taken the lead in the 10th minute from Benji Michel’s cool finish and Andrea Perea doubled their advantage in the 58th minute when he met ex-Manchester United winger Nani’s right-flank cross.

Philadelphia found a route back into the game when Kacper Przybylko netted with a first-time 68th-minute strike but they could not find an equaliser.

Union came close when City keeper Pedro Gallese made a fine stop to deny Jack Elliott with Jack McGlynn’s effort from the rebound hitting the post.

Orlando, who were winless in their past three games, move up to second in the east on 25 points from 14 games.

Union have now only won one of their past five games and are third in the east with 23 points from five games.

Lethal service. Lethal header. @andresperea06 | #ORLvPHI pic.twitter.com/tBtU74pCRr

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 23, 2021

Raul Ruidiaz scored a spectacular long-range goal to lift Seattle Sounders back into top spot overall with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Austin.

Ruidiaz moved into the outright lead for most goals this season with his 11th strike, which came in stunning style.

The Peruvian swooped a loose ball, spotting Austin keeper Brad Stuver off his line and expertly firing in from range for the 67th-minute winner.

Austin thought they had a 77th-minute equaliser which was disallowed by the VAR, while Ruidiaz also had a potential second ruled out for offside.

Seattle, whose 13-game unbeaten run ended on Sunday, are up to 32 points from 15 games atop the Western Conference.

67′ YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS! @RaulRuidiazM just did that!!! 

SEA 1 | ATX 0 #ATXvSEA pic.twitter.com/9QWsMdJnj0

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) July 23, 2021