MLS Review: LA Galaxy bounce back, Fernandez equals record

LA Galaxy returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over lowly FC Cincinnati, while Portland Timbers star Brian Fernandez equalled an MLS record.

The Galaxy lost 2-1 to New England Revolution prior to the international break, which also saw Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s side beaten by Timbers 4-0 in the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday.

However, the Galaxy bounced back in Cincinnati, where quick-fire goals from Emmanuel Boateng and Fabio Alvarez ensured victory on Saturday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was kept quiet by bottom side Cincinnati but Boateng and Alvarez scored in the 12th and 15th minute respectively to see the second-placed Galaxy within six points of Western Conference and Supporters’ Shield leaders Los Angeles FC.

Our th win of the season is a shutout in Cincy 

 Highlights | #CINvLA pic.twitter.com/VitRHdc45h

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) June 23, 2019

Fernandez scored in his fourth successive game to start his MLS career, tying the record, as the Timbers routed visiting Houston Dynamo 4-0.

The 24-year-old forward – who arrived from Mexican side Necaxa for the 2019 season – equalled the feat set by Charlie Davies (2011), Alex Pineda Chacon (2001) and Carlos Ruiz (2002) with his goal in the 63rd minute.

That. Man. Again.

Brian Fernandez has four straight games with a goal to start his MLS career—that equals the all-time record! #PORvHOU pic.twitter.com/eNkQGFnq7U

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 23, 2019

Meanwhile, Dallas eased past Toronto 3-0 in a match which saw 16-year-old forward Pepi debut after signing his MLS contract on Friday.

Pepi started in both U.S. Open Cup fixtures over the last fortnight and just six months after becoming North Texas’ first-ever player as a 15-year-old, he came off the bench for Dallas against Toronto.

Elsewhere, Vancouver Whitecaps overcame a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 against Colorado Rapids and Chicago Fire played out a 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake.