A stellar team performance from Inter Miami, two goals from Lucas Zelarayan, and a blistering strike from Robert Taylor headlined the Best of MLS for Week 2.
Inter Miami picked up its second-straight win to start the 2023 season after defeating the Philadelphia Union 2-0. Goals from Corentin Jean and Robert Taylor propelled the Florida-based hosts past the defending Eastern Conference champions on Saturday, while Drake Callender registered a four-save clean sheet.
Lucas Zelarayan celebrated his first two goals of the 2023 MLS season as the Columbus Crew defeated D.C. United 2-0 at Lower.com Field on Saturday. The Armenian international broke the deadlock in the 10th minute before doubling the Crew’s lead in the 44th. It was the first of what should be several Man of the Match performances from the 30-year-old this season.
Not only did Inter Miami pick up a home win on Saturday, but Robert Taylor’s powerful volley goal was the Finnish midfielder’s first tally of the new season. Andre Blake did his best to deny Taylor’s right-footed shot, but could not keep it out as Inter Miami padded its lead to an eventual victory.
Here are the top moments in Week 2:
Player of the Week
The Columbus Crew rebounded in a big way on Saturday with a 2-0 shutout win over D.C. United. Lucas Zelarayan headlined the performance by scoring his first two goals of the new campaign.
Zelarayan connected with fellow attacker Cucho Hernandez in the 10th minute, sending a right-footed shot into the top-right corner. After breaking the deadlock earlier in the first half, Zelarayan was played in towards goal by Alexandru Matan just before halftime.
Zelarayan blasted his shot down the middle of D.C. United’s net, giving the Crew some early breathing room in front of their home supporters. The 30-year-old also won five duels and completed four dribbles on his way to a Man of the Match performance.
Jesus Ferreira, William Yarbrough and Alex Roldan were honorable mentions for the Player of the Week honors.
Team of the Week
Inter Miami made it two victories out of two to begin the 2023 MLS season after defeating the Philadelphia Union 2-0 on Saturday.
Corentin Jean and Robert Taylor both delivered impressive goals in the victory while Drake Callender made four saves to preserve a first shutout of the campaign. Jean’s blistering shot in the 32nd minute snuck into Andre Blake’s bottom-left corner before Robert Taylor’s volley in the 77th minute sealed the result.
Not only did Inter Miami walk away with a shutout win, but they frustrated the Union’s dynamic attack for majority of the night.
FC Dallas, New England Revolution, and the Seattle Sounders also earned important victories, finishing as Team of the Week nominees.
Goal of the Week
It’s not often you see Andre Blake get beaten from distance, but Robert Taylor earned that feat in Saturday’s victory for Inter Miami.
Jean Mota’s cross from the right wing was chested by Taylor outside of the Union 18-yard box before the veteran midfielder volleyed home into the bottom-right corner. Blake came close to getting a hand to the shot, but ultimately had to watch Taylor’s shot seal the deal for Inter Miami.
It was an instant impact from Taylor, who came onto the field only one minute before his goal.
Matheus Rossetto, Lucas Zelarayan, and Corentin Jean also delivered standout finishes in Week 2 play.
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