Several MLS All-Stars shined bright during Matchday 28, giving them momentum before facing the LIGA MX All-Stars on July 24 at Lower.com Field in Columbus (8 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
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LAFC forward Denis Bouanga scored twice in a 3-0 win at red-hot Seattle Sounders FC, Inter Miami CF left back Jordi Alba scored late in a 2-1 triumph over Chicago Fire FC, and St. Louis CITY SC goalkeeper Roman BĆ¼rki made five saves in a 1-1 draw at rivals Sporting Kansas City.
Beyond that All-Star trio, LA Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil and New York Red Bulls forward Lewis Morgan fully deserve Team of the Matchday presented by Audi honors. Paintsil tallied 1g/2a in LA's 3-2 win over the Portland Timbers, and Morgan scored twice in RBNY's 3-1 victory over FC Cincinnati.
Atlanta United center back Stian Gregersen scored two nearly identical headers in a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew, powering home corner kicks from Saba Lobjanidze. Meanwhile, Houston Dynamo FC right back Griffin Dorsey's brace sealed a wild 4-3 victory at Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Cole Bassett tallied 1g/2a, including a late penalty kick, as the Colorado Rapids won 3-2 over rivals Real Salt Lake and reclaimed the Rocky Mountain Cup. Philadelphia Union midfielder DƔniel Gazdag scored his third career hat trick in a 3-0 win vs. Nashville SC, leaving the Hungarian international fourth in the Golden Boot presented by Audi race.
Toronto FC's Richie Laryea scored in a 1-0 triumph at Canadian Classique rival CF MontrƩal, then Charlotte FC's Iuri Tavares scored and won a penalty kick in a 2-2 draw at Austin FC.
Lastly, Steve Cherundolo earns Coach of the Matchday honors. LAFC stopped their mini-slide, ended Seattle's five-game winning streak and sit second in the Supporters' Shield race on points per game (1.96) at the All-Star/Leagues Cup break.
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Team of the Matchday (3-4-3, left to right): Roman BĆ¼rki (STL) - Jordi Alba (MIA), Stian Gregersen (ATL), Griffin Dorsey (HOU) - Richie Laryea (TOR), DĆ”niel Gazdag (PHI), Cole Bassett (COL), Iuri Tavares (CLT) - Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Joseph Paintsil (LA), Lewis Morgan (RBNY)
Coach: Steve Cherundolo (LAFC)
Bench: Hugo Lloris (LAFC), Peyton Miller (NE), Joseph Rosales (MIN), Yannick Bright (MIA), Riqui Puig (LA), AndrĆ©s GĆ³mez (RSL), Saba Lobjanidze (ATL), FafĆ Picault (VAN), Willy Agada (SKC)
Audi Goals Drive Progress
MLS Academies have been identified as one of the most important resources for building on-field talent in North America. Through the Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative, Audi has committed $1 million per season in an effort to advance academies league-wide, and to drive progress for the sport. For every goal scored in the regular season, Audi will contribute $200 into the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund to directly support each MLS Club Youth Academy.