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Thursday Night Capsule – Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals

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Thursday Night Capsule – Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals

THURSDAY NIGHT PREVIEW:

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (0-3) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-1)

Week 4 of the 2021 NFL season gets underway on Thursday, September 30 (8:20 PM ET, NFL Network) as the Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) host the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3) in a matchup of the two most recent No. 1 overall picks – Cincinnati’s JOE BURROW (2020 No. 1 pick) and Jacksonville’s TREVOR LAWRENCE (2021). This marks only the second ever quarterback meeting between the two most recent first overall picks. Cleveland’s BAKER MAYFIELD (No. 1 overall in 2018) and Arizona’s KYLER MURRAY in (No. 1 overall in 2019) met in Week 15 of the 2019 season.

Thursday will be the 24th all-time meeting between the two franchises, with the Jaguars holding a 13-10 series advantage. The clubs also met in Week 4 of last season, with the Bengals winning, 33-25. It marked the first-career victory for Burrow, who passed for 300 yards in the win. Running back JOE MIXON totaled 181 scrimmage yards (151 rushing, 30 receiving) and a career-high three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving).

Cincinnati enters this week coming off a 24-10 victory over the Steelers, its first win in Pittsburgh since 2015. Burrow completed 14 of 18 passes for a career-high 77.8 completion percentage and added three touchdown passes. He is one of three AFC quarterbacks (DEREK CARR and PATRICK MAHOMES) with at least two touchdown passes in each of the first three weeks of the season. Mixon rushed for 90 yards last week and he aims for his third in a row on Thursday Night Football with at least 85 scrimmage yards. Wide receiver TYLER BOYD had his first touchdown catch of the season in Week 3 and had seven receptions for 90 yards in last year’s meeting. He aims for his third in a row on Thursday Night Football with a touchdown reception. Rookie wide receiver JA’MARR CHASE had two touchdown receptions last week, including a 34-yard catch, and is the third rookie in NFL history with a touchdown catch of at least 25 yards in each of his first three career games, joining DONTE STALLWORTH (2002) and BILLY HOWTON (1952). He is one of four players in the league with a touchdown reception in three games this season.

Linebacker LOGAN WILSON led Cincinnati’s defense in Week 3, setting career highs in tackles (14) and interceptions (two). Entering Thursday night, Wilson leads the league with three interceptions this season. Safety JESSIE BATES had eight tackles and a tackle for loss last week and since entering the league in 2018, ranks second among all safeties with 340 tackles. Defensive end TREY HENDRICKSON tied for second in the league with 13.5 sacks last season with New Orleans and has a sack in two of his first three games as a Bengal. Cincinnati is one of two teams in the AFC (Cleveland) with at least 10 team sacks (10) this season.

Last week against Arizona, Lawrence completed 22 of 34 passes (season-high 64.7 pct.) for 219 yards and a touchdown. He enters Thursday leading all rookies with five touchdown passes and ranks second with 669 passing yards. Running back JAMES ROBINSON totaled 134 scrimmage yards (88 rushing, 46 receiving) last week and recorded his first rushing touchdown of the season. In last year’s meeting, Robinson had 107 scrimmage yards (75 rushing, 32 receiving). Wide receiver MARVIN JONES led the team with 62 receiving yards last week. He has a touchdown catch in two of his first three games as a Jaguar. Wide receiver DJ CHARK had eight catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns in last year’s meeting. He is one of four AFC wide receivers with at least five catches in each of the first three weeks of the season.

Linebacker MYLES JACK led the Jaguars with a season-high 10 tackles last week. He recorded an interception in last year’s meeting in Cincinnati and aims for his third in a row against the Bengals with an interception. Defensive end/linebacker JOSH ALLEN has a sack in two of three games this season and aims for his third in a row against Cincinnati with a sack. Safety ANDREW WINGARD recorded his first interception of the season last week.

Thursday’s contest marks the third of eight games exclusively televised on NFL Network this season and will be produced by FOX. The game will feature Joe Buck, Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink on the call.

Seven From Sunday – Week 3

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Seven From Sunday – Week 3

A look at seven statistical highlights from games played at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 26, the third week of the 2021 season.

  • In Week 3, five teams advanced to 3-0: ARIZONA, CAROLINA, DENVER, LAS VEGAS and the LOS ANGELES RAMS. San Francisco (2-0) faces Green Bay on Sunday Night Football and can begin a season 3-0 for the second time in the past three seasons (2019).

    For the 10th time ever and first time since 2018, a game has gone to overtime in each of the first three weeks of the season. Las Vegas overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat Miami, 31-28, in overtime and became the fourth team to win two overtime games within their first three games of a season, joining the 1995 Atlanta Falcons, 1995 Kansas City Chiefs and 1994 Detroit Lions. Minnesota also overcame a 10-point deficit to defeat Seattle in Week 3.

    With two games remaining in Week 3, 10 of 14 games (71.4 percent) have been within one score (eight points) in the fourth quarter, with four games being decided by a game-winning score in the final minute of regulation or in overtime.

  • Baltimore quarterback LAMAR JACKSON recorded one touchdown pass and kicker JUSTIN TUCKER converted a game-winning 66-yard field goal as time expired, the longest made field goal in NFL history, in the Ravens’ 19-17 win at Detroit.

    In 40 career starts, Jackson has 90 touchdowns (70 passing, 20 rushing) and joined PATRICK MAHOMES (107 touchdowns) and Pro Football Hall of Famers DAN MARINO (95) and KURT WARNER (91) as the only quarterbacks with at least 90 combined passing and rushing touchdowns in their first 40 career starts.

    Tucker, who also converted a 50-yard field goal in the third quarter, has seven career games with multiple 50-yard field goals, tied with BRANDON MCMANUS (seven games) and MATT PRATER (seven) for the most such games in NFL history.

  • Buffalo quarterback JOSH ALLEN passed for 358 yards and four touchdowns and added one rushing touchdown in the Bills’ 43-21 win over Washington.

    Allen is the fourth player in NFL history to record multiple career games with at least 300 passing yards, four touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown, joining DREW BREES (four games), AARON RODGERS (three) and Pro Football Hall of Famer PEYTON MANNING (two). He registered 311 passing yards with four touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown in Week 3 of the 2020 season.

    Allen is the fifth player ever to record five games with at least 300 passing yards and four touchdown passes in his first four seasons, joining PATRICK MAHOMES (nine games), Pro Football Hall of Famers DAN MARINO (nine) and KURT WARNER (six), and ANDREW LUCK (six).

  • Los Angeles Chargers quarterback JUSTIN HERBERT passed for 281 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions for a 125.0 rating, including the game-winning touchdown pass with 32 seconds remaining, in the team’s 30-24 win at Kansas City.

    Herbert is the fifth player in the Super Bowl era to record five games with at least three touchdown passes and zero interceptions in his first two seasons, joining LAMAR JACKSON (six games), Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO (six), PATRICK MAHOMES (five) and DAK PRESCOTT (five).

    Kansas City quarterback PATRICK MAHOMES, appearing in his 49th career game, registered 260 passing yards and three touchdown passes in Week 3.

    Mahomes has 15,092 career passing yards and became the first quarterback in league annals to reach 15,000 passing yards in 50-or-fewer games.

  • Las Vegas quarterback DEREK CARR passed for 386 yards and two touchdowns with one interception for a 95.7 rating in the Raiders’ 31-28 overtime win against Miami. Las Vegas is 3-0 for the first time since 2002.

    Carr has 1,203 passing yards and became the fourth player with at least 1,200 passing yards through his team’s first three games of a season in NFL history, joining TOM BRADY (1,327 passing yards in 2011), RYAN FITZPATRICK (1,230 in 2018) and Pro Football Hall of Famer KURT WARNER (1,221 in 2000).

    Dating back to Week 16 of the 2020 season, Carr has recorded at least 325 passing yards in five consecutive games and joined RICH GANNON (six games in 2002), DREW BREES (five games in 2011) and Pro Football Hall of Famer KURT WARNER (five games in 2000 and five games in 2008) as the only players to record 325 passing yards in five consecutive games in NFL history.

  • Los Angeles Rams wide receiver DESEAN JACKSON recorded a 75-yard touchdown reception in the team’s 34-24 win over Tampa Bay.

    Jackson is the fifth player in the Super Bowl era to register 10 career touchdowns of at least 75 yards, joining DEVIN HESTER (14 touchdowns), DANTE HALL (11), JOSH CRIBBS (10) and TYREEK HILL (10).

    Tampa Bay quarterback TOM BRADY passed for 432 yards and one touchdown and added a rushing touchdown on Sunday. Brady has 80,291 career passing yards and joined DREW BREES (80,358) as the only players with at least 80,000 career passing yards in NFL history.

  • Cincinnati rookie wide receiver JA’MARR CHASE registered touchdown receptions of 9 yards and 34 yards in the Bengals’ 24-10 win at Pittsburgh.

    Chase, who had a 50-yard touchdown catch in Week 1 and a 42-yard touchdown reception in Week 2, is the third rookie in NFL history with a touchdown reception of at least 25 yards in each of his first three career games, joining DONTE STALLWORTH (2002) and BILLY HOWTON (1952).

    Pittsburgh rookie running back NAJEE HARRIS totaled 14 receptions for 102 yards on Sunday.

    Harris’ 14 catches are tied with SAQUON BARKLEY (September 16, 2018) and ROY HELU (November 6, 2011) for the most receptions by a rookie running back in a single game all-time.

  • Other notable performances from Sunday include:
    • Arizona quarterback KYLER MURRAY passed for 316 yards and added a rushing touchdown in the Cardinals’ 31-19 win at Jacksonville. Arizona improved to 3-0 for the first time since 2015.

      Murray has rushed for a touchdown in each of his team’s first three games for the second season in a row. The only other quarterbacks with a rushing touchdown in each of their team’s first three games of a season since 1970 are Pro Football Hall of Famer TERRY BRADSHAW (1972) and CHARLIE FRYE (2006).

    • Jacksonville wide receiver JAMAL AGNEW returned a missed field goal on Sunday for a 109-yard touchdown, tied with CORDARRELLE PATTERSON (109-yard kick return touchdown on October 27, 2013) and ANTONIO CROMARTIE (109-yard missed field goal return on November 4, 2007) for the longest return touchdown in NFL history.

      Agnew, who had a 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Week 2, is the first player in NFL history to register a touchdown of at least 100 yards in consecutive games.

White Sox place Brian Goodwin on injured list; recall Matt Foster from Class AAA Charlotte

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White Sox place Brian Goodwin on injured list; recall Matt Foster from Class AAA Charlotte

CLEVELAND – Prior to today’s series finale at Cleveland, the Chicago White Sox placed outfielder Brian Goodwin on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to September 24) with lower back spasms and recalled right-handed pitcher Matt Foster from Class AAA Charlotte.

Foster, 26, served as the 29th player for Thursday’s doubleheader at the Indians. He is 2-1 with a 6.32 ERA (26 ER/37.0 IP), one save, two holds and 40 strikeouts in 34 relief appearances over five stints with the White Sox this season.

Goodwin, 30, is hitting .221 (52-235) with 10 doubles, eight home runs, 29 RBI and 33 runs scored in 72 games (64 starts) with Chicago in 2021.

D-backs recall Geraldo Perdomo from Triple-A Reno; Place Nick Ahmed on the 10-day injured list

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D-backs recall Geraldo Perdomo from Triple-A Reno; Place Nick Ahmed on the 10-day injured list

The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves:

Recalled INF Geraldo Perdomo from Triple-A Reno.

Placed INF Nick Ahmed on the 10-day injured list (right shoulder inflammation), retro to Sept. 23

Dodgers recall Andrew Vasquez

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Dodgers recall Andrew Vasquez

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled left-handed pitcher Andrew Vasquez and optioned outfielder Luke Raley.

Vasquez, 27, returns for his second stint with the team and has appeared in two games for the Dodgers, allowing one unearned run in 1.2 innings with three strikeouts. He appeared in five games for Triple-A Oklahoma City, allowing two runs on five hits in 5.0 innings. He was acquired via trade from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Steve Berman and has made 38 appearances at the Triple-A level with 33 coming for the Triple-A St. Paul Saints, where he went 4-0 with a 3.61 ERA with 68 strikeouts in 42.1 innings. The former Los Osos High School standout has spent part of three seasons in the Major Leagues with Minnesota (2018-19) and Los Angeles (2021), going a combined 1-0 with an 8.10 ERA (6 ER/6.2 I) with 10 strikeouts. The Southern California native was originally drafted in the 32nd round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft by the Twins out of Westmont College.

Raley, 27, made three appearances in his sixth stint with the team, going 2-for-7 with a homer and two RBI. He is batting .182 on the season with two homers and four RBI. He has spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City and is batting .295 (75-for-254) with 14 doubles, two triples, 18 homers and 66 RBI in 67 games. He has spent parts of five seasons in the minor leagues and is a .289 hitter with 64 homers and 244 RBI in 414 games. He was acquired by the Dodgers on February 10, 2020 along with right-hander Brusdar Graterol from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for right-hander Kenta Maeda and minor league catcher Jair Camargo.

A’s place SS Elvis Andrus and 2B/DH Jed Lowrie on the injured list

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A’s place SS Elvis Andrus and 2B/DH Jed Lowrie on the injured list

LHP Sam Moll reinstated from paternity list; INF Vimael Machín recalled from Las Vegas

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Oakland A’s placed shortstop Elvis Andrus on the 10-day injured list with a fractured left fibula and second baseman/designated hitter Jed Lowrie on the 10-day injured list with a sprained right hand, the club announced today. The A’s also reinstated left-handed pitcher Sam Moll from the paternity list and recalled infielder Vimael Machín from Triple-A Las Vegas.

Andrus suffered the injury scoring the winning run in the A’s 2-1 walk-off win over Houston yesterday. He was batting .338 in 21 games in September and finishes with a .243 average, three home runs and 37 RBI in 146 games overall in his first season with Oakland.

Lowrie was batting .145 over his last 26 games and hit .245 with 28 doubles, 14 home runs and 69 RBI in 139 games after playing in just nine games over the previous two seasons. He hit .342 with runners in scoring position, which is currently second best in the American League.

Moll was placed on the PL on Thursday and has pitched in six games over three stints with the A’s this year. He has not allowed a run in 7.2 innings and opponents are 4-for-25 (.160) with no extra base hits and four walks.

Machín joins the A’s for the fourth time this season and is hitting .107 with one RBI in 13 games over his previous three stints. He was last with the club from Aug. 14-16 when Andrus was on the paternity list and went 2-for-7 (.286) in three games. Machín hit .265 in 24 games with Las Vegas following his Aug. 17 option and is batting .295 with 17 doubles, six triples, 11 home runs and 58 RBI in 89 games overall with the Aviators. He also walked 49 times to fuel a .389 on-base percentage, which is sixth best in the Triple-A West.

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2, LAFC 0

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MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2, LAFC 0

Reigning MLS Player of the Week Chofis tallies one goal and one assist

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Los Angeles Football Club 2-0 on Saturday night at PayPal Park. The Quakes are now 5-2-4 in their last 11 matches and are just three points below the playoff line in the Western Conference. San Jose also extended their winning streak vs. LAFC to four matches.

The Quakes jumped out to an early lead in the third minute. Chofis, the reigning MLS Player of the Week, played a through ball past multiple defenders to Benji Kikanovic, who dribbled around the goalkeeper before passing the ball into the empty net.

San Jose then doubled their lead in the 47th minute. Marcos Lopez played a pass across the front of goal and Chofis first timed his shot past goalkeeper Tomas Romero. Chofis has now tallied six goals and an assist in the last three matches.

Quakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski made three saves in the shutout. It marked his fourth shutout of the season and second shutout victory.

The Earthquakes will remain in San Jose to host Seattle Sounders FC on Wednesday, Sept. 29, presented by Intermedia. Wednesday marks the Quakes’ annual College Night and will kick off from PayPal Park at 7:30 p.m. PT. The match will be broadcast on NBC Sports Bay Area Plus, KNBR 1050 and KZSF 1370.

 

GAME NOTES

The Earthquakes now hold an 8-9-9 record (33 pts.) during the 2021 MLS regular season and are currently in 10th place in the Western Conference, just three points below the playoff line.

The Quakes extended their winning streak against LAFC to four. San Jose is now 4-5-0 all-time vs. LAFC, including a 3-2-0 record at home.

San Jose earned their second shutout victory of the season and first since July 31 (1-0 vs. SEA). Tonight’s win was also the first at PayPal Park since Aug. 8 against LAFC (W 2-1). It marked the Quakes’ first shutout victory by multiple goals since Oct. 28, 2020 vs. RSL (2-0).

Midfielder Chofis scored his team-leading 11th goal of the season and 11th of his MLS career. He has now scored six goals in the last three matches and is the league’s leading scorer during the month of September (6). He has also scored in consecutive matches vs. LAFC. Additionally, Chofis tallied an assist on Kikanovic’s goal, marking his third assist of the season and first game-winning assist.

Chofis became the first Earthquakes player to score in three straight matches since Vako in July 2019.

Rookie forward Benji Kikanovic scored his second goal of the season and of his MLS career. He has now tallied one goal and one assist in the last two matches.

Defender Marcos Lopez tallied an assist on Chofis’ goal, marking his first assist of the season and fourth of his MLS career.

Goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski secured his fourth shutout of the season and ninth of his MLS career.

Midfielder Shea Salinas entered the match as a substitute in the 82nd minute, marking his first appearance since Sept. 4 against the Colorado Rapids.

MATCH INFORMATION

MLS Regular Season

San Jose Earthquakes 2 – 0 Los Angeles Football Club

Sept. 25, 2021 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.

Attendance: 16,927

Man of the Match: Chofis

Scoring Summary:

SJ (1-0) – Benji Kikanovic (Chofis) 3′

SJ (2-0) – Chofis (Marcos Lopez) 47′

Misconduct Summary:

SJ – Nathan (caution) 31′

SJ – Cristian Espinoza (caution) 34′

LAFC – Danny Crisostomo (caution) 39′

SJ – Luciano Abecasis (caution) 64′

LAFC – Jose Cifuentes (caution) 75′

SJ – Marcos Lopez (caution) 86′

LAFC – Raheem Edwards (caution) 90+5′

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Marcos Lopez (Cade Cowell 88), Nathan, Oswaldo Alanis, Luciano Abecasis; Eric Remedi, Judson; Chofis (Shea Salinas 82), Jackson Yueill, Cristian Espinoza (Tommy Thompson 76); Benji Kikanovic (Chris Wondolowski 88).

Substitutes not used: Carlos Fierro, Paul Marie, Andy Rios, Jack Skahan, Daniel Vega.

SHOTS: 7; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 17; CORNER KICKS: 0; SAVES: 3

LAFC: Tomas Romero, Mamadou Fall, Diego Palacios (Raheem Edwards 59), Sebastien Ibeagha (Marco Farfan 58), Moon-Hwan Kim (Latif Blessing 59), Jesus Murillo, Francisco Ginella, Jose Cifuentes, Daniel Crisostomo, Danny Musovski (Bryce Duke 59), Cristian Arango.

Substitutes not used: Jamal Blackmon, Jordan Harvey, Pablo Sisniega.

SHOTS: 13; SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; FOULS: 21; CORNER KICKS: 3; SAVES: 0

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MATIAS ALMEYDA

On his tactics in tonight’s match:

“I think we played a really intelligent game. We planned for this type of game against the formation that the opponent has been using. The players understood and responded well to the formation change we made.”

On Benji Kikanovic’s contributions and his growth:

“I think Benji is one of the young players that is learning day-by-day. He has perfectly understood the identity we want the players to have at San Jose. He is a player with pace, he is good in the aerial game and has great technique. He really works a lot for the team. He was able to put away the chance that came from a great pass from Chofis. He also worked hard in the defensive phase. I am really pleased when the young players perform well. It makes me happy for them and for the club.”

On his conversations with the players about playoffs:

“For us, as long as the math is there, we will try to be competitive, and we will compete until the end. They know the mentality I try to transmit to them. Sometimes we see that reflected, other times we are missing a bit, but we are generally happy with it.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER JACKSON YUEILL

On the team’s formation and how it impacted the match:

“These last 10 games here, we know that we need to get wins, and wins at home in particular and part of that is being able to control the ball and how we press. Having Eric [Remedi], Judson and myself in the midfield really helps the team a lot. It’s important to try and fit everyone in there, and fit Chofis in there in his natural position as the number 10 and get him the ball as much as possible. I think it was a little bit of what LAFC showed and trying to work against them and finding the right spots to get Chofis on the ball and finding the right passes in behind. As you saw on the first goal, he was able to do that. The plan was to get him on the ball in central locations and try to work around him and try to eliminate LAFC’s quality as well. That was the reasoning for that, and I think it worked out well today.”

On the team’s form in the upcoming stretch run:

“I think there are still a lot of games left. It’s still really close and these two games were important for us. We’ve narrowed down to the last third of the season. We learned from our first year to last year of when to push and when to hit our stride. We hit a really good stride last year going into the playoffs and that helped us a lot. I think the team is in a really good spot. Collectively, as a group, how we’re interacting, the motivation and dialogue in the locker room is really positive and great and it showed tonight that the guys have a desire to win. Even though it’s going to be close up until the end, the guys have the desire to push for the playoffs and try to get up in the table as high as we can and play as best as we can.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD BENJI KIKANOVIC

On the goal and his run:

“I knew it right as Chofis got the ball. All three of the defenders looked at him and I was like, ‘I’m going to run in behind them.’ I know Chofis is good enough to play me the ball on time and play me a good-weighted ball and I just went. He played it on time, and I took a touch past the goalkeeper and just put it away. It was a great ball by Chofis and there’s not much to it.”

On his previous comments about wanting to be more involved:

“I thought I did better than last game. I think each game, as long I’m improving, it’s good for me and good for the team. Obviously, it wasn’t the best, but it is what it is and we got the win and we’re just going to keep on going. I think the more that I play and as I get more minutes under my belt, I should be alright. But I think tonight was much better than last game. It’s an improvement but it’s not good enough.”

Dynamo fall 2-0 at Minnesota United FC

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Dynamo fall 2-0 at Minnesota United FC

NEED TO KNOW:

·       GK Michael Nelson finished with career-best four saves in the match

·       Dynamo return home to face Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday at 8 p.m. CDT

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Houston Dynamo FC fell 2-0 to Minnesota United FC tonight at Allianz Field. A pair of early goals did in the Dynamo, and although the Dynamo had several looks at goal over the final half-hour, they were unable to find breakthrough they needed.

Minnesota took a 1-0 lead 50 seconds into the match through winger Robin Lod. Midfielder Franco Fragapane slipped a ball between two Dynamo defenders and Lod ran onto it at the corner of the six-yard box before tucking a left-footed shot into the net.

The Loons doubled their lead in the 17th minute, this time through winger Ethan Finlay. Finlay nicked the ball off a Houston defender inside the penalty area and quickly spun to put a shot on target. Goalkeeper Michael Nelson got a palm to it, but it caromed off the post and bounced just over the goal line.

Houston’s most dangerous threat of the first half came in the 32nd minute when midfielder Darwin Quintero picked up the ball and drove into the penalty area. Quintero laid it off to forward Maxi Urruti, and the Argentine’s return ball fell to defender Zarek Valentin. His shot was deflected back to the feet of Quintero, who cracked a shot from just inside the box, forcing a save from Minnesota goalkeeper Tyler Miller.

The Dynamo nearly benefited from a Minnesota own goal in the 36h minute. Urruti whipped a low ball in behind the Loons defense to forward Fafa Picault. Defender Michael Boxall slid to try and poke it away, but wound up punching the ball directly at his own net, forcing Miller to react quickly and parry it over the bar.

Houston came out of halftime on the front foot, with Picault creating space for himself to get off a shot in the 47th minute, but his shot sailed wide of the target. Picault rose up for a header off a corner kick in the 60th minute, but his headed shot whistled over the crossbar. Two minutes later, Urruti lashed a shot through traffic following another Houston corner kick, but Miller was able to smother it despite being screened by his defenders.

Nelson came up with a massive save in the 73rd minute off a free kick from Lod. The Finnish international looked set to serve in a high ball after earning a foul near the byline, but opted instead to try a shot from a tight angle. The dipping shot was on target, forcing Nelson to leap and punch it clear. The Katy native finished with four saves on the night.

Picault nearly found the net for a ninth time in 11 games when he redirected a centering ball from midfielder Memo Rodriguez in the 81st minute, but Miller was well positioned to parry away the close-range shot.

Forward Corey Baird nearly made it 2-1 in the 87th minute after combining well with Quintero. Baird picked up the return pass on a one-two with the Colombian and fired a shot from 12 yards that took a deflection and then caught Miller’s foot, keeping it out of the net.

Baird and Quintero each had shots on goal in the 89th, first when Baird ran onto a deflected shot from Rodriguez. Miller saved that shot with his right foot and the rebound fell to Quintero, who cracked a low shot that Miller was also able to save. Forward Ari Lassiter broke into the area a minute later, forcing another save from Miller.

The Dynamo return home on Wednesday night for another pivotal Western Conference tilt as they host the Vancouver Whitecaps at BBVA Stadium. Kickoff for Wednesday’s match is set for 8 p.m. CDT. The popular 713 Night promotion returns for Wednesday’s match, giving fans the opportunity to purchase $7 tickets and enjoy $1 hot dogs and $3 beers throughout the evening. Tickets are available at HoustonDynamoFC.com/SingleGame.

Minnesota United (10-8-7; 37 pts.) 2-0 Houston Dynamo FC (5-11-11; 26 pts.)

MLS Regular Season – Week 27

Allianz Field – St. Paul, Minnesota 

SCORING SUMMARY

TEAM

1H

2H

FT

Minnesota United FC

2

0

0

Houston Dynamo FC

0

0

0

MIN: Robin Lod 7 (Franco Fragapane 6, Emanuel Reynoso 7) 1

MIN: Ethan Finlay 3 (unassisted) 17

LINEUPS:

Minnesota United: Tyler Miller; Chase Gasper, Bakaye Dibassy (Brent Kallman 83), Michael Boxall, Romain Métanire; Wil Trapp, Osvaldo Alonso; Franco Fragapane (Adrien Hunou 83), Emanuel Reynoso (Jacori Hayes 60), Ethan Finlay; Robin Lod

Unused substitutes: Dayne St. Clair, Fanendo Adi, Niko Hansen, Jukka Raitala, Joseph Rosales, DJ Taylor

Total shots: 12 (Ethan Finlay 5); Shots on goal: 6 (Ethan Finlay, Robin Lod 2); Fouls: 11 (Emanuel Reynoso 4); Offside: 1; Corner kicks: 5; Saves: 8 (Tyler Miller 8)

Houston Dynamo FC: Michael Nelson; Zarek Valentin (Corey Baird 64), Teenage Hadebe, Tim Parker (c), Sam Junqua; Matias Vera (Memo Rodriguez 63), Darwin Cerén (Derrick Jones 64), Darwin Quintero; Griffin Dorsey, Maxi Urruti, Fafa Picault (Ari Lassiter 85)

Unused substitutes: Kyle Morton, Maynor Figueroa, Boniek García, Alejandro Fuenmayor

Total shots: 15 (Maxi Urruti 3); Shots on goal: 7 (Darwin Quintero, Corey Baird 2); Fouls: 16 (Darwin Cerén, Darwin Quintero 3); Offside: 1; Corner kicks: 9; Saves: 4 (Michael Nelson 4)

DISCIPLINE:

MIN: Emanuel Reynoso (yellow card; not retreating) 40

HOU: Darwin Quintero (yellow card; foul) 41

HOU: Sam Junqua (yellow card; foul) 72

OFFICIALS:

Referee: Allan Chapman

Assistant Referee: Ian McKay

Assistant Referee: Felisha Mariscal

Fourth Official: Greg Dopka

VAR: Kevin Terry jr.

Weather: 63 degrees, clear skies

Game Recap: Zardes brace leads Columbus to 2-1 victory over CF Montreal

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Game Recap: Zardes brace leads Columbus to 2-1 victory over CF Montreal

The Columbus Crew find themselves only three points away from the 2021 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs picture after a big home win on Saturday night. Gyasi Zardes scored twice to notch a 2-1 win over CF Montréal, who were looking to pull away in the Eastern Conference.

Crew fans rejoiced as their team notched all three points, giving them momentum in their hunt for a playoff spot and for additional silverware. The reigning MLS Cup champions will face off against Liga MX’s Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup on Wednesday night.

Zardes stole a goal away from a slow first half for the Crew at the 44th minute. The US men’s national team forward leaped to reach a cross from Derrick Etienne Jr. and struck the ball past James Pantemis to open the score for the hosts.

Early in the second half, Zardes then took it upon himself to give Columbus a 2-0 lead. At the 62nd minute, Mathieu Choiniere gave the ball away creating a Crew counter-attack in the visitor’s own end.

Montreal’s defense gave more than enough space for Zardes to make his way to the edge of the box and try his luck. The striker sent a bomb towards the far post and notched his seventh goal of the season.

Looking to get back into the game, Montréal took advantage of a Crew giveaway at the 74th minute to have a chance on goal. Matko Mijevic, who made his MLS debut coming off the bench, made his way to the edge of the box and like Zardes decided to try his luck. Playing against his former club for the very first time, goalkeeper Evan Bush made a diving save to deny Miljevic of a second goal in all competitions for his new club.

Montreal robbed Bush of his clean sheet in second-half stoppage time. Lassi Lappalainen hit the post but poor defending from Columbus allowed for Romell Quioto to add a late goal to the mix.

Up next, the Crew hosts LIGA MX side Cruz Azul, last year’s Campeon de Campeones, in a winner-take-all match as part of Campeones Cup, as Columbus will be looking to become the second MLS side to win the competition.

MATCH RECAP: Orlando City Falls to Top-Seeded New England Revolution

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MATCH RECAP: Orlando City Falls to Top-Seeded New England Revolution
Lions drop 2-1 decision on the road; Daryl Dike scores team’s lone goal
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Orlando City SC (10-8-8, 38 points) was defeated on the road, 2-1, by Major League Soccer leader New England Revolution (19-4-5, 62 points) on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium. The Lions will now face a quick turnaround, as the team heads to Music City on Wednesday for a midweek match at Nashville SC.Daryl Dike scored the Lions’ goal in the match, his fourth of the season, off an assist from Mauricio Pereyra. With the helper, Pereyra recorded his 10th of the year to become the fourth Lions player to record a double-digit assist campaign, while also boosting his career total to 22 which ties him for second all-time in Club history.

Sebastián Méndez made his return to the Lions’ lineup for the first time since July 7 at Chicago, starting for City in the match.

Head Coach Oscar Pareja:
“It is painful to say that after playing a good game we’re still leaving with the disappointment of not getting a result. I thought we came here to New England against a team who has a lot of confidence. We came here to fight…we know how dangerous they [New England] were. But we did not come here to put eight or nine players behind [the ball]. We wanted to come and fight our game. The game gave us the chance to equalize and probably, after that, would [have been] much more. But we ended up with this frustration that we have to deal with. Players showed a lot of character and that’s something that’s very valuable today. You all know the responsibility of the results is carried on the coaches’ shoulders and that’s something that I want today, more than any other night, to happen. The players did a good job, they played their games and they deserved more. But we have to keep going.”

Scoring Recap:

9’ Adam Buksa (Gustavo Bou) – NE 1, ORL 0
The home side took the lead early on with Gustavo Bou sending a bending cross in from the left side that teammate Adam Buksa was able to volley into the net from close range.

18’ Daryl Dike (Mauricio Pereyra) – ORL 1, NE 1
The Lions responded just nine minutes later, after Mauricio Pereyra threaded a ball into the box to Daryl Dike. The forward used his size to fend off the Revolution defender before powering a shot past USMNT teammate Matt Turner.

36’ Rodrigo Schlegel (Own Goal) – NE 2, ORL 1
Before the first half whistle, the Revs got a second on the board after an own goal from Rodrigo Schlegel in what would prove to be the game-winner.

Match Notes:

  • Daryl Dike netted his fourth goal of the campaign in the match, now with 12 goals in his MLS career.
  • Mauricio Pereyra tallied his 10th assist of the calendar year on the night, extending his team-high and becoming the fourth player in Club history to record a double-digit assist season (Kaká 10, 2016; Yoshimar Yotún 10, 2018; Nani 10, 2019). Pereyra now sits tied for second in Club history in assists at 22 with former Lions’ captain Kaká and teammate Chris Mueller.
  • Mauricio Pereyra and Andrés Perea each tallied their 50th appearances for the Lions on the night across all competitions.
  • Sebastián Méndez made his return to the Lions’ lineup for the first time since July 7 at Chicago, starting for City in the match.
  • Head Coach Oscar Pareja made four changes to his starting lineup in the match, with João Moutinho, Sebastián Méndez, Andrés Perea and Daryl Dike all reentering the fold for the side.
Next Match: City heads back out on the road for a match against Nashville SC on Wednesday, Sept. 29 at Nissan Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET.
Teams 1 2 F
New England Revolution 2 0 2
Orlando City SC 1 0 1
Scoring Summary:
NE – Adam Buksa (Gustavo Bou) 9’
ORL – Daryl Dike (Mauricio Pereyra) 18’
NE – Rodrigo Schlegel (Own Goal) 36’

Misconduct Summary:
ORL – Benji Michel (Yellow Card) 19’
ORL – Robin Jansson (Yellow Card) 39’
NE – Tajon Buchanan (Yellow Card) 80’

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City SC – GK Pedro Gallese; D João Moutinho, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel (Kyle Smith 87’), Ruan; M Mauricio Pereyra ©, Sebastián Méndez (Silvester van der Water 70’), Júnior Urso, Andrés Perea (Tesho Akindele 87’); F Daryl Dike, Benji Michel (Nani 57’)

Substitutes Not Used: GK Adam Grinwis; D Emmanuel Mas, Rio Hope-Gund; M Raul Aguilera; F Alexander Alvarado

New England Revolution – GK Matt Turner; D Andrew Farrell, Henry Kessler, Matthew Polster, Brandon Bye, DeJuan Jones; M Gustavo Bou (Teal Bunbury 90+3’), Carles Gil ©, Thomas McNamara; F Adam Buksa, Tajon Buchanan (Arnor Traustason 84’, Jonathan Bell)

Substitutes Not Used: GK Brad Knighton; D A.J. DeLaGarza, Christina Mafla; M Wilfrid Kaptoum, Scott Caldwell, Luis Caicedo

Details of the Game:
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear
Date: September 25, 2021
Attendance: 23,506

Stats:

Possession:
NE – 54.1%
ORL – 45.9%

Shots:
NE – 13
ORL – 13

Saves:
NE – 2
ORL – 0

Fouls:
NE – 13
ORL – 10

Corners:
NE – 4
ORL – 3

Heineken Man of the Match: Daryl Dike

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