It was a dramatic weekend across MLS, headlined by Nashville SC thrashing Inter Miami 4-1 behind All-Stars Hany Mukhtar and Andy Najar, plus another gaffe from Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo.

Ríos Novo won the starting job from reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair but has had a pair of high-profile blunders. Lionel Messi started and picked up an assist on Miami's lone goal, but Saturday night was all about Nashville. New signing Elias Saad dazzled, too.

Lozano debuts for Galaxy in defeat

Chucky Lozano debuted for the LA Galaxy in a losing effort, coming off the bench just after the Galaxy were reduced to 10 men when Emiro Garcés got sent off. He didn't show much rust despite making his first appearance since 2025, having trained alone all year in San Diego before the move to Los Angeles. It was the Houston Dynamo claiming all three points, behind a Guilherme penalty kick — the Brazilian's 12th goal of the season.

Cincinnati and Orlando share the spoils

A lively clash in Florida between Orlando City and FC Cincinnati ended in a 1-1 draw, as both goalkeepers made several big saves to keep the game low scoring. Homegrown attacker Justin Ellis retained his starting spot, even as Marco Pašalić and Daryl Dike came off the bench. Tyrese Spicer equalized for Orlando with a confident finish.

San Diego edge past LAFC

San Diego FC beat LAFC 1-0 in a SoCal showdown in which Son Heung-min was wasteful with his chances for LAFC. The win pulls San Diego just one point below the playoff line, with Anders Dreyer converting a stoppage-time penalty to clinch the points.

Sullivan inspires Union comeback

On Sunday, there was a significant moment to pay attention to. Cavan Sullivan led the Philadelphia Union to a big comeback against NYCFC, with two assists in a 3-2 win. The Union now have four wins in their last four MLS games.