MLS Matchday 5 recap: Chicago hands Vancouver first loss, Union jump into first in East

Entering MLS Matchday 5, the Vancouver Whitecaps were looking to improve to a perfect 5-0-0 start, but the Chicago Fire had other plans. Gregg Berhalter’s squad took down Vancouver, 3-1, and picked up their third straight win.

Focusing on MLS’s Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia Union defeated St. Louis City SC, 1-0, despite missing multiple starters due to the International Break. The Union’s win ended St. Louis’s four-game clean sheet streak and denied them MLS history.

Let’s look back on some of the best matches from Matchday 5.

Union, MLS — Image Credit: Philadelphia Union

Chicago puts an end to Vancouver’s perfect MLS start

Many were surprised by the Vancouver Whitecaps early this season, but the Chicago Fire has also been making noise recently.

Hugo Cuypers has been balling for the Fire. He scored his fifth goal of the season in the first minute to make the Whitecaps play catch-up from the jump. Daniel Ríos equalized for Vancouver in the 14th minute in his first start for the club this season.

In the second half, Chicago struck twice in the 62nd minute and in the 90+5′ to end Vancouver’s perfect start. The Fire started the season off slow but have picked up steam lately by winning their last three matches.

Bradley Carnell and the Union blank St. Louis City SC

Union head coach Bradley Carnell took on his former club Saturday night at Subaru Park. The Union were missing multiple starters due to the International Break, but they still managed to pick up a clean sheet and three points. Right now, the Union is sitting first in the Eastern Conference with 12 points.

Newly signed defender Ian Glavinovich scored in the eighth minute for the Union. Kai Wagner sent in a cross from a corner kick, and Glavinovich got his head on the ball for his first MLS goal.

The Union managed to shut down the offense from St. Louis and cruised to a 1-0 win.

Charlotte routes San Jose, 4-1

Charlotte FC put a beat down on the San Jose Earthquakes. Four goals from four different scorers gave Charlotte three points to put them second in the East.

Pep Biel started the goal-scoring in the 11th minute, then followed by Ashley Westwood in the 36th minute, Brandt Bronico in the 40th minute, and capped off by Kerwin Vargas in the 52nd minute. Cristian Arango converted a penalty in the 77th minute, but it was a consolation goal for San Jose.

Portland picks up big win over Colorado

The Portland Timbers needed a win coming into Matchday 5. They lost to Nashville SC during Matchday 3 and then drew against the LA Galaxy the week after. Three points was the main priority heading into Colorado and they got what they wanted.

Colorado scored an own goal in the 45+2′ after David Da Costa’s shot deflected off a defender and into the net. Portland struck early in the second half to double their lead and then put the nail in the coffin in the 75th minute. With the win, Portland jumped into ninth in the Western Conference.

Orlando takes down D.C. United for big points

Orlando City is another club that has been off to a slow start. They were one win away from the MLS Cup Final last year but haven’t found their groove yet this season.

On Saturday, Orlando had their way, winning 4-1 against D.C. United. Orlando was up 2-0 at the end of the first half and then added two more goals in the second. D.C. found a goal in the 90+1, but it was too late to find momentum.

MLS Standings after Matchday 5

MLS Eastern Conference

Philadelphia Union – 12 pts
Charlotte FC – 10 pts
Inter Miami – 10 pts
Nashville SC – 10 pts
Chicago Fire – 10 pts
Columbus Crew – 9 pts
New York Red Bulls – 8 pts
New York City FC – 8 pts
Orlando City SC – 7 pts
FC Cincinnati – 7 pts
D.C. United – 6 pts
Atlanta United – 5 pts
New England Revolution – 1 pt
Toronto FC – 1 pt
CF Montreal – 1 pt

MLS Western Conference

Vancouver Whitecaps – 12 pts
Austin FC – 9 pts
Los Angeles FC – 9 pts
San Diego FC – 8 pts
St. Louis City SC – 8 pts
Minnesota United FC – 8 pts
Colorado Rapids – 8 pts
FC Dallas – 7 pts
Portland Timbers – 7 pts
San Jose Earthquakes – 6 pts
Real Salt Lake – 6 pts
Seattle Sounders – 5 pts
Houston Dynamo – 2 pts
LA Galaxy – 2 pts
Sporting Kansas City – 1 pt