MIAMI, Florida – The first week of the 2021 Major League Soccer season kicked off over the weekend with the five teams still alive in the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League all in action.
On Sunday, reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew SC took on reigning Supporters’ Shield winners Philadelphia Union in a defensive battle that ended in a scoreless draw.
After each side opened their respective SCCL campaigns with a pair of clean sheet victories in their Round of 16 series – Columbus eliminating Real Esteli of Nicaragua 5-0 on aggregate and Philadelphia defeating Deportivo Saprissa 5-0 on aggregate – the strong defensive displays continued in their MLS opener.
GKs Eloy Room of Columbus and Andre Blake of Philadelphia appeared in midseason form in making a number of saves.
Another team that recorded a clean sheet over the weekend was Atlanta United, who battled to a 0-0 draw with Orlando City SC on Saturday.
Fresh off of their 2-0 aggregate victory over Liga Deportiva Alajuelense of Costa Rica in the 2021 SCCL Round of 16, Atlanta United delivered another stellar performance in the back in limiting the hosts, highlighted by a fantastic save from GK Brad Guzan to deny Alexandre Pato in the 72’.
Following their 7-2 aggregate win over Marathon of Honduras, the Portland Timbers opened their domestic season on Sunday play against the Vancouver Whitecaps in Sandy, Utah.
The Timbers defense enjoyed a solid outing in conceding only one goal, but were left frustrated on the offensive end in a 1-0 defeat.
Rounding out the action was a battle of Canadian sides as Toronto FC took on CF Montreal.
Toronto FC came into the affair after an emotional and exciting 3-2 series win over reigning Liga MX champions Club Leon, however a well-rested CF Montreal had the better of play and came away with a 4-2 win.
Nevertheless, there were positives for Toronto FC to take away from the match, including a goal for Marky Delgado and a first ever assist for 16-year-old FW Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, who came off the bench for the final 15 minutes and assisted on Richie Laryea’s goal in the 88’.
