Zlatan, Galaxy, LAFC... MLS Week 8 highlights
MLS Week 8 was a productive one for both of the Los Angeles teams - LAFC, and LA Galaxy, who top the table. Alejandro Pozuelo proved key for Toronto.
LAFC and Seattle Sounders brought Week 8 of MLS to a close, a meeting between the top two in the Western Conference which lived up to its billing. And both teams went into the match undefeated.
Carlos Vela and Edward Atuesta gave the hosts a two-goal lead going into the break, Sounders replied just after the restart through Harry Shipp, but there was no stopping a confident LAFC on the day as former Arsenal and Real Sociedad striker Vela then Christian Ramirez put the result beyond doubt with two goals in just over five minutes as it ended 4-1.
This game set the tone for two of the key moments of the weekend, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was on target again as LA Galaxy beat Dynamo 2-1 and Alejandro Pozuelo was outstanding for Toronto, scoring twice in their 4-3 win over Minnesota while Portland Timbers and NYC FC both registered their first victories of the campaign.
Zlatan keeps scoring
LA Galaxy recorded their fifth consecutive victory in the season beating Houston 2-1, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic opening the scoring from the penalty spot. It was Dynamo's first defeat this season while the LA-based side extended their winning streak to four games.
For Zlatan, he scored his seventh goal of the season - he can't seem to stop scoring as LA Galaxy move 2nd in the Western Conference with two games in hand over LAFC.
No undefeated teams
Week nine also saw the end of Seattle Sounders and Houston Dynamo's respective unbeaten runs - the last two teams to finally suffer defeats - both falling to the LA sides.
In the midweek match between LAFC and Vancouver, Bob Bradley's team became the first of three undefeated teams to lose their record in Week eight, an on Sunday, LAFC served defeat to the last one - Seattle Sounders.
Houston's unbeaten streak came to an end their 2-1 defeat to LA Galaxy, with Diego Polenta hitting a late winner.
Pozuelo key for Toronto
Much of Toronto FC's great start to the season is down to the contribution Alejandro Pozuelo has been making. The Spanish midfielder has become essential in Greg Vanney's team.
Pozuelo scored twice and provided an assist in the team's 2-3 victory over Minnesota United; with that, he currently totals five assists and four goals in the four games he's played with The Reds. If he keeps this up, Pozuelo could be considered in the shortlist for the MVP of the regular season.
Los Angeles dominate MLS
The two LA teams are riding high in the MLS - thanks to their star players, Zlatan and Vela - both of whom have been instrumental in the good moment their teams are enjoying.
LAFC have played nine games, won seven, drawn one and lost one. Out of the 25 goals they've scored so far, their captain has scored 15 of them.
LA Galaxy have played seven games, winning six and losing one. Zlatan has seven goals in five games - more than half of the team's total goals tally.
Portland and NYCFC get their first wins of the season
Portland, the runner-up of the 2018 MLS season, haven't had the best of starts to 2019, but a victory against Columbus will give them the confidence to get back into their stride.
NYC FC travelled to Washington with five draws and a defeat. But they defied the odds to get the better of MLS' big teams, DC United, defeating Rooney's team 2-0.