MLS Matchday 14: Chaos Before the Curtain Falls
The final full weekend of Major League Soccer action before the long 2026 World Cup pause was supposed to be a calm send-off.
Instead, it delivered one of the wildest rounds of the young season.
From coast-to-coast chaos and record-breaking individual performances to a stunning coaching change in Columbus, Matchday 14 had everything — including plenty of drama for those brave enough to stay up for the West Coast games.
Sammy Sarver Becomes FC Dallas Folklore
In San Jose, the Earthquakes’ impressive Cinderella run came to a jarring halt.
FC Dallas twice came from behind to steal a chaotic 3-2 victory at PayPal Park, handing San Jose their second straight loss.
The undisputed hero of the night was substitute Sam Sarver.
His late winner was excellent, but the unhinged, full-throttle celebration in front of the San Jose supporters’ section instantly became derby legend.
From suburban Cleveland through the Columbus Crew academy and North Texas SC, Sarver has taken the long road.
On Saturday night, he announced himself as a genuine difference-maker for a rising Dallas side.
FC Cincinnati’s 98th-Minute Madness
Down in San Diego, the game had all the makings of a track meet.
Marcus Ingvartsen appeared to have won it for the hosts with a rocket in the 96th minute.
Most teams would have happily taken the point.
Not Cincinnati.
In the 98th minute, Tom Barlow completed his brace on a perfect layoff from Ayoub Jabbari to salvage a wild 3-3 draw.
It was pure #MLSAfterDark chaos — and yet another reminder that this FC Cincinnati team simply refuses to lose.
Messi Finally Conquers Nu Stadium
On Sunday Night Soccer, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami finally broke their curse at their glittering new home.
The Herons dispatched a tired Portland Timbers side 2-0, with Messi scoring the opener and assisting Germán Berterame for the second.
Messi now has an absurd 11 goal contributions (5 goals, 6 assists) in his last four matches.
Inter Miami sit second in the East, breathing down Nashville’s neck.
There was, however, a notable subplot: La Familia, the club’s main supporters’ group, made their feelings known late in the match, chanting for the players to show more respect and acknowledgment to the fans.
Columbus Parts Ways With Henrik Rydström
In one of the more decisive moves of the young season, the Columbus Crew relieved head coach Henrik Rydström of his duties following a 1-1 draw at bottom-dwelling Philadelphia Union.
It was just the 16th game of his tenure.
General manager Issa Tall cited a clear cultural disconnect and results that fell well short of expectations for a club with three MLS Cup titles.
Assistant Laurent Courtois will take over on an interim basis.
It is the fourth coaching change in MLS this season.
Sporting Kansas City Shows Signs of Life
Yes, you read that correctly.
The team that looked destined to break multiple records for futility has suddenly won two straight matches — including impressive victories over the Galaxy and Austin FC.
Saturday’s 2-1 comeback win in Austin was especially sweet: SKC’s first positive result at Q2 Stadium in club history.
Around the League
- Nashville SC 3-2 LAFC — Hany Mukhtar delivered a hat-trick masterclass as Nashville moved into first place in the Supporters’ Shield race.
- LA Galaxy 2-0 Seattle Sounders — Gabriel Pec ran riot again, scoring and assisting in a statement road victory.
- New England Revolution 2-1 Minnesota United
- Real Salt Lake 2-1 Colorado Rapids — Teenage phenom Zavier Gozo continued his remarkable rise with another standout performance.
- Whispers about a surprise USMNT World Cup call-up are growing louder.
Other Results
- CF Montréal 0-2 Chicago Fire
- Charlotte FC 3-1 Toronto FC
- D.C. United 1-1 St. Louis CITY SC
- Orlando City 1-1 Atlanta United
- Houston Dynamo 1-0 Vancouver Whitecaps
The Bigger Picture
With the World Cup break now just days away, the table is beginning to take real shape.
Nashville look the strongest team in the East, while the West remains extremely tight.
For teams like Inter Miami, the Red Bulls, and Nashville, these final matches were about building momentum.
For others, it was a last desperate scramble for playoff positioning.
After a weekend this chaotic and entertaining, MLS heads into the summer pause in excellent health.
The only question left is: who will be ready when the league returns?