MLS: Top 3 performances from midweek slate

There were seven games in MLS on Wednesday night, with no shortage of goals. Here are the top three performances from the midweek slate of action.

What a week of Major League Soccer action. On Wednesday night, there were 28 goals scored, an average of four per game, as well as six men sent off, including three players being ejected in Houston’s 4-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls. Orlando City also had two men ejected in their 3-1 defeat at home to the Eastern-topping Philadelphia Union, while Atlanta played most of their 5-1 defeat to Chicago with ten men.

Elsewhere, Minnesota United kept their good run going with a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes, ending the ‘Quakes six-game unbeaten streak. NYCFC beat Seattle Sounders 3-0, while Western-topping LAFC hammered five past Sporting KC. Real Salt Lake ground out a hard-fought victory over the Columbus Crew in the final match of the night.

Here are the top three performances from the Wednesday night action.

3. Alberth Elis

The first big performance of the night came in the Houston-NYRB game as Alberth Elis led the Dynamo to victory, with two goals and an assist on the night. The Honduran midfielder came up with the goods in the first half at BBVA Compass Stadium with this perfect ball into the box for Mauro Manotas to tap home.

Tomas Martinez doubled the Dynamo’s lead before Elis then got in on the act. La Panterita scored his first of the evening, and Houston’s third, in the 72nd minute, before finishing off the game with his second goal deep into stoppage time.

The victory has lifted Houston up into the playoff places. The Dynamo now sit in fifth in the West, just two points behind third-placed Seattle. With Elis leading a blistering attack, Houston are in a terrific position to end the season strong.