MLS is Back: Top 5 Performances from Matchday One

3. Gyasi Zardes & Lucas Zelarayan

The Columbus Crew put four past their Hell is Real rivals on Saturday night. Gyasi Zardes scored twice, while Lucas Zelarayan got one and recorded an assist, the pair taking the No. 3 spot on our list of the best performances from the opening round of group matches in MLS is Back.

More from MLS Multiplex

• Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
• Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
• USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
• De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
• Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States

There has always been talk around Zardes as to whether he has done enough with the talent he has, but since joining the Crew in 2018, the American international has found himself a home and has performed well up top. He scored 32 goals across two seasons since his move and now added a brace here.

Zardes scored his first just a few minutes after Zelarayan had opened the scoring for the Black and Yellow with a truly sublime freekick. The attacking midfielder was the best player on the pitch as he ripped Cincinnati to shreds, later supplying Zardes’ second with a lovely cross.

The pair linked up brilliantly throughout, with Zelarayan buzzing around the pacy Zardes, picking up spaces between the lines. Zardes, meanwhile, exploited his intelligent movement to consistent get into goalscoring opportunities. Only Chris Mueller, who has played two games, has more goals. With this pair leading the attack, the Crew are in a commanding position.