MLS is Back: Top 5 performances from Matchday Two

4 of 5

REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 16: Ayo Akinola #20 of Toronto FC celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the 25th minute during a Group C match against the Montreal Impact as part of the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 16, 2020, in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Ayo Akinola & Alejandro Pozuelo

Three goals for one, three assists for the other. Ayo Akinola and Alejandro Pozuelo are enjoying themselves down in Orlando, and the pair sit at the top of those respective categories following two games in MLS is Back.

After scoring twice in Toronto’s first game of the tournament against D.C. United, Akinola laid down his claim for a starting spot when the regular-season restarts again with a first professional hat-trick as TFC defeated Montreal Impact 4-3.

Hey Siri, show me flawless combination play.#MTLvTOR | #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/KXLd7y74RS
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) July 17, 2020

Helping him on his way to a hat-trick was Alejandro Pozuelo, Toronto’s star player from a year ago. The Spanish midfielder added three assists to his tally for the tournament, and he sits atop that category with five for the event as well.

Richie Laryea opened the scoring for the 2017 MLS Cup champions after just eight minutes, with Romell Quioto bringing their Canadian rivals level just a few minutes later. Akinola then stepped up to score his first of the game, after some lovely combination play, which saw Pozuelo put the ball on a plate for the American forward to score into an open net.

Montreal levelled once more, but Akinola and Pouzleo combined again immediately after the restart to give TFC a 3-2 lead at the break. The American striker scored his third, and fifth for the tournament, in the 83rd minute to wrap up the victory for Toronto. Normally this partnership would have topped this week’s rankings, but one man put in a four-goal performance…

Home/MLS News