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The Podium: Best performances of Matchday 6

By Anthony Rotz

FOXBOROUGH, MA - MARCH 18: Shaq Moore #18 of Nashville SC passes the ball during a game between Nashville SC and New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on March 18, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
FOXBOROUGH, MA - MARCH 18: Shaq Moore #18 of Nashville SC passes the ball during a game between Nashville SC and New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on March 18, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /
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Who stood out on Matchday 6? Let’s hand out the medals.

🥉 Shaq Moore (Nashville SC)

Starting us off, we have Nashville’s Shaq Moore, who is quickly establishing himself as arguably the league’s best right back.

Last night was the US International’s MLS magnum opus. Aside from winning nearly every duel that came his way, Moore was a constant threat down the right flank, dominating Orlando’s Luca Petrasso in the process and executing precise long balls all game.

All the industrious runs by Moore bore fruit in the 74th minute when the 26-year-old linked up with Hany Mukhtar to kill the game.

🥈Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew)

Morris may have had his full MLS breakthrough last season, but this one is the 21-year-old’s breakout.

Last night, the once-capped US International scored his first career brace as his Crew dominated Real Salt Lake. Before this season, Morris had never registered a goal contribution in 41 appearances for Columbus. In just his last four appearances, Morris has three goals and an assist to his name.

In the season’s early going, Morris, along with Houston Dynamo’s Héctor Herrera, has been the league’s best central midfielder. The homegrown products off-the-ball and defensive prowess has been on full display all while his offensive game blossoms.

🥇Lucas Zelarayán (Columbus Crew)

Just like last week, a pair of teammates top the podium.

After being on International duty last week, Zelarayán quickly reminded the league of why he is one of the best. The 2020 MLS Cup MVP spent 74 minutes embarrassing Salt Lake as the midfielder. Zelarayán continuously pulled from his bag of tricks, dribbling and passing through Real’s nonexistent midfield and backline.

The Argentina-born Armenian contributed to Columbus’ first two goals, assisting Aidan Morris in the 14th minute and then drawing a penalty in the 41st, which he then converted.

Honorable Mentions: Jacob Glesnes (PHI), Hany Mukhtar (NSH), Cristian Espinoza (SJ), Simon Becher (VAN), Ali Ahmed (VAN), Calegari (LA), Joe Willis (NSH), Connor Ronan (RSL)

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