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It was a thoroughly entertaining weekend of MLS action to kick off the 2025 season, and before we move on to looking ahead to matchday two, let’s take a look at some of most unique and memorable stats from the weekend that was.
MLS sets new record for goals scored on matchday one
For anybody who tuned into the matches on Saturday and Sunday over the weekend, they will have noticed the ball hitting the back of the net with unrelenting frequency.
Eight different games saw four or more goals scored, and we had two separate six-goal thrillers. When you tune into MLS, you will be entertained.
What does that say about the defensive units though?
MLS is Back: The 46 goals scored across the league this weekend were the most in an @MLS opening week in league history, breaking the previous record of 41 scored in 2019. pic.twitter.com/mNqKZWxx7T
— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) February 24, 2025
Diego Chara hits impressive MLS milestone against Vancouver
Diego Chara is one of the all-time great MLS midfielders, and he will rightly go down as a legend in Portland.
The Colombian took the pitch for the 400th time as a Timber in the side’s 4-1 loss at home to the Whitecaps on Sunday, but the positive silver lining for the Portland faithful is that he made history on the night.
Jayden Nelson bursts onto the scene with stunning performance
Sticking with the events in the Rose City, Vancouver’s winter signing of winger Jayden Nelson paid off handsomely as he made his MLS debut on Sunday.
The Canadian ripped the Portland rearguard to shreds with ease, and landed himself a spot in the record-books as well.
With three assists and a goal in his @WhitecapsFC debut, 22-year-old Jayden Nelson became the third player in MLS history to record four goal contributions in his team debut, joining Brian Ching (four goals) and Dwyane De Rosario (four assists) for the Dynamo on April 2, 2006. pic.twitter.com/CTD4V2eJiT
— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) February 23, 2025
Emiro Garcés sets new MLS speed record
While we’re all focusing on the ball hitting the back of the net, ageless wonders in midfield, and unforgettable debuts, Emiro Garcés was simply on his bike.
The LA Galaxy defender hit the record books Sunday evening when he tracked back to cut out a San Diego counterattack at lightning-speed.
Don’t blink!
African players leave their mark on the opening weekend
MLS is a truly diverse league, as a major chunk of the world’s nations are represented by players and staff alike.
But on matchday one, it was African players who left their mark on the record-books, and the scoresheet.
⚽️A total of six goals were scored by five African players representing five countries on MD1. 2025 projects to have MLS players from nearly 20 African countries, including Emmanuel Latte Lath (Ivory Coast), Kévin Denkey (Togo), Denis Bouanga (Gabon), & Osman Bukari (Ghana). pic.twitter.com/I6qHvvDhf8
— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) February 25, 2025
📸 Brett Davis-Imagn Images