Nigerian forwards Chinonso Offor and Samuel Adeniran were on target as Montreal CF and St. Louis City SC recorded 2-0 and 3-0 victories over Charlotte FC and Inter Miami respectively in Major League Soccer action in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Montreal were on a three-game losing run going into this match, failing to score in each of them. Things however changed at the Saputo Stadium when Ghanaian forward Kwadwo Opoku opened the scoring in the 29th minute. It did not take too long for the Canadian outfit to increase their lead as Joel Waterman long pass found Offor for his fourth MLS goal this season.
It's @CFMontreal again! Chinonso Offor scored his 4th goal this season, extending #CFMTL's lead against Charlotte. ???????? pic.twitter.com/caqV9fE5jc
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 16, 2023
The result moved Montreal within a point of DC United in the playoff qualification spot.
American-Nigerian Adeniran meanwhile netted his second MLS goal in St. Louis City’s comfortable win over Lionel Messi-bound Inter Miami.
The 24-year-old gave his team the lead in the 28th minute, sending in a powerful header from an Indiana Vassilev corner kick. Defender Tim Parker made it 2-0 five minutes to the halftime break before Eduard Lowen completed the scoring in the 90th minute.
That was too nice. ????????
Samuel Adeniran opens the scoring for @stlCITYsc from the spot. pic.twitter.com/aemzWKdDeb
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 16, 2023
The victory gives the Missouri state outfit, managed by South African Bradley Carnell, a deserved three points after their heavy defeat to Los Angeles FC by the same 3-0 scoreline last time out. St. Louis are also four points clear of the reigning MLS Cup champions at the top of the Western Conference standings.
Welcome to MLS, Boupendza!
A second half stoppage time goal to extend the lead for @fccincinnati. pic.twitter.com/G1tqoMo2dl
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 16, 2023
Some Africans were also on the scoresheet on Sunday morning. Gabon’s Aaron Boupendza came off the bench and netted his first MLS goal deep in injury time on his debut to hand FC Cincinnati a 3-1 win over nine-man Nashville SC and maintain their lead at the top of the Western Conference standings. The 26-year-old is a new signing from Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab.
Bernard Kamungo flies in unmarked and brings #DTID level in Seattle.
???? #MLSSeasonPass: https://t.co/RtySTYFsAe pic.twitter.com/x6wHeCZlQ9
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 16, 2023
Tanzanian forward Bernard Kamungo also registered his name on the scoresheet, netting the equaliser for FC Dallas in their 1-1 draw with Seattle Sounders.
