Spectacular Strikes Light Up MLS Matchday 33: Triantis and Muller Lead Goal-Scoring Masterclass

Following a subdued week featuring only four matches during the international break, Major League Soccer came back with full intensity on Matchday 33, delivering a historic day for scoring throughout the competition. 

All clubs took the field across 15 matches within a five-hour span, with contests producing a combined 57 goals, matching the MLS record for most scored in a single matchday.

Simultaneously, this marked the inaugural occasion in the league's three-decade existence that four players achieved hat-tricks during the same evening. 

From all the strikes, Sports Illustrated highlights five of the most impressive. 

5. The Space Interpreter Discovers Room for Vancouver Whitecaps Treble

Thomas Müller has reached four strikes with the Vancouver Whitecaps, securing a hat-trick and one assist in the team's 7–0 thrashing of the Philadelphia Union. The header completed in a gap of space before the net was his initial non-spot-kick strike in MLS.

4. Cole Bassett's Clever Dead Ball Situation for Colorado Rapids

The Colorado Rapids secured a 2–1 victory over the Houston Dynamo, breaking the deadlock with a smooth dead ball play, simply passing the ball for Cole Bassett's strike, rather than attempting the direct shot at goal.

3. Farrington's Heel Flick for Musa

FC Dallas secured victory against Austin FC during the weekend, and while Petar Musa's finish for the opener was exceptional, the heel pass from Logan Farrington was absolutely flawless.

2. Evander's Final-Moment Thunderbolt for FC Cincinnati

Evander has remained among the candidates for MLS MVP throughout the season, and he demonstrated his value with a powerful finish in the eighth minute of added time to help FC Cincinnati secure an MLS Cup Playoff spot with a 2–1 victory over Nashville SC.

1. Triantis From His Own Territory for Minnesota United

Minnesota United utilized their advantages in a 3–1 victory over Western Conference frontrunners San Diego FC, but Nectarios Triantis captured attention with a late strike from his own territory after spotting the opposing keeper far from his goal line.