MLS: Alvarez stunner silences record 75k crowd, Morgan hat-trick lifts Red Bulls

Efrain Alvarez’s stunning 77th-minute strike silenced the MLS record crowd of almost 75,000 fans as LA Galaxy got past newcomers Charlotte 1-0 on Saturday.

Expansion side Charlotte drew a single-game attendance record of 74,479 fans, eclipsing the 73,019 mark set by Atlanta United in the 2018 MLS Cup.

Galaxy had the better of the chances with Victor Vazquez hitting the woodwork in the 18th minute, while Javier Hernandez forced a good save from Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.

Alvarez made the decisive breakthrough with a spectacular left-foot shot from outside the box which nestled into the top corner to spoil the Charlotte party.

27 seasons of MLS and we’ve never seen a bigger crowd than tonight.

History made in Charlotte! pic.twitter.com/StAIor488n

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 6, 2022

Scottish forward Lewis Morgan netted a first-half hat-trick as New York Red Bulls won 4-1 away to Toronto.

Morgan’s finishes for his opening two goals were similar, set up by Patryk Klimala with curling right-foot shots in the 17th and 24th minutes.

Jesus Jimenez pulled one back for Toronto, before Klimala released Morgan on halfway and the Scot raced forward to slot home for his treble.

Hat-Trick

First Half Hat Trick, Lewis Morgan pic.twitter.com/lyBeG0TeQr

— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) March 5, 2022

Carles Gil’s penalty on the stroke of half-time earned 2021 Supporters’ Shield winners New England Revolution a 1-0 home win over Dallas. The victory meant Revs head coach Bruce Arena became the all-time leader among MLS coaches for regular-season wins.

Francisco Calvo scored twice in the final 10 minutes as 10-man San Jose Earthquakes salvaged a 3-3 draw with Columbus Crew.

Ola Kamara netted a stoppage-time winner for DC United as they beat Cincinnati 1-0, while Chicago Fire and Orlando City drew 0-0 and Real Salt Lake won 1-0 over Seattle Sounders.

Colorado Rapids won 3-0 over Atlanta United at home and Vancouver Whitecaps held on for a goalless draw with reigning MLS Cup champions New York City.

Sporting KC got past Houston Dynamo 1-0 while 10-man Philadelphia Union edged Montreal 2-1 and Minnesota United drew 1-1 with Nashville.

None better than Bruce. pic.twitter.com/w7ENdhqgXV

— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) March 5, 2022