MLS: Dominant New England extends Eastern Conference lead, Inter Miami win again

New England Revolution have stretched their lead to 15 points in the MLS Eastern Conference after a 4-1 triumph over Cincinnati on Saturday.

First-half goals from Tajon Buchanan, Emmanuel Boateng and Adam Buksa helped New England open up a 3-0 half-time lead and they never looked back.

Canada international Buchanan was critical, pouncing on a rebound to fire home the opener from close range, before dribbling in the box and providing the pass for Boateng’s first-time effort.

Cincinnati pulled a goal back from record signing Brenner’s 54th-minute strike but Buksa added a second on the hour, from Gustavo Bou’s assist, to seal a comfortable win.

Revolution have now won four straight matches and are unbeaten in eight games. New England have scored a league-leading 44 goals this year and turned it on without injured star midfielder Carles Gil.

Tajon stock.

TO THE MOON pic.twitter.com/ZdahWkxfmc

— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) August 22, 2021

Benji Michel scored a 51st-minute winner as Orlando City snapped their three-game winless run with a 1-0 win over Chicago Fire to move up to second in the east.

Orlando were not helped when Nani was substituted on the half hour, but found a winner when Michel drove home after Tesho Akindele’s steal.

Quinn Sullivan netted an 87th-minute equalizer to keep Philadelphia Union in touch with Orlando after a 1-1 home draw with Montreal.

Djordje Mihailovic had put Montreal ahead on the stroke of half-time before Sullivan’s leveler which leaves Union two points behind Orlando.

Inter Miami continued their form resurgence with a 3-1 victory over Toronto, moving them up to 11th in the east and leaving the Canadians in last.

Mexican midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro netted a double while Robbie Robinson also scored as Inter claimed their third win in four games.

Another trick from The Joker ! @Rpizarrot scores his second of the night and makes it 3-0 for #InterMiamiCF! pic.twitter.com/DXb9KsrL3O

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 22, 2021

Damian Moreno scored a late winner as Atlanta United claimed their fourth consecutive win, edging DC United 2-1.

Houston Dynamo snapped their four-game losing run with 2-2 draw with Dallas in their Texan showdown, while Austin climbed off the foot of the Western Conference with a 3-1 home win over Portland Timbers.

Colorado Rapids claimed a third straight win, getting past Real Salt Lake 2-1 in the Rocky Mountain Cup while Vancouver came from behind to win 2-1 over LAFC.

After numerous delays, New York Red Bulls’ derby with New York City was postponed with the pitch deemed unplayable after inclement weather as Hurricane Henri approached.

Best supporters in the world pic.twitter.com/oHTBSY0b99

— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) August 22, 2021