May 18, 2021 – Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
Twenty-six year-old center back Bill Tuiloma’s path has been long and winding. Born in Otahuhu, New Zealand and of Samoan descent, the fifth-year MLS professional realized significant sacrifice from his family to allow him to pursue his dreams of being a professional soccer player. His father Musolini and mother Lina were supportive of their son’s aspirations, but money was tight throughout his childhood. On one occasion, Musolini sold his boat to be able to afford plane tickets to allow his son to participate in a soccer tournament.
At 16, the sacrifices from Tuiloma’s family began to show promise as Bill was offered a full-scholarship to compete for the Asia Pacific Football Academy in Christchurch. After graduation, Tuiloma went on several trials yet struggled to sign a professional contract. On the verge of giving up, the highest division of French soccer, Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille signed Tuiloma. Tuiloma became the first New Zealander to play in Ligue 1. In 2017, Tuiloma signed with the Portland Timbers, appearing in 54 matches in his five years with the club though never firmly asserting himself in the starting XI on a consistent basis.
A slew of injuries have paved way for Tuiloma to now solidify his spot. Tuiloma tallied a goal and an assist in four matches this season, including a free-kick goal in stoppage time against Seattle Sounders FC on May 15. Most recently, Tuiloma went the full 90 minutes to help his team earn the 2-0 shutout victory on the road over the San Jose Earthquakes last weekend.
Teammate Eryk Williamson continues to make his case as one of the best young midfielders in MLS as he tallied two assists in the victory over San Jose. The 23-year-old midfielder has tallied one goal and two assists in three regular-season starts for Portland in 2021, after earning a spot in the starting lineup and helping the Timbers win the MLS is Back Tournament last season. Williamson stepped up in the absence of Diego Chará in the win against San Jose, claiming a spot on the Week 5 MLS Team of the Week following his game-changing performance. Watch the magic HERE.
The question is, can Tuiloma and the Timbers hold the League’s leading goalscorer in Javier “Chicharito” Hernández scoreless at Providence Park? Tune in to ABC on Saturday to find out.
Hot Streak Continues for Javier “Chicharito” Hernández
The goals keep coming for LA Galaxy forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, whose current form remains unrivaled this season. After already striking seven goals in five games, he now ranks tied for second-best in that span in MLS history. However, despite his serious goal production as of late and his distinction as Mexico’s all-time leading scorer, Hernandez has yet to be named to the national team’s preliminary roster for Concacaf Nationals League.
With Mexican National Team manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino set to make his final roster decisions in the coming days, could Hernández earn his way back on to El Tri with continued production this week?
Stefan in for Stefan as Seattle’s Frei Recovers from Knee Sprain
Sounders backup goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland steps in to face Golden Boot winners
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Atlanta United
Sunday, May 23
4:30 p.m. ET
FOX, FOX Deportes
When veteran goalkeeper Stefan Frei went down with a leg injury during a midweek clash against San Jose, Sounders fans gasped and then began to speculate… between Spencer Richey and Stefan Cleveland, who would be handed the gloves? Trusting in the opinion of Sounders goalkeeping coach Tom Dutra, head coach Brian Schmetzer gave 26-year-old Cleveland the chance to step up.
Stefan Cleveland to face last three Golden Boot Winners
in first two games
Playing in his first MLS game since 2018 on Sunday, Cleveland went up against not one but two Golden Boot winners, LAFC’s Diego Rossi (2020) and Carlos Vela (2019), and came out on the other side with his first career clean sheet.
With Frei expected to be out for 4-6 weeks, Cleveland could get the nod again this week, against yet another MLS Golden Boot winner in Josef Martínez (2018) of Atlanta United. Martínez, back from injury has already added one goal to his 2021 account and will be hungry for more against the inexperienced ‘keeper.
Young Keepers Getting the Nod
With Cleveland stepping into a starting spot during Frei’s recovery, he joins a significant list of young ‘keepers getting their shot in 2021.
Cleveland is one of 12 goalkeepers age 27 and younger getting the nod this season, three of whom are 20 years old or younger.
Within the past month, MLS clubs have seen young goalkeepers making their marks in the record book rankings:
April 21: John Pulskamp of Sporting Kansas City, who turned 20 on April 19 this season, became third-youngest to win a game in Sporting’s 2-1 win against New York Red Bulls two days later.
May 1: Hunter Sulte of Portland Timbers, who turned 19 on April 25 this season, became the second youngest goalkeeper to appear in a game when he came on for 22 minutes against rival Seattle Sounders FC.
May 15: David Ochoa of Real Salt Lake became the fourth-youngest goalkeeper to post a shutout in a 0-0 draw against Nashville SC.
Game Notes: Week 6
Saturday, May 22
CF Montreal vs. FC Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (TVA Sports; TSN / CTV)
CF Montréal dropped to a perfect .500 record for the season, falling 1-0 to Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday evening.
FC Cincinnati celebrated the opening of their new jewel, TQL Stadium, but fell to a third consecutive defeat in a 3-2 loss to Inter Miami CF on Sunday afternoon. Álvaro Barreal scored his first goal in MLS in his second season, while Nick Hagglund netted his second goal with the club, his first of the season.
The teams did not meet during the 2020 season. During FC Cincinnati’s inaugural season in 2019, they met twice – and FCC won both. Allan Cruz and Fatai Alashe scored goals on either side of halftime as FC Cincinnati took a 2-1 win on May 11 at Nippert Stadium, then Cruz scored the game’s only goal after 28 seconds for the win Sept. 14 at Stade Saputo. It equaled the earliest the only goal of a game was scored for a 1-0 win in MLS history.
Portland Timbers vs. LA Galaxy, 3:30 p.m. (ABC / ESPN Deportes)
The Timbers snapped a quick two-game losing slide, defeating the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 at PayPal Park on Saturday evening. Yimmi Chará scored his first goal of the season, while Marvín Loria scored his first goal since 2019.
The Galaxy won a second game in a row and for a fourth time in five matches, defeating Austin FC 2-0 at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday afternoon. Javier Hernández netted his seventh goal in five matches of the season to seal the victory, after Sebastian Lletget netted his first of the season.
The teams met four times a season ago, and the Timbers won three – the final two in goalfests. In the last meeting, Jaroslaw Niezgoda (two), Diego Valeri, Eryk Williamson and Andy Polo all scored as the Timbers took a 5-2 win at Providence Park on Oct. 28; three weeks earlier, Felipe Mora and Jeremy Ebobisse each scored twice as the Timbers set an club record in MLS play for goals in a game in a 6-3 win at Dignity Health Sports Park on Oct. 7. In the first meeting, the Timbers took a 2-1 win July 13 in the first match for both clubs in the MLS is Back Tournament, then the Galaxy claimed a 3-2 win at Providence Park on Sept. 2.
Each team won at the other’s ground last season, the first away wins in the all-time series since 2017. The Timbers had a three-game undefeated streak in Portland before last year; the Galaxy were undefeated in their last two in the series in Carson.
Chicago Fire FC vs. Inter Miami CF, 6 p.m. (UniMás / TUDN)
Fire FC kick off a two-game homestand after falling for a fourth match in a row, dropping a decision to D.C. United by the game’s only goal at Audi Field in their last match on Wednesday evening.
Inter Miami put an end to a three-match winless run, defeating FC Cincinnati 3-2 in the opening of TQL Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Gonzalo Higuaín netted a pair of goals, the first two-goal game of his MLS career, assisted by his brother Federico for a second time this season, one of eight sets of brothers to combine on a goal in MLS history.
The teams are meeting for the first time in their histories. They are also scheduled to play Aug. 18 at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Orlando City SC vs. Toronto FC, 7 p.m. (TSN)
Orlando City SC remained undefeated on the season with a second win in five games, defeating D.C. United by the game’s only goal at Audi Field on Sunday evening. Mauricio Pereyra scored the lone goal, his first of the season.
Toronto FC gained a second consecutive result, reaching a 1-1 draw with New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Jacob Shaffelburg scored his first career goal in MLS, in his 17th league appearance over three seasons.
The teams did not meet during the 2020 season. During the 2019 campaign, Jonathan Osorio and Jay Chapman netted goals in the second half as TFC took a 2-0 win on May 4 in Orlando; the teams reached a 1-1 draw Aug. 14 at BMO Field, with OCSC’s Benji Michel and TFC’s Patrick Mullins trading goals midway through the second half.
Toronto FC have won eight of the 12 meetings all-time, with two draws. Both of OCSC’s wins have come on their home ground; TFC has now won there four times vs. Orlando City, in six visits. TFC has won four of the six meetings all-time at BMO Field, without defeat; Orlando City’s lone result in Toronto came in a goalless draw on Sept. 28, 2016.
New York City FC vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m.
NYCFC extended their undefeated streak to four games with a second successive draw, reaching a 1-1 result with Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Jesús Medina scored his fourth goal of the season, all over the last four games.
The Crew suffered a second consecutive reversal, falling by the game’s only goal to the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on Sunday evening.
The teams met three times a season ago, and home form held true. In the last meeting, Artur, Pedro Santos and Gyasi Zardes all netted goals as the Crew took a 3-1 win Oct. 18 on their home ground; they also opened the 2020 season against each other, with Lucas Zelarayan netting the game’s lone goal for a Columbus home win March 1. On Aug. 24, Alexander Ring scored the game’s only goal as NYCFC took the win at Red Bull Arena.
NYCFC have won their last four home meetings, winning the last two by the game’s only goal. Columbus has not scored in their last 312 minutes at NYCFC, last on Oct. 22, 2017 in a game played at CitiField in Queens. NYCFC have won once all-time in Columbus, a 3-2 win there in 2017.FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake, 8 p.m.
FC Dallas saw a two-game undefeated streak come to an end, falling by the game’s only goal to Minnesota United FC at Allianz Field on Saturday evening.
Real Salt Lake gained a third result in four matches, playing to a goalless draw with Nashville SC at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday evening. David Ochoa was credited with three saves in recording the clean sheet, the fourth-youngest to post a shutout in MLS history (aged 20 years, 119 days).
The teams met once a season ago, playing to a scoreless draw Oct. 24 at Rio Tinto Stadium. The last two meetings have ended in goalless results, once at each ground.
The teams have played to draws the last two meetings at Toyota Stadium. RSL is 1-13-4 at FC Dallas all-time in league games between the clubs, FCD undefeated in the last six meetings there. FC Dallas has also won a home game in the MLS Cup Playoffs (in 2010) and a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal (in 2011). The lone RSL win in Frisco came on July 13, 2013, a 3-0 victory. FC Dallas have won three of the last seven meetings in Sandy, with two draws, dating back to 2015.
New England Revolution vs. New York Red Bulls, 8 p.m.
The Revolution put an end to a quick two-game winless run with a third victory of the season, defeating Columbus SC by the game’s only goal at Gillette Stadium on Sunday evening. Adam Buksa netted the goal, his second of the season.
The Red Bulls saw their two-game winning run come to an end, falling by the game’s only goal to the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on Saturday evening.
The teams met twice a season ago. Aaron Long scored the game’s only goal two minutes from time for a Red Bulls home win Oct. 28; the Red Bulls’ Omir Fernández and Gustavo Bou of the Revolution traded goals six minutes apart in the first half, leaving the teams in a 1-1 draw Aug. 29 at Gillette Stadium.
The visiting team has won just twice in the series over the past 13 seasons in league play. The Red Bulls won 3-2 on July 5, 2017 in Foxborough, their second win there in four seasons. When the Red Bulls won 2-0 at Gillette Stadium on June 8, 2014, it was the first for New York in New England since 2002. The Revolution had won 13 of 19 meetings in league and MLS Cup play since that previous New York win.
The Revolution have never defeated the Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena in league play. Since the stadium opened in 2010, the Red Bulls have won 10 of 12 regular-season games there, with two draws. When the Revolution won 2-1 in Harrison in the first leg of the 2014 Eastern Conference Championship, it was their first win of any sort in New Jersey since 2007, ending a 10-game winless streak there in all competitions. The Revolution did defeat the Montréal Impact in Harrison in an Impact home game last year.
Houston Dynamo FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 9 p.m. (TSN)
Dynamo FC saw their three-game undefeated streak come to an end, falling 3-1 to the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday evening. Guillermo Ramírez scored his first goal of the season for the Dynamo.
Whitecaps FC suffered a second consecutive reversal, dropping a 3-0 decision to Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park on Sunday afternoon.
The teams did not meet during the 2020 season; in 2019, each won one matchup on their home ground. Memo Rodríguez scored a pair of goals, including the 73rd-minute game-winner, as the Dynamo claimed a 3-2 win on March 16 at BBVA Stadium; Fredy Montero scored an 90th-minute game-winner to give Whitecaps FC the 2-1 win Sept. 14 at BC Place.
The win in the first meeting for the Dynamo snapped a three-game Whitecaps FC undefeated streak in the series. The Dynamo have now won five of the seven encounters in Houston (with one draw).
Whitecaps FC have won six of the eight meetings all-time in Vancouver, with two draws, including a 2-2 result last year on May 11 in the last matchup there. The Whitecaps FC 2-1 victory in Houston last year was the first ever in the series by the visiting team.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sporting Kansas City, 10 p.m.
The Quakes suffered a second consecutive defeat, falling 2-0 to the Portland Timbers at PayPal Park on Saturday evening.
Sporting Kansas City won for a second time in three games, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-0 at Children’s Mercy Park on Sunday afternoon. Alan Pulido scored a pair of goals, the second two-goal game of his MLS career (in 18 league appearances).
The teams did not meet during the 2020 regular season. During the 2019 season, they met twice, each winning at home. Danny Hoesen netted a pair of goals before the break as the Quakes eased to a 4-1 win on April 20 at Avaya Stadium, then Sporting took a 2-1 win Aug. 17 at Children’s Mercy Park.
The Quakes win in the first meeting in 2019 ended a six-game Sporting undefeated streak in the series, their first win in the series since 2016. Sporting have won the last four league meetings in Kansas City; the last San Jose win at Children’s Mercy Park came in 2015, a 5-0 victory, which is the largest in the all-time series.
The teams also met in an epic Round One match in the MLS Cup Playoffs last year at Children’s Mercy Park. Chris Wondolowski scored the equalizer in stoppage time to leave the teams in a 3-3 draw after 120 minutes, then Sporting advanced in the penalty shootout. Tim Melia saved all three shootout attempts by the Earthquakes, the first time in 19 penalty shootouts in the MLS Cup Playoffs a goalkeeper saved all three attempts he faced.
Los Angeles Football Club vs. Colorado Rapids, 10:30 p.m.
LAFC suffered a second loss in a row, falling 2-0 to Seattle Sounders FC at Lumen Field on Sunday evening.
The Rapids won their third game on the trot, defeating Houston Dynamo FC 3-1 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday evening. Diego Rubio and Cole Bassett each scored their second goals of the season, while Michael Barrios collected a pair of assists, the eighth multiple-assist game of his MLS career.
The teams did not meet during the 2020 season. In 2019, Carlos Vela scored a hat trick as LAFC took a 3-1 win on Decision Day (Oct. 6) at Banc of California Stadium; on June 28 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Danny Wilson scored the game’s only goal on 49 minutes, giving the Rapids the victory.
The teams met twice in LAFC’s inaugural season, and the expansion club won both, without conceding a goal. LAFC took a 2-0 win on Aug. 19 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, then claimed a 3-0 victory on Oct. 6 at Banc of California Stadium.
Sunday, May 23
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Atlanta United, 4:30 p.m. (FOX / FOX Deportes; TSN)
Sounders FC won their fourth game in a row and remained undefeated on the new season, defeating Los Angeles Football Club 2-0 at Lumen Field on Sunday evening. Both goals came from defenders – Xavier Arreaga netted his first MLS goal in three games, while Brad Smith scored his third of the season – the first three in his four MLS campaigns.
ATLUTD won their second match of the league campaign, defeating CF Montréal by the game’s only goal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday evening. Marcelino Moreno scored his second goal of the season, both coming in the last three games.
The teams did not meet during the 2020 season. In their last meeting July 14, 2019 in Seattle, Raúl Ruidíaz and Harry Shipp bracketed a Josef Martínez goal, giving Sounders FC a 2-1 win.
The teams met twice previously, and played to a pair of draws, once at each ground. They played to a goalless draw in their first encounter ever, March 31, 2017, in Seattle; they reached a 1-1 result at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 15, 2018.
D.C. United vs. Philadelphia Union, 7 p.m.
D.C. United weren’t able to build upon a second victory of the season, falling to Orlando City SC by the game’s only goal at Audi Field on Sunday evening.
The Union won for a second time in the last three games, defeating the New York Red Bulls by the game’s only goal at Subaru Park on Saturday evening. Cory Burke netted the goal, his second of the season in the last three weeks.
The teams met twice a season ago. Kacper Przybylko scored a pair of goals and added an assist as the Union cruised to a 4-1 win Aug. 29 at Subaru Park; the teams played to a 2-2 draw Oct. 14 at Audi Field, two second-half goals from United’s Donovan Pines and Yamil Asad canceling out an early Anthony Fontana strike, before Mark McKenzie scored a late leveler.
The Union are undefeated in the last eight meetings between the teams, over the past four seasons, winning seven in a row before the draw in the last matchup, with a 24-7 edge in goals. The Union have won the past seven meetings in Chester, Pa., over the last five seasons; they are undefeated in three visits all-time to Audi Field, with two wins and a draw.
Nashville SC vs. Austin FC, 9 p.m. (FS1 / FOX Deportes; TSN)
Nashville SC remained undefeated on the season with a fourth draw of the year, reaching a goalless result with Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday evening. Joe Willis was not called upon to make a save in recording a third consecutive shutout, tied for the league lead, extending his shutout streak to 318 minutes.
Austin FC suffered a second consecutive reversal, falling to the LA Galaxy 2-0 at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday afternoon.
The teams are meeting for the first time in their histories. It is their only scheduled meeting in the 2021 campaign.
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