The best goals of MLS match day 2 - ranked

Major League Soccer is back in full force, and teams are not disappointing.

Match day 2 saw some stunning strikes, propelling clubs to much-needed victories after chaotic opening weekend results. Inter Miami held their ground, earning their second consecutive victory with the help of Robert Taylor, while the Columbus Crew recuperated from an embarrassing loss against the Union by triumphing against D.C. United.

Here's the best goals of the weekend...

5. Carlos Akapo (vs. Vancouver Whitecaps)

Carlos Akapo scored the game-winning goal for San Jose Earthquakes against the Vancouver Whitecaps to secure the three points with the 2-1 victory. The goal stands as Akapo's first ever MLS tally.

It was a much-needed win for the players and new head coach Luchi Gonzalez as the team hopes to escape last year's fate.

4. Jesus Ferreira (vs. LA Galaxy)

Jesus Ferreira inspired FC Dallas to a 3-1 comeback win against the LA Galaxy, taking over in the second half. But it's his first goal that should be highlighted on this list.

The USMNT figure has quickly become a leader within the team, earning praise from head coach Nico Estevez.

"I think he, overall, [used] that learning experience that he had there to grow," Estévez said of Ferreira. "We can't forget that he's a very young player still [and] it's his second year playing as a No. 9. I think we have to be very calm with him, help him to keep growing as a person, and as a player, and we'll see what he can do in the future.”

3. Federico Bernadeschi (vs. Atlanta United)

The Italian opened up the scoring against Atlanta United, striking the ball past goalkeeper Brad Guzan in the 52nd minute. Though the visitors eventually found the equalizer, Bernadeschi's goal was enough to earn Toronto FC one point away.

The Canadian team has seen a slow start to the 2023 MLS campaign, losing last minute to D.C. United in the season-opener and drawing 1-1 against Atlanta in the second match. The team will look for their first victory on Saturday, when hosting the Columbus Crew at BMO field.

2. Lucas Zelarayan (vs. D.C. United)

Lucas Zelarayan single-handedly won the game for the Columbus Crew against D.C. United, scoring the two goals in the 2-0 victory. But it was the player's first goal that deserves to be highlighted, as his right-footed strike found the lower right corner of the goal.

It was a much-needed victory, after losing 1-4 to the Philadelphia Union on opening weekend.

1. Robert Taylor (vs. Philadelphia Union)

What a goal by Robert Taylor.

The player propelled Inter Miami to defeat favorites Philadelphia Union 2-0 and secure their second consecutive victory. Phil Neville’s side stands as one of just two unbeaten teams in the Eastern Conferences, proving many wrong.

“What we've done in the first two games this year, we've knocked down a lot of the psychological barriers, not winning in the first couple of weeks of the season [previously], I think that was hanging over this football club,” said Neville.

The six-point haul is a sharp contrast to last year’s achievements, as the team struggled with consistency throughout the campaign. Though it may be too soon to judge the team’s upward trajectory, the back-to-back victories should be recognized as a milestone.

“I think it's too soon to start making big statements,” Neville said about the magnitude of the result. “This is just a continuation of the journey and the build from last year where we do feel like there's a different feeling around this football club.”