Players of the MLS Matchday 3 - ranked

Denis Bouanga is on fire with LAFC.
Denis Bouanga is on fire with LAFC. / Shaun Clark/GettyImages
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Week three of the Major League Soccer season didn’t disappoint!

As the year rolls on, teams and players will begin to stand out above the rest. In week three, we saw five players who gave it their all for their clubs on the field. With a mixture of defensive masterclasses and attacking clinics, MLS week three was filled with exciting action on both ends of the field.

Here at the top five players from week three...


5. Kyle Hiebert

Mar 11, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; St. Louis City defender Kyle Hiebert (22) controls a header
Mar 11, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; St. Louis City defender Kyle Hiebert (22) controls a header / Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

St. Louis City SC couldn’t ask for a better start to life in MLS. With three straight wins to their name, they are currently living in a state of dreaming.

One of the standout players from their most recent win against the Portland Timbers was center-back Kyle Hiebert. The Canadian stood head and toes above the rest as he sealed the game for St. Louis with a 75th-minute goal.

This win pushed St. Louis to the top of the Western Conference ahead of LAFC and the Seattle Sounders.

4. Cristian Espinoza

Mar 11, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Cristian Espinoza (10)
Mar 11, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Cristian Espinoza (10) / Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

Much like St. Louis, the San Jose Earthquakes have started the season off well.Collecting six points in three games, the Earthquakes currently sit fifth in the western conference largely due to the effort of winger Cristian Espinoza. 

His 78th-minute wonder strike saw San Jose take all three points away from the Colorado Rapids.


3. Timothy Tillman

Timothy Tillman
New England Revolution v Los Angeles FC / Shaun Clark/GettyImages

LAFC continues to get better.

Their newest player and brother to United States Men’s National Team star Malik Tillman, Timothy Tillman, announced his arrival to the league with a stunning left-footed shot to put the New England Revolution to bed

Leaving his offensive impression on the game, Tillman ended the match with his six passes into the final third, one chance created and completed 60% of the dribbles he attempted. 

2. Denis Bouanga

Denis Bouanga
New England Revolution v Los Angeles FC / Shaun Clark/GettyImages

Staying in LA, Denis Bouanga continues to show why LA brought him over from France. The Gabon international once again showed his class, scoring two goals and assisting once in LAFC’s route over New England. 

Like Tillman, Bouanga left his mark on the match, creating four chances with 52 touches, the most out of any forward on the field. 

1. Caleb Wiley

Atlanta United FC v Charlotte FC
Atlanta United FC v Charlotte FC / Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/GettyImages

Play the youth!

Atlanta United may be in the midst of a re-build, but that doesn’t mean they look any less lethal. Caleb Wiley, in particular, showed that it doesn’t matter how old you might be, if you’re talented enough, you’ll make an impact in MLS.

Born in 2004, the 18-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia represented his hometown well with a two goal performance over Eastern Conference rivals Charlotte FC. His attacking prowess saw the him take home Player of the Matchday for Week three and the top spot in 90Min’ rankings.