MLS Major League Soccer

Expected Goals: Upcoming Milestones for Matchday 10

Published on April 27, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


Revs Look to Replicate 2021 Start

New England Revolution head coach Bruce Arena is working his magic again with the club as they sit atop the Supporters' Shield standings through the first nine games of the 2023 season. The Revs are 6-1-2 and are undefeated at home (4-0-1) this year, featuring a deep roster and key contributions by several young players.

On Saturday night (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass), the Revolution will meet FC Cincinnati - the only other team in MLS with 20 points. The matchup will be the first in league history between two teams with at least 20 points in the first 10 matches of an MLS season.

With a victory, the Revolution would tie a club record for the most points (23) through their first 10 matches of a season, which they accomplished in 2021 en route to capturing the Supporters' Shield with an MLS-record 73 points.

Can Giorgos Giakoumakis Make It Six-for-Six?

After scoring the opening goal against Chicago Fire FC last weekend, Atlanta's Giorgos Giakoumakis joined elite MLS company by recording a goal in each of his first five MLS starts. To open Matchday 10 on Saturday, Giakoumakis can join Taylor Twellman as the only players in league history to score in their first six MLS starts. On the call for the match - none other than Twellman himself at GEODIS Park (1:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass / FOX).

The Greek striker has five goals in just 426 minutes of MLS play, with three of those via his head. Giakoumakis is tied for fourth in the MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi race and leads MLS in goals per 90 minute (1.06) among those who have played at least 400 minutes in 2023.

Cristian Espinoza Can't Stop Scoring

When debating early-season Landon Donovan MLS MVP candidates, one may arrive at the conclusion that there is no player more valuable to his team than Cristian Espinoza is to the San Jose Earthquakes. The Argentine winger has six goals, two assists, and an MLS-high 22 key passes for a 'Quakes team that currently sits fifth in the Western Conference.

Espinoza continues to move up San Jose's all-time assists list, but his goal-scoring has made a difference for the club this season. His six goals are just one off his career high total of seven from last year, and he has scored in each of his last four matches. In Earthquakes history, only three other players have scored in five-straight games, with Chris Wondolowski being the last to do so in 2012.

Diego Rubio's Rapid Ascent Up Colorado Record Books

The Colorado Rapids nabbed a point against St. Louis CITY SC on Matchday 9, thanks to another goal from Michael Barrios and an assist by Diego Rubio. Rubio continues to lead the attack for the Rapids since returning from injury and is solidifying himself as one of the best players in Colorado history.

Rubio now has 60 goal contributions (34 goals, 26 assists) in his career with Colorado and is one shy of tying Paul Bravo for the fourth most in club history. The Chilean also needs one assist to join Omar Cummings (39 goals, 27 assists) as the only players in club history with at least 35 goals and 25 assists.

One Goal Away From 50 For Johnny Russell

After scoring last weekend against the New England Revolution, Sporting Kansas City's Johnny Russell finds himself with 49 career goals. With his next goal, Russell would become the third player in Sporting history to hit 50 career goals, joining Preki (71) and Dom Dwyer (57). Additionally, Russell would become the 17th active player to hit the mark, with the most recent being Seattle Sounders FC's Jordan Morris.

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Major League Soccer Stories from April 27, 2023


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