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Expected Goals: Upcoming Milestones for Matchday 7

March 29, 2024 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


History on the Horizon? Joveljić Looks to Make It Six-for-Six

Whether it's chess, billiards, or a Rubik's Cube, LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljić has several unique hobbies, but he continues to excel at one particular pastime - goal scoring. The 24-year-old Serbian international has taken the lead as the club's starting No. 9 in 2024, scoring in each of the Galaxy's opening five games of the season. Last week, Joveljić tied Brian McBride (five in 1998) for the longest scoring streak to begin a season in MLS history and can become the first player in league annals to score in each of a club's first six matches as the Galaxy host Seattle Sounders FC this Saturday (10:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV).

Joveljić's scoring has come in a variety of fashions. Of note:

Three of the five goals have come away from home

Two goals were go-ahead scores in the game, while two were game-tying strikes

Joveljić has scored in the 75th minute or later of a match three times

None of his five goals have come via penalty kick With history on the line, all eyes will fall on the LA Galaxy forward in the nightcap as he looks to make it six-for-six to begin 2024.

Loons Looking Like Contenders

Minnesota United FC is off to a flying start in 2024 under new head coach Eric Ramsay. Through just four matches, the Loons sit atop the Western Conference with 10 points (3-0-1), with their only blemish being a draw with the defending MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew. With a win over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday (2 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV), Minnesota would record their best five-game start to a season in club history.

Minnesota's goal scoring success has carried over from their key 2023 contributors, with Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Robin Lod, and Teemu Pukki each scoring twice. The Loons have also had young players such as Alejandro Bran and Tani Oluwaseyi excel off the bench, creating a balanced attack that has the club poised to be a threat in the Western Conference.

Charlotte FC Building a Home Fortress

In their third MLS season, Charlotte FC have continued to build off their strength - a raucous home atmosphere that is becoming one of the most challenging places for opponents to play in MLS. This was evident on Matchday 6, as Charlotte handed the reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew their first defeat of the season.

With the result, Charlotte extended their unbeaten run at Bank of America Stadium to 11 consecutive games, dating back to June 10, 2023. Not only is the streak a club record, but it is also moving up the ranks for the longest home unbeaten run by a club in their first three MLS seasons. If Charlotte wins or draws against reigning Supporters' Shield winners FC Cincinnati this Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV), they will extend that stretch to 12 games.

No. 1, No Problem - Tyrese Spicer Starts Hot

Making his first career start on Matchday 6, the No. 1 overall selection in MLS SuperDraft 2024 presented by adidas Tyrese Spicer made a quick first impression with Toronto FC's starting lineup, scoring his first MLS goal in the club's 2-0 victory over Atlanta United. A product of Lipscomb University, Spicer was the sixth No. 1 overall SuperDraft pick to score in his first career MLS start and the first to accomplish the feat since Abu Danaldi (2017 SuperDraft).

If Spicer were to get on the score sheet this weekend for an in-form Toronto side, he would join Andrew Wenger (2012) as the only No. 1 overall draft picks to score in both of their first two MLS starts. Spicer and Toronto are tied for their best start in club history (2019) and will look to extend that run at home against Sporting Kansas City this Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV).

March Madness - Lewis Morgan Scoring Like Crazy

After his 2023 season was marred by injuries, the New York Red Bulls' Lewis Morgan has returned to his old ways in 2024 and currently sits tied atop the MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi race with five goals. All five of Morgan's goals have come during the month of March and with a score against Orlando City SC on Matchday 7 (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV), he would tie Carlos Vela (six for LAFC in 2019) for the most goals scored in the month of March.

Morgan's goals have come at key moments for the Red Bulls this season, with three of his five goals being game winners, the most by a player so far this season. His play has helped propel the club to a 3-1-1 start to 2024.

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