Week four of the 2025 MLS season has officially come to close after another thrilling 48 hours of matches across North America. With stunning goals, fateful penalties, and upsets, fans were treated to quite the show this past weekend.
First up was the Philadelphia Union, who were unable to maintain their winning streak, suffering their first defeat of the season with a 3-1 loss to Nashville SC at Subaru Park on March 16, 2025. Nashville's goals came from Sam Surridge, Ahmed Qasem, and Hany Mukhtar, overshadowing Jovan Lukić's brilliant strike, which had briefly leveled the score. Bradley Carnell's side struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, and the match was marred by controversial officiated decisions. A late double-save by Nashville's goalkeeper Joe Willis, who denied Quinn Sullivan from the penalty spot, encapsulated the Union's luckless night.
“Joe Willis penalty save? Joe Willis penalty save,” noted the official Major League Soccer Twitter account, highlighting the moment of disbelief for Union supporters, as their hopes of netting another goal were dashed by the veteran shot-stopper.
Meanwhile, at Providence Park, the Portland Timbers faced the LA Galaxy, ending their match at 1-1. The Timbers initially took the lead four minutes after halftime through Felipe Mora, who struck on the back of Danny Da Costa's assist. The Galaxy, through Christian Ramirez, equalized with just nine minutes remaining on the clock. Controversy erupted as Cristhian Paredes was taken down inside the box only minutes before the final whistle, yet the match referee, Pierre Luc Lauziere, opted against awarding the penalty, much to the disbelief of the home crowd.
“FULLTIME: Timbers 1, Galaxy 1,” declared Stumptown Footy on Twitter, echoing the players’ frustration as they saw two potential points slip away.
The day closed with a monumental clash between Inter Miami and Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Inter Miami claimed victory with a 2-1 scoreline. Lionel Messi, returning to the starting line-up after missing three matches due to muscle fatigue, scored the equalizer just nine minutes after Atlanta's Emmanuel Latte Lath had opened the scoring. The winning goal for Miami came courtesy of Fabrice Picault, who netted his first goal of the season with just one minute remaining, placing the final word on the electrifying encounter.
“FAFA PICAULT. Did he just win it late for @InterMiamiCF???” blared the Major League Soccer Twitter account as excitement filled the social media platform post-match.
Messi’s performance stood out as he not only scored but contributed greatly throughout the game, amassing xG+xA of 2.02 with three successful dribbles and completing 12 passes leading to the final third, alongside winning seven out of eleven duels. The match proved to be significant for Intelligent prediction games, as stats highlight his potential to regain his fully fit form as the season progresses.
Despite Atlanta’s promising lead, they are languishing at 12th place within the Eastern Conference after four weeks, which marks disappointing progress for the team. The result elevates Inter Miami to the top of the same conference, with Strategist Javier Mascherano clearly reveling in the club’s newfound position. Nashville also benefits from their win over the Union, now sitting fifth.
On the flip side, the LA Galaxy remains at the bottom of the Western Conference, having only gained one point this season. The Timbers find themselves near the bottom, occupying 12th place and disappointing from early expectations.
“What does all of this mean?” fans may wonder, as the league now has the international break coming up. When MLS returns, notable clashes are set to feature, including St. Louis City taking on the high-scoring Philadelphia Union next weekend. It promises to be yet more enthralling football to enjoy.
This week's highlight reel remains packed with unforgettable moments, igniting passion across the league as games continue to bring drama and excitement with each passing round. With key players making their mark and teams shifting up and down the standings, there's no denying the 2025 MLS season is shaping up to be one for the history books.