Winners and losers of MLS Week 1

MLS’s opening weekend served up surprise results, standout performances and plenty of drama. Inter Miami failed to start with a statement win, D.C. United pulled off an unlikely victory, and Nashville’s new-look attack cruised to a 4-1 success. The league’s unpredictability was on full display, and the piece cautioned that jumping to conclusions is dangerous — September matters more than February.

Denis Bouanga was a clear winner. He bamboozled markers, scored and assisted in LAFC’s 3-0 battering of their most apparent MLS Cup rivals, and might have had a second but for a comical deflection by Maxi Falcon into the grateful arms of Miami goalkeeper Dayne St.

Clair. Bouanga stayed on the left while Son occupied a more central role, but two goal contributions in a big win was an excellent start. Lionel Messi’s evening was more complicated. On the ball he produced delightful moments and absurd passes, yet a post-match episode — captured on video and involving Luis Suarez holding him back as he pursued officials — left a poor impression.

mls, inter miami, d.c. united, nashville, denis bouanga, lafc, lionel messi, maxi falcon, st. clair, luis suarez