Week 3 simulated on FIFA 20: Here's how MLS games could have finished

Jake Barford

With all MLS matches postponed this past weekend, we took to FIFA 20 to predict how these matches could’ve played out. This version include a beautiful free kick from Graham Zusi of Sporting Kansas City, hat tricks from Zdenek Ondrasek of FC Dallas and Raul Ruidiaz of the Seattle Sounders, an incredible bender from Nicolas Benezet of the Colorado Rapids and much more.

All Week 3 games were included except for Nashville SC at Toronto FC and Inter Miami hosting the LA Galaxy. The two expansion clubs aren’t yet included in FIFA 20.

Atlanta United vs. Sporting KC

This matchup between the first-place sides in the Eastern and Western conferences didn’t disappoint, as the Five Stripes recovered for a 2-1 win. Things got started with an incredible free kick from Zusi, but Sporting couldn’t respond after two goals from ATLUTD courtesy of Matheus Rossetto.

Orlando City vs. Chicago Fire FC

Newly-acquired Brazilian midfielder Junior Urso shined for Orlando City, as they took down Chicago Fire FC 3-0. Urso put up two goals alongside one tally from Dom Dwyer. This would've been the Lions’ first win of the season, leaving the revamped Fire still searching for three points under new head coach Raphael Wicky.

Real Salt Lake vs. Columbus Crew SC

Goals from Damir Kreilach, Kyle Beckerman and Albert Rusnak saw RSL gain three points during an easy 3-0 win. The Crew suffered their first loss of the season during a game they were expected to win. A poor performance from striker Gyasi Zardes and his supporting cast saw Columbus only register three shots on goal.

FC Cincinnati vs. D.C. United

After a rough start to the season for the second-year club, FC Cincinnati looked to get anything out of their home opener – and that they did. A late goal from the new signing Siem de Jong stole a point from D.C. United during a 2-2 draw at Nippert Stadium.

Minnesota United vs. New York Red Bulls

An undefeated Minnesota United side saw the New York Red Bulls come into Allianz Field and leave empty-handed. Two early goals from Robin Lod and Kevin Molino paved the way for a straightforward 2-0 win. After Sporting lost to Atlanta in their simulated game, Minnesota would've skyrocketed to the top of the Western Conference standings.

Portland Timbers vs. New England Revolution

Portland picked up their second straight win, while New England remained winless on the year as the game finished 3-1 at Gillette Stadium. The Timbers' goalscorers were Yimmi Chara, Larrys Mabiala and Diego Chara, and then Gustavo Bou for the Revolution.

FC Dallas vs. NYCFC

Only one man should be credited with FC Dallas' 3-1 win over NYCFC and that’s Zdenek Ondrasek. The Czech striker scored three goals on three shots, all as head coach Luchi Gonzalez’s crew picked up their second win of the season. Ismael Tajouri-Shradi offered NYCFC a lifeline, but the rally proved elusive.

Seattle Sounders vs. Houston Dynamo

In the biggest win of the weekend, Seattle took down Houston with a 5-1 win. Yet another hat trick came from Raul Ruidiaz, as the Peruvian striker scored three goals on five shot attempts. The Dynamo remained winless in 2020 and the defending MLS Cup champions surged up the Western Conference standings.

Philadelphia Union vs. San Jose Earthquakes

This match featured two teams each looking for their first win of the season. The Union got off to an early 1-0 lead after an Ilsinho goal, but wouldn’t stop there. Another goal in the 58th minute from Brenden Aaronson was all Philadelphia needed to secure a 2-0 victory and build off Week 2’s wild draw at LAFC.

Colorado Rapids vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

The final matchup of our FIFA simulations saw one of the best goals of the weekend. In a match that ended 1-1, Nicolas Benezet put the Rapids on the board early with a right-footed curling shot to the far post. But the Whitecaps then claimed a 78th-minute equalizer from Fredy Montero that sealed their fourth point of the season.