The opening weekend of MLS did not disappoint in 2016.
A record 36 goals were scored in the 10 games on Sunday, with a few players standing out above the rest by scoring two goals each for their teams.
In Portland, Diego Chara was a heat-seeking missile in the middle of the pitch breaking up plays, stealing balls, providing an outlet and starting an attack forward all in the Timbers' 2-1 win over the visiting Columbus Crew SC.
Player (Week 1 Audi Player Index Ranking)
GK: David Bingham, SJ (#24): 5 saves
D: Drew Moor, TOR (#62): 8 clearances, 5 interceptions, 2 tackles
D: Walker Zimmerman, DAL (#51): 7/9 on aerial duels, 6 interceptions, 3 clearances
D: Ashley Cole, LA (#116): 77.8% passing accuracy, 2 tackles, 8 interceptions
M: Juan Manuel Martinez, RSL (#92): 1 assist, 6 dribbles completed
M: Thomas McNamara, NYC (#6): 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 shots, 4 chances created
M: Diego Chara, POR (#50): 84.8% passing accuracy, 5 tackles, 4 interceptions, 9 ball recoveries
M: Diego Fagundez, NE (#3): 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 shots, 3 chances created
F: Ignacio Piatti, MTL (#1): 2 goals, 1 assists, 4 shots, 4 chances created, 8 dribbles completed
F: Cyle Larin, ORL (#7): 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 shots
F: Mike Magee, LA (#2): 2 goals, 1 assist, 1 PK won, 3 shots, 2 chances created
Bench: Tim Melia, SKC (#117); Je-Vaughn Watson, NE (#101); Mauro Diaz, DAL (#9); Alberto Quintero, SJ (#76); David Accam, CHI (#4); Joao Plata, RSL (#20); Sebastian Giovinco, TOR (#22)
