MLS Review: Opara scores stunner for Sporting, Accam nets hat-trick

Sporting Kansas City pulled clear atop the Western Conference in MLS thanks to an Ike Opara stunner, while David Accam scored a hat-trick for Chicago Fire.

Roger Espinoza and Opara were on the scoresheet as Sporting claimed a 2-1 win against LA Galaxy on Saturday.

Espinoza struck from distance in the 22nd minute, Galaxy goalkeeper Clement Diop punching the effort into his own net.

Then came Opara's brilliant goal as the centre-back delivered with a bicycle kick to put his team 2-0 up.

David Romney pulled a goal back in the second half for Galaxy, but Sporting held on to move five points clear atop the conference.

Accam netted three times as Chicago thrashed Orlando City 4-0.

The Ghanaian opened the scoring in style just three minutes in, his sublime backheel from a Matt Polster cross beating goalkeeper Joe Bendik.

Accam made it 2-0 just five minutes later, getting on the end of a Bastian Schweinsteiger pass before rounding Bendik and finishing.

MLS top goalscorer Nemanja Nikolic struck early in the second half before Accam completed his hat-trick, and the resounding win, from the penalty spot.

New York City claimed derby bragging rights with a 2-0 win over the Red Bulls thanks to goals from Jack Harrison and Ben Sweat.

Philadelphia Union overcame DC United 1-0 thanks to a Fabrice Picault goal, but there was controversy at Talen Energy Stadium.

DC midfielder Luciano Acosta had been shown a red card after a tangle in the 74th minute, but it was stunningly rescinded moments later.

Just four minutes earlier, United's Lamar Neagle was denied from the penalty spot as the hosts claimed their win.

Federico Higuain scored a brace as the Columbus Crew proved too good for the Montreal Impact 4-1.

Atlanta United recorded a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids, Minnesota United and the Vancouver Whitecaps drew 2-2 and a 10-man San Jose Earthquakes held on to beat Real Salt Lake 2-1.

Latest in
Alan Shearer celebrates one of his five goals for Newcastle United against Sheffield Wednesday in September 1999.
'My Premier League record won't last forever. It will go one day and when it does go, and if it's to Harry, he knows I'd be the first to congratulate him and shake his hand': Alan Shearer magnanimous when discussing biggest threat to goalscoring record
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou
Tottenham to sack Ange Postecoglou - with London rivals' boss lined up: report
Troy Deeney last played for Forest Green in 2023
Troy Deeney tipped for remarkable football return despite not playing since 2023
Fulham manager Marco Silva looks on from the dugout ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie against Wigan Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium in Wigan, England on 8 February, 2025
'I think Marco Silva is the best manager in London - he managed to really maintain the desire to play attractive football, which was really hard over the years': Former Fulham talisman showers praise on 'impressive' Marco Silva
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: (L-R) Ethan Nwaneri, Raheem Sterling, Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 training and press conference at Sobha Realty Training Centre on September 30, 2024 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
England could lose Arsenal wonderkid to Nigerian national side due this little known reason
Orlando Pride players raise the trophy during the NWSL Championship game between Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit at CPKC Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri.
How to watch NWSL: Live streams, TV information for National Women's Soccer League 2025
Latest in News
Alan Shearer celebrates one of his five goals for Newcastle United against Sheffield Wednesday in September 1999.
'My Premier League record won't last forever. It will go one day and when it does go, and if it's to Harry, he knows I'd be the first to congratulate him and shake his hand': Alan Shearer magnanimous when discussing biggest threat to goalscoring record
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou
Tottenham to sack Ange Postecoglou - with London rivals' boss lined up: report
Troy Deeney last played for Forest Green in 2023
Troy Deeney tipped for remarkable football return despite not playing since 2023
Fulham manager Marco Silva looks on from the dugout ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie against Wigan Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium in Wigan, England on 8 February, 2025
'I think Marco Silva is the best manager in London - he managed to really maintain the desire to play attractive football, which was really hard over the years': Former Fulham talisman showers praise on 'impressive' Marco Silva
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: (L-R) Ethan Nwaneri, Raheem Sterling, Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 training and press conference at Sobha Realty Training Centre on September 30, 2024 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
England could lose Arsenal wonderkid to Nigerian national side due this little known reason
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim looks on following his side's defeat against AFC Bournemouth
Report reveals 10 Manchester United players leaving this summer