XG & More for MLS Matchday 35

By Anonymous (not verified), September 19, 2025

For Immediate Release
MLS Communications

Expected Goals: Upcoming Milestones for Matchday 35

Charlotte Aims for Stand-Alone Streak Record

After matching the 2018 Seattle Sounders’ MLS record with the club’s ninth consecutive win last week, Charlotte FC enters a Matchday 35 matinee against New York City FC with its eyes set on a record all to itself.

With a win against New York City FC on Saturday (12 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV), Charlotte would become the first club in MLS history to win 10 consecutive regular-season matches in a single season (excluding the shootout era). Charlotte, which has already established club records in wins (17) and points (53), looks to continue its race towards the top of the Eastern Conference table and the Supporters’ Shield standings, sitting just four points behind the league-leading Philadelphia Union (57 points) with four games remaining on its calendar.

The longest single-season winning streaks in MLS history (excluding shootout era):

Bouanga Eyes Third-Consecutive 20-Goal Season

One of the most consistent offensive threats in Major League Soccer, LAFC forward Denis Bouanga once again finds himself in the race for the Golden Boot presented by Audi, sitting just two goals behind scoring leader Sam Surridge of Nashville SC with 19 scores this season. Bouanga has scored five goals in his last three MLS matches and all 19 of his goals have come across his last 21 regular-season games.

With a goal against Real Salt Lake on Sunday night (9 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV / Apple TV+ / FS1 / FOX Deportes), the Gabonese forward would become the first player to score at least 20 goals in three consecutive seasons. Bouanga, who won the Golden Boot in 2023 with 20 goals, looks to become the sixth player to earn multiple scoring honors in MLS and would be the first since Wright-Phillips in 2016.

The players with multiple 20 goal seasons in MLS history:

Martínez Coming Up Clutch for New York City FC

Winners of five of its last six matches, New York City FC has made a late-season surge up the Eastern Conference table behind the clutch play of forward Alonso Martínez. The Costa Rican striker leads the club with 15 goals this season, including nine game-winning scores in 26 matches.

With a game-winning goal against Charlotte FC on Saturday (12 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV), Martínez would become the third player in MLS history to record at least 10 game-winning goals in a single season, joining Chris Wondolowski (11 game-winning goals in 2012) and Josef Martínez (10 in 2018). Martínez and Wondolowski each won Landon Donovan MLS MVP in their respective seasons.

The most game-winning goals by a player in a single season in MLS history:

San Diego Streaking Away from Snapdragon

Western Conference-leading San Diego FC has found success both at home and on the road during its debut season and is one of only four clubs with at least seven home wins and seven away wins in 2025. The club, which leads the league with 10 road victories this year, has won seven consecutive matches away from Snapdragon Stadium, matching the league record for the longest road winning streak in a single season.

With a victory over Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (4:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV), the expansion side would become the first team in MLS history to win eight consecutive road matches. Additionally, a win by San Diego (56 points) would eclipse LAFC’s record for points by an expansion club set in 2018, which currently stands at 57 points.

The longest road winning streaks in MLS history:

Markanich Makes Mark from Backline

A first-round selection by the Colorado Rapids in MLS SuperDraft 2022, defender Anthony Markanich has had a career year for Minnesota United FC in 2025, setting career-bests in games played (27), games started (19), minutes (1,620), and goals (seven). Markanich and the Loons (54 points, 15-6-9) currently sit in second place in the Western Conference table, just two points San Diego FC, as it enters the stretch run.

With a goal against Chicago Fire FC (8:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV), Markanich would become only the fourth defender in MLS history to record at least eight goals in a single season and the first since FC Dallas’ Michel in 2014 (eight goals). Brek Shea (11 in 2011) and José Burciaga Jr. (eight in 2006) also accomplished the feat.

The most goals by a defender in a single season in MLS history: