🇺🇸 State of the Union: Busy midweek in MLS and NWSL details future plans | OneFootball

It was a jam-packed night of MLS action on Wednesday, with 10 games down for decision.

Keep reading for the biggest talking points from those fixtures, as well as a major announcement about the future of the NWSL…

Philadelphia acquire Carranza from Inter Miami

Hat-trick hero from last Friday’s 7-0 hammering of DC United, Julián Carranza was duly rewarded by the Philadelphia Union making his loan move from Inter Miami permanent.

Only hours later the Argentine would come off the bench to face his former employers, as the Union racked up a 2-1 win to stay one point clear of New York City FC at the top of the Eastern Conference.

Carranza didn’t score at his old stomping ground, however, with Dániel Gazdag (penalty) and Cory Burke netting for Jim Curtin’s charges.

Lucky 13 for Colorado veteran Zardes

Gyasi Zardes earned Colorado Rapids a point at home to Orlando City with his 90th career MLS goal.

We full expect the 30-year-old striker to hit the century mark long before he hangs up his boots.

Atlanta’s Cisneros scoring early and often

Ronaldo Cisneros continues to make a strong case for Atlanta to make him a permanent fixture at the Five Stripes.

The 25-year-old striker, who is on loan from Liga MX side Chivas, netted a first-half brace to help the Georgia side overcome Real Salt Lake 2-1.

He’ll score after half time one of these days!

Goal of the Week

Before Wednesday’s action began, there was just time to look back at the weekend and recognise Roger Espinoza’s brilliant long-range effort for Sporting KC at Montréal.

A magnificent moment for the 35-year-old midfielder who continues to prove that age is just a number.

RSL ‘exploring opportunities’ for outcast Ochoa

As expected, there was a reaction from Real Salt Lake to goalkeeper David Ochoa’s Instagram post on Tuesday.

Ochoa claimed that he was unable to train with the first team, and at the same time being told he could not leave.

The club’s general manager, Elliot Fall, took to the airwaves on Wednesday to try and dampen the situation.

DC United to complete Audi Field roof

DC United have endured a difficult time of late, but it seems they may be finally getting their act together on and off the pitch.

The appointment of Wayne Rooney as head coach offers hope that they can lift themselves from the depths in the East.

And they’ve committed to sorting out unfinished construction at their home stadium in time for the 2023 season.

NWSL announce planned introduction of VAR

Also in the works for 2023 is the introduction of VAR in the NWSL.

The league announced its plans to introduce the technology as part of an overall increased investment in officials.

It also confirmed that expansion is planned for 2024, with two new franchises joining the existing 12 clubs.

Throwback rack 👕

Speaking of the NWSL, the above news shows just how far the league has come since its inception in 2013.

One of the teams who didn’t last is Western New York Flash, who were beaten finalists back in the debut season.

The Flash may have failed to stand the test of time, dissolving as they did in 2018, but that red jersey would still hold its own!