Team of the Matchday: Lewandowski shines, Evander joins MLS elite | OneFootball

By Justin Ruderman

Ahead of Leagues Cup 2026 kicking off, Matchday 19's top performers earned a spot in the Team of the Matchday presented by Audi.

Full team (3-4-3, left to right)

Starters: Jonathan Sirois (DAL) - Kai Wagner (PHI), Neil Pierre (PHI), Brandon Bye (POR) - Guilherme (HOU), Evander (CIN), Carles Gil (NE), Philip Zinckernagel (CHI) - Mijahir Jiménez (RBNY), Robert Lewandowski (CHI), Luis Suárez (MIA)

Coach: Jack Cassidy (POR) 

Bench: CJ Dos Santos (SD), Brayan Vera (MTL), Brais Méndez (CLB), Thomas Müller (VAN), Cade Cowell (RBNY), Timo Werner (SJ), Rafael Navarro (COL), Tai Baribo (DC), Milan Iloksi (PHI)

Team highlights

Polish legend Robert Lewandowski announced himself to the Chicago Fire FC faithful in style at Soldier Field, netting a brace on his home debut to lead a 2-1 comeback victory over Charlotte FC. Philip Zinckernagel provided the opening assist.

Fellow iconic striker Luis Suárez provided 1g/1a in Inter Miami CF's 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew, becoming the fifth player in league history to record at least 10g/5a in his first three MLS seasons.

FC Cincinnati maestro Evander (1g/3a) also joined the history books on Saturday. He contributed to all four goals in a 4-2 triumph over the San Jose Earthquakes, becoming the fifth-fastest player in MLS history to record 100 goal contributions (104 games).

Guilherme continued the record-setting trend for Houston Dynamo FC as the ninth player in MLS history to record a goal contribution on at least 17 of his club's first 25 goals in a season, scoring the game-winning goal in a 2-0 victory at Sporting Kansas City.

Red Bull New York forward and short-term loanee Mijahir Jiménez also entered rarefied air, joining Cornell Glen as the only players in club history to score a brace in their first MLS start, pacing a 3-2 win over Orlando City.

New England Revolution captain Carles Gil completes the TotM midfield, securing a 2-2 draw at CF Montréal with a goal and assist.

Philadelphia Union defenders brought the stoppage-time theatrics in a 3-2 come-from-behind win over Atlanta United. Fullback Kai Wagner continued to lead the club's resurgence since his return, providing game-tying and game-winning assists in the 96th and 97th minutes. Homegrown center back Neil Pierre headed home the equalizer for his second goal in three appearances this season.

Brandon Bye similarly provided heroics for the Portland Timbers in a 2-1 Cascadia Cup victory over rivals Seattle Sounders FC, lasering his first Timbers goal from long range to secure the win late on.

Finally, FC Dallas goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois racked up an incredible nine saves to protect a 0-0 draw at the LA Galaxy.

WATCH: Every goal from Matchday 19!