Major League Soccer Gameweek 18: Statistical Standouts and Key Performances

18th June 2025

Another exhilarating round of Major League Soccer action delivered compelling narratives across all statistical categories. From attacking brilliance to defensive masterclasses, Gameweek 18 showcased the depth of talent throughout the league. Let’s dive into the numbers that defined this weekend’s action.

Zaha’s Foul-Drawing Mastery

Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha proved to be the most fouled player of the weekend, drawing six fouls in Philadelphia Union’s 2-1 victory. The experienced winger has now drawn at least one foul in each of his last 16 matches, demonstrating his ability to consistently attract defensive attention and create advantageous situations for his team. His knack for winning fouls has become a crucial weapon in Charlotte’s attacking arsenal.

Disciplinary Battles

The weekend’s most penalized players were Vancouver’s Andrés Cubas and Austin’s Besard Sabović, each committing five fouls in their respective matches. Remarkably, Sabović leads all MLS players with 16 fouls committed in his last five matches – a statistic that highlights both his tenacious defending and potential disciplinary concerns.

Surridge’s Scoring Surge

Nashville’s Sam Surridge continued his exceptional goal scoring form with another strike in their 2-0 victory over Chicago Fire. The forward has now found the net in four consecutive matches, accumulating an impressive six goals in his last five appearances – a tally unmatched by any other MLS player during this period. His clinical finishing has been instrumental in Nashville’s recent success.

Creative Brilliance

San Diego’s Anders Dreyer deserves recognition, providing one assist in their 4-2 win against Minnesota United. The Danish winger has contributed five assists in his last seven appearances – unmatched by any other player during this period.

New England’s Carles Gil continued to ask questions of defenders, drawing one foul in their 1-0 defeat to Cincinnati. The Spanish midfielder has now drawn at least one foul in each of his last eight games, with 20 fouls drawn in his last five matches – leading all players during this period.

Defensive Excellence

CF Montréal’s Jalen Neal showcased his defensive prowess with eight tackles in their commanding 3-1 victory over Houston Dynamo, tying for the weekend’s highest total. His 19 tackles over the last five appearances leads all MLS players, establishing him as one of the league’s premier ball-winners.

DC United’s Luis Barraza made four saves against Real Salt Lake, maintaining his remarkable consistency with at least three saves in each of his last eight matches. His 23 saves over the last five games represents the highest total among all MLS goalkeepers.