Despite the September international window, Major League Soccer was in full swing this past weekend.
Teams across the East and West conference returned to action without key players, battling it out for a chance to qualify to the MLS playoffs. Inter Miami proved they can win without headliner Lionel Messi by defeating Sporting Kansas City 3-2 with the most controversial play of the season thus far, while the Portland Timbers towered over the reigning champions LAFC.
Here are the best goals of the week...
5. Claudio Bravo (vs. LAFC)
To start, we have Bravo against LAFC.
The Timbers triumphed against the reigning MLS champions, handing them their third consecutive Major League Soccer loss to complicate their path to first place on the Western Conference table.
Though the Timbers currently sit in 11th place, each and every victory propels the team closer to a playoff slot.
4. Franco Fragapane (vs. New England Revolution)
A goalkeeper assist?
Minnesota United goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair set up teammate Franco Fragapane for the stoppage time goal to tie the game against the Revolution in a play no one saw coming.
3. Alan Pulido (vs. Inter Miami)
Another one for Puligol!
Though the goal may not have been enough to win the game against Inter Miami, the left-footed strike still deserves a place on this list. Alan Pulido came back stronger than ever after his ACL injury, returning to the field after being sidelined for the 2022 season to score 13 goals this time around.
He remains in the fight for the Golden Boot, currently tied for third place.
2. Carles Gil (vs. Minnesota United)
Brother to brother!
Nacho Gil connected with Carles Gil for the Revolution's goal against Minnesota United. After a great build up inside the box, Carles rocketed the ball into the back of the net and scored his eighth of the season.
1. Facundo Farias (vs. Sporting Kansas City)
Potentially the most controversial goal of the week: Facundo Farias against Sporting KC.
As players continued to speak with the referee over the foul, Sergio Busquets found Farias through the free kick to inspire the shocking goal.
Even SKC players were left in awe.
This article was originally published on 90min as The best goals of MLS matchday 31 - ranked .