MLS: Donkor and Denkey impress in high-scoring draws; Aliyu opens 2026 account

Midweek action in Major League Soccer (MLS) is ongoing and the goals are flowing with FC Cincinnati star Kévin Denkey urging his team to a comeback draw while promising Ghanaian midfielder Ronald Donkor continued his breakout season with New York Red Bulls.

That first touch and spin move! 🔁

Denkey scores his second goal of the match! pic.twitter.com/3wOkuH12YW

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 23, 2026

It looked like a lost cause for Cincinnati away at New York City FC. Despite Denkey’s first half equalizer in the 32nd minute, the hosts took a 2-1 lead at halftime before moving ahead 3-1 early in the second half.

But the Togolese international reacted quickly to turn and fire in his second goal to set off a wild final half hour. New York restored their two-goal advantage but two goals in stoppage time from the visitors salvaged a point in dramatic fashion. Denkey now has 8 goals in 11 appearances across all competitions this season.

Ronald Donkor continues steady growth in MLS

An emerging talent continued to shine with a young New York Red Bulls team in their 4-4 draw against DC United. Ghanaian central midfielder Ronald Donkor scored his first goal for the senior team in the first half after assisting fellow youngster Julian Hall to give the hosts a 2-0 lead just past the twenty minute mark.

Donkor doubles the @NewYorkRedBulls lead! pic.twitter.com/IEXWyap6GF

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 23, 2026

While his first goal in the American top flight was a calm and composed finish, Donkor was excellent on both sides of the ball. He won 7 of his 13 duels and was a pest for the DC United midfield, providing 8 recoveries through his high work rate.

But his first assist to Hall for the opening goal showed a subtle touch in the final third. On the second, the 21-year-old received distribution from his goalkeeper and carried the ball forward before passing to Jorge Ruvalcaba in space for the Mexican to fire in NYRB’s 4th goal.

Ruvalcaba completes the brace! ✅@NewYorkRedBulls take the lead once again! pic.twitter.com/o1A53qOc1F

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 23, 2026

The Accra native continues to be a player to watch in a Red Bulls team that is emphasizing youth this season, impressing observers of the league with their high energy approach that is typical of clubs that fly the Red Bull banner. Donkor developed at the JMG Academy and with Guidars FC in Mali before continuing his development with NYRB’s reserve team in 2023 to graduate to the senior team.

Contributions from West Africans continued on Wednesday evening in the USA with two Nigerians impressing. League veteran Ibrahim Aliyu scored his first goal of the season for Houston Dynamo, his first since returning to the club ahead of the current season. His strike was the only goal for the hosts in a 1-0 victory over Western Conference powerhouse San Diego FC.

Ibrahim Aliyu sends it to the far post to put @HoustonDynamo in the lead! 💥 pic.twitter.com/MdnAGVSYu0

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 23, 2026

After leaving Dynamo to be a rotation option for Columbus Crew last season, Aliyu returned to Houston where the 24-year-old continues to show promise. Despite his young age, he has already made 113 appearances in Major League Soccer with 13 goals and 9 assists. He has already surpassed 200 appearances in his professional career after spending his early days with Lokomotiva Zagreb in Croatia.

Of course, Aliyu’s compatriot Alhassan Yusuf must be mentioned. The New England Revolution midfielder is adapting to a more offensive role this season and he showed signs of his growing confidence in the opposition half. Yusuf produced a magical strike that went in off the crossbar against Atlanta United but his goal was controversially disallowed by VAR due to offsides.

Alhassan Yusuf 🇳🇬 produced a magical strike from distance for the New England Revolution against Atlanta United.

Unfortunately VAR ruled it out for offsides 🥲

pic.twitter.com/yBoLwAV0t7

— Pan-Africa Football (@PanAfricaFooty) April 23, 2026

However, Yusuf’s team came out on top in Atlanta with a 2-1 comeback victory at 2026 World Cup venue Mercedes-Benz Stadium.