The 2014 MLS season kicks off in 60 days and it promises to be a thrilling showcase. The league’s level of play has drastically improved, the intensity and atmosphere at games are a sight to behold, and the every year an array of goal scorers steal the show.
During this offseason, there has been a theme among transfer targets and new signings: forwards. From Eddie Johnson’s move to DC United to Jermain Defoe’s rumored transfer to Toronto FC, forwards have dominated MLS’s transfer window.
With so many talented strikers in the league, here’s a list of 10 forwards who might be competing for the golden boot at the end of the season.
Robbie Keane: The 33-year-old LA Galaxy and Ireland national team’s captain has been the most dangerous striker in the league since he moved from Tottenham Hotspur in 2011. Ireland’s all-time leading goal scorer has scored 34 goals in 55 games. If he stays healthy this year, Keane should score at least 22 goals.
During this offseason, there has been a theme among transfer targets and new signings: forwards. From Eddie Johnson’s move to DC United to Jermain Defoe’s rumored transfer to Toronto FC, forwards have dominated MLS’s transfer window.
With so many talented strikers in the league, here’s a list of 10 forwards who might be competing for the golden boot at the end of the season.
Robbie Keane: The 33-year-old LA Galaxy and Ireland national team’s captain has been the most dangerous striker in the league since he moved from Tottenham Hotspur in 2011. Ireland’s all-time leading goal scorer has scored 34 goals in 55 games. If he stays healthy this year, Keane should score at least 22 goals.
Camilo Sanvezzo: Although the current golden boot holder is rumored to be headed to Liga MX, Vancouver Whitecaps claim the player is still under contract. If he stays with the Whitecaps, the tricky Brazilian is capable of scoring goals in bunches. He should be able to match last season’s tally of 22 goals.
Obafemi Martins: Loyalty isn’t a word you’ll see in the 29-year-old Nigerian’s dictionary, but you won’t be able to miss the word "goals". The wandering striker has played for nine different teams in six different countries and scored over 100 goals. He knows how to put the ball in the back of the net, and if he can retain his healthy, he has the ability to score at least 20 goals.
Eddie Johnson: New Year, new season, new Eddie Johnson? The striker will lead the line for DC United in 2014. The American is rugged, fast and a clinical goal poacher in the box. If Ben Olsen puts the right pieces around Johnson, he is capable of finding the back of the net 16 times.
Marco Di Vaio: At the age of 37, the Bologna F.C. legend is in top condition. In 2013, he led Montreal Impact to its first ever playoff appearance, scoring 20 goals in the regular season. With creative players like Felipe and Patrice Bernier on the Impact’s roster, the Italian should score at least 18 goals.
Alvaro Saborio: In 16 regular season games in 2013, Saborio found the back of the net 12 times. The Costa Rican international is Real Salt Lake’s all-time leading goal scorer with 52 goals in 97 appearances. With Kyle Beckerman, Javier Morales and Luis Gil feeding him the ball, the poacher should score at least 17 goals.
Mike Magee: The 29-year-old had a breakout season in 2013 with the Chicago Fire. The versatile forward scored 21 goals in 32 games and was named MVP. In 2014, he’ll be the center of the Fire’s offense, which means he’ll have the opportunity to score at least 20 goals.
Chris Wondolowski: In 2012 Wondolowski tied MLS regular season goal scoring record and was named the MVP. However, the American was less lethal in front of goal in 2013, scoring 11 goals. With a chance to book a ticket to Brazil, Wondolowski is poised to have a comeback season in 2014. He should score at least 16 goals.
Diego Fagundez: With Juan Agudelo on his way out of New England Revelution, Fagundez will be the center of Jay Heaps’ offense. The talented young forward is the brightest talent in the league. With his abilities, Fagundez is capable of scoring 17 goals.
Jack McInerney: The 21-year-old scored 10 goals in his first 14 games in 2013, but cooled down, scoring 2 in 17 games. With the experience he gained during an up and down 2013 season and CONCACAF Gold Cup, McInerny is ready to lead Philadelpia Union’s offense. It would be a surprise if he doesn’t score more than 15 goals.