Handicapping the Golden Boot race down the stretch
As we enter the final weeks of the MLS regular season, the intensity picks up as clubs jockey for playoff spots. The same is true of the goalscorers chasing the Golden Boot.
At present, Dwayne De Rosario is in the lead with 14 goals. But there are four players within two goals of him, and another nine within three. Here, we take a look at the frontrunners in the Golden Boot race.
Dwayne De Rosario, D.C. United
| De Rosario | Comments |
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Goals: 14 Watch Last Goal: Scored in a 3-2 loss against Philadelphia on Sept. 29 |
De Rosario holds the key to DC United’s hopes of sneaking into the final play-off spot. The Canadian international has been in sensational form hitting 11 goals in 14 starts for DC, including 5 goals in his last 4. He previously scored 3 goals in 14 combined starts for Toronto and New York.
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Thierry Henry, New York Red Bulls
| Henry | Comments |
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Goals: 13 Watch Last Goal: Scored in 1-1 draw against Toronto on Oct.1 |
Henry has led the league scoring charts for the majority of the season, spearheading New York’s stumbling campaign. The Red Bulls captain has scored 13 goals and seems to have hit form at the business end of the season with his sublime strike against Toronto.
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Landon Donovan, LA Galaxy
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Goals: 12 Watch Last Goal: Scored in a 1-0 win against COL on Sept. 9 |
Donovan has had another stellar season for LA, hitting home 12 goals in 21 starts and adding 3 assists. The Galaxy captain has led his side to a healthy lead in the Western Conference standings and his experience will be vital in the MLS Cup for LA.
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Chris Wondolowski, San Jose Earthquakes
| Wondolowski | Comments |
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Goals: 12 Watch Last Goal: Scored in a 1-1 draw against SKC on Oct. 1 |
San Jose’s star striker has had another fine season, scoring 12 times to make it 30 goals in his last 53 MLS starts. “Wondo” has been the shining light in an otherwise unforgettable season for the Earthquakes.
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Dominic Oduro, Chicago Fire
| Oduro | Comments |
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Goals: 12 Watch Last Goal: Scored in a 1-1 draw against HOU on Oct. 1 |
Oduro has been on fire for Chicago in the closing stages of the season, scoring 7 goals in his last 10 games. The speedy forward has been a revelation since his switch from Houston as he tries to help the Fire sneak into the playoffs.
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Fredy Montero, Seattle Sounders
| Montero | Comments |
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Goals: 11 Watch Last Goal: Scored in a 2-1 win against NE on Oct.1 |
Montero has hit 11 goals so far this season and one more will equal his best ever goal-scoring season in the MLS. Montero is in blistering form, scoring 4 goals in his last 2 games as Seattle look to gain momentum going into the postseason.
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Andres Mendoza, Columbus Crew
| Mendoza | Comments |
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Goals: 11 Watch Last Goal: Scored in a 2-2 draw against HOU on Sept. 14 |
The Peruvian native has been a steady contributor to the Crew’s offense all season long, bagging 11 goals in 23 starts. Mendoza has 13 goals in 24 career starts for Columbus as he looks to propel his side to the top of the Eastern Conference.
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Charlie Davies, D.C. United
| Davies | Comments |
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Goals: 11 Watch Last Goal: Scored in a 3-0 win against CHV on Sept. 10 |
Davies' 11 goals in 17 games has proved just as important as strike partner De Rosario's record as DC look to push into the playoff picture with a strong finish to the season. Davies showed his predatory instincts in a 3-0 win over Chivas in September, scoring a hat-trick in the process.
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