MLSsoccer.com editors predict the 2013 MLS MVP

February 28, 2013

MLSsoccer staff

MLSsoccer.com

The 2013 MLS season kicks off this weekend. Here at MLSsoccer.com, we're getting ready the only way we know how: making predictions and arguing. On Monday, we predicted the Golden Boot winner. On Tuesday, we did Goalkeeper of the Year. On Wednesday, we got into it about who will win the Supporters' Shield. Today, it's MVP.

	Prediction	Comments
Simon Borg Senior Editor	Robbie Keane (LA)	He may not have even been an MVP finalist in 2012, but it was the year everyone finally appreciated Keane. With Landon Donovan's extended absence and David Beckham's departure, it will become even more evident that he's the defending champs' most important player.
Matt Doyle Armchair Analyst	Robbie Keane (LA)	I sort of suspect Keane to put up some kind of ridiculous, 19-goal, 13-assist type of season. It just feels like it’s going to be that kind of career.
Nick Firchau Senior Editor	Robbie Keane (LA)	The MVP race is always dominated by offensive players (for better or worse), but not much argument this time around.
Jonah Freedman Managing Editor	Thierry Henry (NY)	For better or worse, the Red Bull have become 100 percent Titi's team this season. This is his year of domination.
Greg Lalas Editor-In-Chief	Mauro Rosales (SEA)	This is set to be an impressive year for the Sounders, perhaps even a trophy-filled one. And Rosales will be pulling all the strings, setting the table for Eddie Johnson, Steve Zakuani, and possibly a certain Nigerian goalscorer.
Nicholas Rosano Editor	Thierry Henry (NY)	The French star has a talented team around him and one that could help shoulder the goalscoring burden. Still, he should be able to post double-digit goals and assists this year, putting him as a prime MVP candidate.
Jason Saghini Director of Video	Landon Donovan (LA)	He will be fresh, rejuvenated and MLS teams will pay for it as he puts up 10 and 15.
Kristel Valencia Editor, FutbolMLS.com	Federico Higuaín (CLB)	A difference-maker at all levels: skills, creativity, movement and, most importantly, persona. He has professed his love for Columbus. He believes in this team, and the team will challenge for the East.
Andrew Wiebe Editor	Thierry Henry (NY)	If I'm picking Henry to win the Golden Boot, there's no way MVP voters ignore that accomplishment when ballots are due. The key will be how New York finish the season: If it's on a high note, the award is Thierry's to lose. If not, there will be a host of other challengers.