Last week, our friends at Bleacher Report listed their top 20 strikers in MLS. We liked the idea so much, we decided to do a similar thing. We had our editors rank their top 20 goalscorers in MLS, gave each ranking points (20 for #1, 19 for #2, etc.), then tabulated it all up.
20. Kekuta Manneh, Vancouver Whitecaps – The teen phenom made his presence known with three goals against Seattle last season. His speed, creativity and growing confidence should make him a nightmare for defenses in 2014.
19.
Kenny Miller
, Vancouver Whitecaps
– Playing next to Camilo, the Golden Boot winner in 2013, Miller was overshadowed. But the Scottish international had an outstanding season -- 8 goals, 1 assist, tireless hold-up work -- and now will be the fulcrum of the Caps' attack.
18. Jack McInerney, Philadelphia Union – Occasionally referred to as "the American Chicharito," McInerney always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Jack Mac had 12 goals in 2013, and he's aiming for 20 this year.
17.Diego Fagundez, New England Revolution – One of the most prolific teenagers in MLS history, Fagundez can do his work from either flank. He can beat his man one-on-one and finish with the best of them, as he did on this goal.
16. Federico Higuaín, Columbus Crew – The best chance creator in the league, Higuain can also finish himself. All you have to do is look at his chipped goals in back-to-back weeks last season.
15. Tim Cahill, New York Red Bulls – After a disappointing 2012, Cahill showed his true value last season. One of the most dominant aerial threats in MLS, Cahill scored the most headed goals in the league in 2013.
14. Erick "Cubo" Torres, Chivas USA – The Chivas de Guadalajara loanee scored some of the most impressive goals in MLS last year, and his future should only get brighter. Chivas USA fans are dreading the day he returns to Mexico.
13.
Clint Dempsey
, Seattle Sounders
– Deuce took his talents to Seattle in the middle of the season, but after a disappointing start, he should be one of the elite attacking threats in MLS come 2014.
12. Obafemi Martins, Seattle Sounders – He left his imprint last season in just 20 games for the Sounders. Even though Martins isn't the biggest man on the field, he certainly plays like the biggest.
11. Mike Magee, Chicago Fire – His breakout season came after being played closer to goal. No surprise there. Magee scored 21 goals last season with his clever runs and superior finishing ability.
10.Blas Perez, FC Dallas – Super Ratón may be the best pure No. 9 in MLS, always able to hold up play so his teammates can get involved.
9.
Claudio Bieler
, Sporting KC
– When he's in the box, it's like watching a surgeon at work. He knows the exact run to make at the exact time in the right spot. Despite limited opportunities in 2013, he had 10 goals, including four game winners.
8. Eddie Johnson, D.C. United – Statistically the most dangerous attacker in MLS on set pieces, he consistently rises above his opponents to head goals into the back of the net.
7. Landon Donovan, LA Galaxy – Donovan, a master at timing his runs into the final third, enters his 14th MLS season needing just one more goal to set a new all-time scoring record in MLS. Enough said.
6. Alvaro Saborío, Real Salt Lake – Maybe the most under-appreciated striker in MLS today, Sabo helped lead his Costa Rican side to the World Cup. Since arriving in 2010, Sabo has averaged 0.61 goals per 90 mins, only .01 behind Chris Wondolowski's strike rate over the same period.
5.
Jermain Defoe
, Toronto FC
– The only newcomer on this list, Defoe arrives with 124 goals to his name in the English Premier League, most coming with Tottenham Hotspur. Speed, power and finishing make him a handful.
4. Thierry Henry, New York Red Bulls – Coming off a down year – if nine goals and a Supporters' Shield can be called that – Henry's skills are still impeccable. Capable of scoring goals in any way imaginable, just look at this and tell us he’s still not scary.
3. Chris Wondolowski, San Jose Earthquakes – Wondolowski’s last four years may have been the most impressive in MLS history -- an average of 19 goals per season -- and he comes into 2014 motivated to prove he belongs on the US World Cup team. Watch out.
2. Robbie Keane, LA Galaxy – Constantly putting defenders on their heels, Keane scores goals no matter who lines up beside him.. He scored 16 goals in 2013 and had the third highest strike rate (0.72 goals/90 mins.).
1.
Marco Di Vaio
, Montreal Impact
– The Italian ace scored 20 goals in 2013 -- and all of them came in the run of play. There might be no better indication of a player's finishing talents than a fact like that.
Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments below.
