Robbie Keane scored two of the LA Galaxy's four goals in their blowout victory over the New York Red Bulls on Sunday evening, running his season tally to 17 goals and 14 assists.
The MLS MVP contender's first finish, an AT&T Goal of the Week nominee, was utterly sublime. Keane slalomed past Roy Miller and scooped a lofted, angled shot over Luis Robles and inside the far post to open the scoring.
That got MLSsoccer.com's staff thinking: Was it the best goal Keane has scored this year?
As Galaxy fans can attest, there's some stiff competition for that honor. Here's our stab at the Irishman's top five strikes of 2014, in chronological order.
May 21 vs. FC Dallas
Gyasi Zardes' pass might not have seemed all that dangerous to the FCD defense: A long, square, centering feed played in front of the back four to the late-arriving Keane. But with a few quick cuts capped by a nasty left-footed rope into the top corner, he made the most of a small window of opportunity and sent LA on their way to a 2-1 win over their Western Conference adversaries.
July 16 vs. New England
Bobby Shuttleworth was the victimized goalkeeper this time, beaten from long range by a swerving, dipping masterpiece into the far upper 90 after Keane cagily exploited teammate Baggio Husidic's smart movement as a diversion. It was the first of two for the Galaxy DP as the floodgates opened on the Revolution in a 5-1 final.
August 20 vs. Colorado
You might have to watch this one a few times to appreciate the degree of difficulty. The Rapids had just gone up 2-0 just moments before, only to be pegged back when Keane cunningly latched on to Dan Gargan's deep cross and steered it across the face of goal and inside Clint Irwin's left post on the bounce. That set the stage for a 4-3 comeback win at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
August 31 vs. Chivas USA
The goal so good, it made Bruce Arena bow. It's not fair to single out Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, given how many other defenders Keane has hoodwinked this year, but there's little choice given the virtuosity of the nutmeg the Irish legend inflicted on the big Colombian before lifting a textbook chip over Dan Kennedy. Yeah, LA won this game too, 3-0.
September 28 vs. New York
The Galaxy have racked up some of the gaudiest attacking numbers in recent MLS history over the past few months, often ripping teams – good teams – apart repeatedly. On this play, the Red Bulls backtracked hastily after Landon Donovan broke out on the counter and nearly rushed enough bodies into the penalty box to snuff out the danger. But Keane's mind, and feet, were too quick.
Which Keano goal is your favorite? Do you have other contenders in mind?
