From 1996 to the 2004 season, the Scoring Champion was determined by total points, with a goal counting two points and assists counting as one.
Beginning in 2005, the title was renamed the Golden Boot, and awarded to the leading goalscorer in the season. In case of a tie, the winner will be decided by the player with the most assists; if still tied, the winner will be the player with fewer minutes played.
2023: Denis Bouanga (LAFC) - 20 goals
2022: Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC) - 23 goals
2021: Taty Castellanos (New York City FC) - 19 goals
2020: Diego Rossi (Los Angeles Football Club) - 14 goals
2019: Carlos Vela (Los Angeles Football Club) - 34 goals
2018: Josef MartÃnez (Atlanta United) - 31 goals
2017: Nemanja Nikolić (Chicago Fire) - 24 goals
2016: Bradley Wright-Phillips (New York Red Bulls) - 24 goals
2015: Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC) - 22 goals
2014: Bradley Wright-Phillips (New York Red Bulls) - 27 goals
2013: Camilo Sanvezzo (Vancouver Whitecaps FC) - 22 goals
2012: Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes) - 27 goals
2011: Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United) - 16 goals
2010: Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes) - 18 goals
2009: Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas) - 17 goals
2008: Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy) - 20 goals
2007: Luciano Emilio (D.C. United) - 20 goals
2006: Jeff Cunningham (Real Salt Lake) - 16 goals
2005: Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution) - 17 goals
2004: Amado Guevara (MetroStars) and Pat Noonan (New England Revolution)
TOP 3:
- Amado Guevara (MetroStars) [10g, 10a = 30 pts]
- Pat Noonan (New England Revolution) [11g, 8a = 30 pts]
- Brian Ching (San Jose Earthquakes) [12g, 4a = 28 pts]
2003: Preki (Kansas City Wizards)
TOP 3:
- Preki (Kansas City Wizards) [12g, 17a = 41 pts]
- Carlos Ruiz (L.A. Galaxy) [15g, 5a = 35 pts]
- Ante Razov (Chicago Fire) [14g, 6a = 34 pts]
- Taylor Twellman (N.E. Revolution) [15g, 4a = 34 pts]
2002: Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution)
TOP 3:
- Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution) [23g, 6a = 52 pts]
- Carlos Ruiz (Los Angeles Galaxy) [24g, 1a = 49 pts]
- Jeff Cunningham (Columbus Crew) [16g, 5a = 37 pts]
2001: Alex Pineda Chacon (Miami Fusion)
TOP 3:
- Alex Pineda Chacon (Miami Fusion) [19g, 4a = 47 pts]
- Diego Serna (Miami Fusion,) [15g, 15a = 45 pts]
- John Spencer (Colorado Rapids) [14g, 7a = 35 pts]
2000: Mamadou Diallo (Tampa Bay Mutiny)
TOP 3:
- Mamadou Diallo (Tampa Bay Mutiny) [26g, 4a = 56 pts]
- Clint Mathis (Los Angeles/MetroStars) [16g, 14a = 46 pts]
- Ante Razov (Chicago Fire) [18g, 6a = 42 pts]
- Diego Serna (Miami Fusion) [16g, 10a = 42 pts]
1999: Jason Kreis (Dallas Burn)
TOP 3:
- Jason Kreis (Dallas Burn) [18g, 15a = 51 pts]
- Roy Lassiter (D.C. United) [18g, 11a = 47 pts]
- Ronald Cerritos (San Jose Clash) [15g, 9a = 39 pts]
1998: Stern John (Columbus Crew)
TOP 3:
- Stern John (Columbus Crew) [26g, 5a = 57 pts]
- Cobi Jones (Los Angeles Galaxy) [19g, 13a = 51 pts]
- Welton (Los Angeles Galaxy) [17g, 11a = 45 pts]
1997: Preki (Kansas City Wizards)
TOP 3:
- Preki (Kansas City Wizards) [12g, 17a = 41 pts]
- Jaime Moreno (D.C. United) [16g, 8a = 40 pts]
- Raul Diaz Arce (D.C. United) [15g, 6a = 36 pts]
1996: Roy Lassiter (Tampa Bay Mutiny)
TOP 3:
- Roy Lassiter (Tampa Bay Mutiny) [27g, 4a = 58 pts]
- Preki (Kansas City Wiz) [18g, 13a = 49 pts]
- Eduardo Hurtado (Los Angeles Galaxy) [21g, 7a = 49 pts]
