Lionel Messi is the present poster boy of the MLS and is famend for his functionality in entrance of objective – however who’re the very best goalscorers within the league’s historical past?
Highest Goalscorers in MLS Historical past: Prime 5
5. Jaime Moreno – Video games performed: 340 : Objectives scored: 133
We begin the record off with the previous D.C. United star, Jaime Moreno, who scored a formidable 133 objectives in 340 appearances throughout his time within the MLS – making him one of many highest goalscorers in historical past.
The Bolivian is thought to be the most effective gamers to ever step foot in Main League Soccer, changing into the primary participant to attain 100 objectives and contributed with 100 assists.
Moreno had two spells with D.C., enjoying between 1996-2002 after which once more from 2004-2010 gained 4 MLS Cups with D.C. United, is the golf equipment highest scorer in historical past and was within the MLS all-star workforce on 5 separate events (1997, 1999, 2004, 2005).
He additionally performed for MetroStars in 2003( now often called New York Pink Bulls) the place he scored two objectives in 11 appearances earlier than heading again to D.C. in 2004.
4. Jeff Cunningham – Video games performed: 365 : Objectives scored: 134
Subsequent on the record we’ve Jeff Cunningham who scored only one extra objective than Moreno, netting 134 instances in 365 appearances and was considerably of a journeyman within the MLS.
The American performed for Columbus Crew (1998–2004), Colorado Rapids (2005), Actual Salt Lake (2006–2007), Toronto FC (2007), FC Dallas (2008–2010) after which returned to Columbus Crew (2011).
He’s primarily recognized for his time with Columbus, as he scored 64 objectives in 203 appearances, nevertheless, his two golden boots got here elsewhere – successful it with 16 objectives for Actual Salt Lake and 17 objectives with FC Dallas.
Cunningham’s worldwide profession was additionally fairly fascinating, as in 1999 he performed for Jamaica in a pleasant towards Ghana however obtained a United States citizenship in 2001 and commenced his profession with the USMNT shortly after – making 14 appearances for the U.S.
3. Landon Donovan – Video games performed: 340 : Objectives scored: 145
Coming in at third we’ve Mr MLS himself and one of many best gamers in American historical past, Landon Donovan, who scored 145 objectives in 340 appearances.
Donovan’s soccer profession really began in Germany, signing with Bayer Leverkusen at 16-years-old after a formidable show on the U17 World Cup.
Regardless of enjoying usually for the reserve facet, the American failed to interrupt into the first-team and was despatched out on mortgage again to America – becoming a member of San Jose Earthquakes in 2001.
The USA icon can be an instantaneous success, placing in some terrific performances and serving to San Jose win the MLS Cup in 2001 and 2003.
He then agreed a everlasting transfer away from Germany and joined LA Galaxy the place he really cemented his identify as the most effective gamers in MLS historical past – successful the MLS Cup one other 4 instances in Los Angeles.
Donovan holds the document for probably the most assists in MLS historical past with 136, appeared within the MLS all-star workforce 14 instances and the MLS MVP award was named after him regardless of by no means successful it.
2. Kei Kamara – Video games performed: 445 : Objectives scored: 147
Simply forward of Landon Donovan we’ve Sierra Leone striker, Kei Kamara, who scored 147 objectives in 445 appearances throughout his time in Main League Soccer.
Apparently, Kamara is the one participant on this record that’s technically nonetheless lively, as he’s at the moment a free agent – however at 40 years previous his future is much from sure – except he needs to climb the ranks of the very best goalscorers in MLS historical past.
Throughout his time within the MLS, the veteran performed for 11 golf equipment, competing for Columbus Crew (2006–2007, 2015–2016, 2021), San Jose Earthquakes (2008), Houston Dynamo (2008–2009), Sporting Kansas Metropolis (2009–2013), New England Revolution (2016–2017), Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2018), Colorado Rapids (2019–2020), Minnesota United (2020), CF Montréal (2022), Chicago Fireplace FC (2023), and Los Angeles FC (2024).
The 40-year-old is the very best scoring African within the leagues’ historical past, gained the MLS cup with Kansas in 2012/13 and in his last stint with LAFC in 2024 he gained the US Open Cup.
1. Chris Wondolowski – Video games performed: 413 : Objectives scored: 171
Now for the very best goalscorer in MLS historical past we’ve San Jose Earthquakes legend, Chris Wondolowski, who scored a whopping 171 objectives in 413 appearances.
The American striker started his profession in San Jose in 2005, earlier than becoming a member of Houston Dynamo in 2006 and leaving in 2009 to return to San Jose the place he stayed till his retirement in 2021.
Throughout his profession, Wondolowski gained the MLS golden boot twice, doing so in 2010 and 2012, whereas additionally making the Main League Soccer all-star workforce six instances.
In 2011/12, the prolific striker was awarded with the MLS MVP award and regardless of his greatest performances coming in San Jose, his two MLS Cups got here with Houston in 05/06 and 06/07.
