All right. Time for your #viewfromcouch of the MLS MVP race, as we head into Week 29. Let's get in there like swimwear. Word to Rod Benson.
NOTE: This is unofficial. Though I did survey folks for the tastiest takes of the week, it does NOT reflect actual MVP voting.
Movers
Bradley Wright-Phillips | |
 | New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips is out here setting records in these MLS streets, and that second 20-spot is making folks recognize that maybe – just maybe – that 27-goal 2014 wasn't all Thierry Henry. (Respect to the GAWD; [Leans on goalpost]) Brad's got goals for |
Fanendo Adi | |
 | Portland Timbers forward Fanendo Adi punched in his fourth game-winner of the season in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Philadelphia, the latest strike in a four-goals-in-five-games stretch during which the Timbers climbed above the red line out West. After five braces last season (16 goals), Adi's spread out the love a bit more this year, scoring in 13 of 29 games. |
Holding Midfielders
Sacha Kljestan - Mauro Diaz - Diego Valeri | |
   | These three No. 10s just keep performing, and their position in the race rises and recedes like the tides: always within a fixed range, always appearing slightly more or less impressive depending on the angle. You might feel like Sacha Kljestan stirs the drink in New York, or that BWP steals too much thunder when you factor in those errant ideas in the final third. Maybe Mauro Diaz is your magical unicorn, and maybe FCD is a little too deep for anyone to be the real MVP. Out in Portland, Diego Valeri is either the key to the Timbers attack, or doesn't do enough on the defensive side to not acknowledge Darlington Nagbe's position switch unlocked the keys to MLS Cup. There remains a very real chance one of these guys sneaks by Sebastian Giovinco if he's slow to readjust from injury alongside a resurgent and rampagaing Jozy Altidore. It's likely the final standings that separate that case. |
Backline
Jelle Van Damme | |
 | Look, the good homey Sam Stejskal made a strong case here while breaking down the Defender of the Year favorites, but we should acknowledge that LA Galaxy centerback Jelle Van Damme has snuck onto many a ballot whenever I poll the Politboro masses. He's a big reason – on both ends of the ball – that LA have a league-best +17 goal differential. The Red Bulls and Toronto are tied for second at +12, FC Dallas, fourth at +8. Where I come from, that's a country mile, folks. |
A Point to Ponder
Giovani dos Santos | |
 | If MLS were still rocking out with the Scoring Championship, it would be a two-man race, and I'd bet most of y'all haven't realized LA Galaxy forward Giovani dos Santos is hot on the heels of Sebastian Giovinco, who was/is everyone's favorite for MVP honors – even weeks into his recent injury absence. Ranking Top 5 in goals and assists is how you earn Best XI honors. |
We need to talk about ...
David Villa | |
 | MLSsoccer.com contributor Charlie Boehm has this to say about NYCFC forward David Villa: "He is instrumental to everything NYC does, way beyond finishing. Work rate, movement, leadership, role modeling, even media stuff (learning English in one offseason, basically!) … Whatever happens from here on out, I'd put him in the all-time great DP pantheon TODAY." Meanwhile, Editor-in-Chief Simon Borg says Fanendo Adi's more important to Portland, and bumps Villa from the Top 5. |
