Entering Week 14, MLS’ best attackers were producing at exceptional pace that could make the 2017 season one for the record books. And a lot of that owes to talented newcomers.
Led by Toronto FC’s Victor Vazquez, four players were averaging more than one goal or assist per 90 minutes played. Four of the league’s top six in that category are playing in their first MLS seasons.
With three goals and eight assists over 873 minutes, Vazquez leads with 1.13 goals per 90 minutes played, followed by New York City FC’s David Villa (1.07), the Chicago Fire’s David Accam (1.05) and another newcomer, LA Galaxy’s Romain Alessandrini (1.01).
In addition to Vazquez and Alessandrini, Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron in fifth (0.99) and the Chicago’s Nemanja Nikolic in sixth (0.97) round out the four newcomers among the top six.
Only 12 players have surpassed the one-goal-or-assist-per game threshold during the last five years, an average of 2.4 per season. In 2017, the number could finish double that, and an influx of attacking talent could be why.
Want more information like this? Check out MLS Media Resources: News and Notes for this week.
