All season on the field, Columbus Crew SC striker Kei Kamara has created space.
With his sixth multi-goal game of the season in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Philadelphia Union, Kamara became the season's first 20-goal scorer (see all 20 in the video above) and the 15th in league history.
- Watch MLS Insider: Kei Kamara's long journey home
He also created space for himself at the top of the MLS Golden Boot standings as we head into the final six weeks of play.
The strongest challenge will come from Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco, who fired away with abandon Sunday (11 shots), yet could not connect in Toronto's 3-1 defeat. The Atomic Ant holds two games in hand, one fewer than hard-charging Bradley Wright-Phillips; last year's Golden Boot winner scored yet again (his fifth in five games) and is threatening to displace Robbie Keane and David Villa in the top three.
Player
Club
Gms Left
BIGGEST MOVER: n/a
GOALS:
20
RANK: 1
LAST WEEK: 1
Kei Kamara — CLB
WATCH: Goal 1 vs. PHI | Goal 2 vs. PHI
In a rousing return from international duty, Kamara provided all the scoring for the Crew in a 2-1 victory that kept them competitive with the East's top teams. Striking twice in five minutes, Kamara could've added further to his tally, sneaking a low free kick under the wall but just wide and sending a pair of headers wide. This is his boot to lose.
GOALS:
17
RANK: 2
LAST WEEK: 2
Sebastian Giovinco — TOR
Giovinco returned from an adductor injury to play a full 90 and peppered the Orlando City defense with shot after (unsuccessful) shot. His best chance came 10 minutes in on a snapping free kick that buzzed wide of its intended top corner.
The near-miss left Giovinco rooted in disbelief. Yet there's nothing to doubt in the Italian's skill, and with seven games on the slate, a late push remains possible, starting Saturday at Colorado.
GOALS:
15
RANK: T-3
LAST WEEK: T-3
David Villa — NYC
A hamstring injury cut short Villa's Sunday outing at halftime, and the quick turnaround of a double-game week will prove either limiting or fortuitous, depending on the Spanish international's fitness: Wednesday opponent Toronto FC have been leaky, while San Jose (Saturday) have proven stout.
With the season slipping away from the expansion side, Villa's offensive output continues to provide ongoing highlights.
GOALS:
15
RANK: T-3
LAST WEEK: T-3
Robbie Keane — LA
The now-slumping Galaxy have been shut out twice in two weeks, which means Keane's account is deposit-free. With five games remaining, the Irishman will have to resume his high-volume scoring if he hopes to not only lock down a top-three position, but also resume the MVP talk gestating during LA's previous run of top-tier form.
GOALS:
14
RANK: 5
LAST WEEK: 5
WATCH: Goal vs CHI
With the Red Bulls trailing 2-0 at home against the Fire, BWP teamed with Sacha Kljestan to tap home his fifth goal in as many games. Last year's Golden Boot winner might not approach his record-tying 27, but with eight games remaining, back-to-back 20-plus campaigns are in reach, which would mark a first for MLS.
The all-time best two-season stretch is 44 goals (Stern John, 1998-99), and Phillips needs just three to tie. With New York's high press leading to high-octane offense of late, that's a mark well in range.
