2009 Golden Boot - Five Players To Watch

As Major League Soccer’s top two goalscorers from the past season ponder taking flight, the potential departure of Landon Donovan and Kenny Cooper over the winter opens the door for a new group of players to set the league on fire next year. Here are my top five (maybe unexpected) contenders to win the Budweiser Golden Boot in 2009.


1. Chad Barrett – Toronto FC
Coming off his strongest season yet, Barrett should benefit from TFC’s recent acquisition of dangerous playmaker Dwayne De Rosario. The 23-year-old looked inspired following his trade to the Great White North as part of the Brian McBride saga, scoring four times in 13 appearances for the Reds. Also helping his case, Toronto’s other option at forward is the older, injury-prone Danny Dichio, who played less than 1,500 minutes in ’08.

2008 Production: 9 goals in 29 appearances

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2. Nate Jaqua – Seattle Sounders FC
For an expansion team, the new Seattle franchise is stacked offensively, having Freddie Ljungberg, Sebastian Le Toux and Nate Jaqua on the roster for their opening season. Of the three, however, only Jaqua is familiar with Major League Soccer, having bounced around the league over the past few seasons. A brief spell with Austrian club SCR Altach earlier this year helped Jaqua polish his game further, looking sharp upon his return to the Dynamo.

2008 Production: 4 goals in 14 appearances

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3. Luciano Emilio – DC United
Following his 20-goal season in 2007, Emilio was the recipient of a big pay raise, elevating his salary to DP levels. His follow-up season was slowed by injury, but the Brazilian still managed to find the back of the net 11 times. With a refocused squad around him and his fitness back to 100%, Emilio should be on track for another outstanding campaign, with 20 goals again not out of the question.

2008 Production: 11 goals in 27 appearances

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4. Brian McBride – Chicago Fire
Surrounded by talent with the Fire, McBride has quickly re-emerged as one of the top forwards in MLS. Scoring five times in just 10 games after returning to the league this past summer, the same production next season would put him on pace for 15+ goals.

2008 Production: 5 goals in 10 appearances

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5. Alan Gordon – Los Angeles Galaxy
Probably the longest long-shot on my list to lead the league in goals, I have a feeling that 2009 will be Gordon’s breakout season if the big man can put all the tools together week-in and week-out. With David Beckham and Eddie Lewis serving crosses in from the wings ad nauseum, Gordon’s 6’3” frame gives him an advantage over Bryan Jordan, the other forward battling to join Edson Buddle in the starting lineup (Jordan is just 5’8”). Despite a disadvantage in playing time last year, Gordon’s ’08 stats look similar to those of #23:

Gordon: 5 goals, 7 assists in 1,314 minutes
Beckham: 5 goals, 10 assists in 2,248 minutes

2008 Production: 5 goals in 26 appearances

* Photos courtesy ISI Photos