Earthquakes forward scores four goals to become all-time top MLS goal scorer
There was quite a special moment in MLS last weekend. Since Landon Donovan broke the goalscoring record in 2014, putting two past the Philadelphia Union to surpass Jeff Cunningham in the history books, he’s held the record for most goals scored in the league’s history, with 145.
Chris Wondolowski, on his end, had scored 84 goals in MLS at that point. At 31 years old in 2014, it seemed unlikely that the American forward would ever reach his compatriot’s record. He would need 61 goals; not impossible, but unlikely.
But as the years passed, Wondolowski kept scoring, and he entered the 2019 season with already 60 of those 61 goals in the bag. Last weekend against Chicago, he scored four, his first-ever four-goal game, to put him way past Donovan, with 148 goals and counting.
“What’s made him great is his work ethic, his work rate, and his passion for the game,” added Bush. “I think the goal that set the record was a microcosm of his career. It’s a fitting way for him to break the record and I’m happy for him. I’m sure he’ll continue to score goals.”
Two MLS veterans, Wondolowski and Bush have faced off more than a few times, although the first time was later than you think, in 2016 at Stade Saputo. Montreal had taken a commanding 2-0 lead, before Wondolowski scored one of his 148 MLS goals, bringing his team within one.
Then, in the 87th minute, Wondo had a chance to tie the game from the spot.
The save was huge in the circumstances, as Montreal was fighting for a playoff spot with just three games remaining after this one. The save allowed the Impact to come away with all three points, eventually making it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals.
Both a part of the MLS Players Association for the past few years, the two have gotten to know each other off the pitch as well.
“He’s a great guy too,” said goalkeeper Evan Bush. “He’s very humble. You don’t expect him to be the all-time leading scorer in MLS when he walks into a room because he doesn’t walk around with that bravado.”
Since the Impact entered MLS in 2012, Wondolowski has started every game against the Montreal club, scoring twice in nine games. Congrats to the record-breaker!
