Impact DP Marco Di Vaio is one of three finalists for the league's MVP honours along with Robbie Keane of the LA Galaxy and Mike Magee of the Chicago Fire. The winner will be announced on December 5.
We all know the statistics behind why Di Vaio should win the award: His 20 markers represented 40% of his team’s entire offensive output, while his two competitors managed just over 30%. The Italian striker also has no PK goals, while Magee (21G) and Keane (16G) have scored four and five goals from the spot, respectively.
However, here are three other reasons why Di Vaio deserves the MVP award:
Celebrating with class: While it may not be as flashy as Robbie Keane’s backflip or as nomadic as Mike Magee running all around the field, Di Vaio’s kissing his wedding ring in tribute to his wife and two daughters is all class.
At 37, Di Vaio could become the second oldest player to win the award, behind the Kansas City Wizards’ Preki in 2003 at the age of 40. Robbie Keane, who turned 33 in July, and Mike Magee, who played most of the season as a 28-year-old, is still in the prime years of their careers. At 37, Di Vaio made more appearances than his younger counterparts (33), one more than the spritely Magee and 10 more than Keane.
Keane with his perfectly coiffed hairstyles and Magee with his Bradley Cooper wannabe looks, are pretty boys. Di Vaio, on the other hand, has a manly beard and shaved head. He looks like a Roman gladiator ready to enter the arena for battle, while the two other nominees look like they are ready to walk the red carpet. We prefer an MVP who strikes fear into the hearts of his opponents, not inspire them to pose for a photo shoot!
