ProSoccerTalk’s Richard Farley says … Robbie Keane
I’ve got Robbie Keane, but why not Chris Wondolowski? The guy’s going to regress, obviously. Scoring 27 goals is rare, you know. Add in the absences of Steven Lenhart and Alan Gordon at season’s onset (and their slight returns to earth), and that number gets lower. Factor in some less Goonie-ish behavior from the ground shakers and I could see Wondo in the mid-to-low teens at year’s end. I think that’s a number Keane (pictured right) probably beats.
ProSoccerTalk’s Noah Davis says … Robbie Keane
Wondolowski cannot maintain his manic pace of 2012 (right?), so the Irishman -- benefiting from another year to get used to MLS competition and the renewed vigor of LD -- is the man to beat. If the Galaxy can avoid a slow start, which they should be able to do, Keane will get within striking distance of 20 goals on the season. It won’t be Wondo’s 27, but it will be enough to take home the Golden Boot.
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ProSoccerTalk’s Steve Davis says … Chris Wondolowski
The reason I like San Jose’s record-maker here is quite simple: I’m done doubting the guy. And best advice I could everyone around MLS as they look at 2013 and who might do what around the league: get in line! Fellow doubters, repent!
We wondered if 18 goals in 2010 was a fluke, considering the out-of-nowhere-ness of it all? Then 2011 happened and it looked less fluky.
But there was a wee reduction in those 2012 totals (from 18 goals to 16), so we wondered if Wondo was already on the decline, if the arc was really more of a “spike?” Then 2013 happened. The guy obliterated the field in running away with the Golden Boot, matching a scoring record that some of us thought might be un-matchable.
So, yes, I have put away all my doubting words for this one. I see a great season ahead for Keane -- but I will not repeat the error of my ways. Wondolowski may not get to 27 again – then again, the guy just might.