Josef Martinez is in the midst of one of the best seasons in MLS history. Here is a look at the players whose company he has joined
Josef Martinez is enjoying one of the best seasons in Major League Soccer history, with his most recent goal for Atlanta United helping him break the league record for goals in a season with 28. With eight more games to play, Martinez is poised to obliterate the old record of 27 goals, leading to the question of where his season stacks up against the best ever seen in MLS.
The best individual seasons in league history have seen trophy-winning campaigns, as well as big statistical outputs. Those special players who were able to dominate statistically, while also winning titles, setting a standard that Martinez is still working towards. If Martinez can help Atlanta United secure a Supporters' Shield and/or an MLS Cup title, it will make a very strong case that his 2018 season will have been the best in MLS history.
Which players have set the bar for best seasons in league history? Here are Goal's picks for the top 10:
10Josef Martinez, Atlanta United, 2018The Venezuelan striker became the first MLS player to reach the 28-goal mark in a season, and did so with eight matches left in the regular season. With Atlanta United currently leading the Supporters' Shield race, and expected to challenge for the MLS Cup title, Martinez could finish at the top of this list if he can keep scoring goals and help Atlanta United secure a piece of silverware or two.AdvertisementGerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports9Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto FC, 2015Toronto FC didn't win a single trophy in 2015, but the lack of silverware can't keep Giovinco's dominating 2015 season off this list. The Italian magician posted a whopping 22 goals and 16 assists in his first season in MLS, winning the Golden Boot and MLS MVP honors. TFC's early exit from the playoffs and lack of trophies keep Giovinco from being higher on this list, but there's no arguing against the fact his 2015 campaign was one of the best regular seasons in league history.Andy Lyons8Roy Lassiter, Tampa Bay Mutiny, 1996While Carlos Valderrama won the MLS MVP award in 1996, Lassiter gets the nod over his teammate on the all-time seasons list for his combined excellence in the regular season and playoffs. He scored 27 goals, a single-season record that has stood for 22 years, and scored six more goals in the playoffs. He and Valderrama helped the Mutiny win the Supporters' Shield title that season.Tonny Quinn7Marco Etcheverry, D.C. United, 1998D.C. United owns three of the first four MLS Cup titles, but their best team was arguably the 1998 team. Etcheverry led that team to CONCACAF Champions Cup title. He finished with 10 goals and 19 assists, propelling D.C. to the MLS Cup final, where DCU lost to the Chicago Fire. He was named MLS MVP that season, beating out Peter Nowak.