By: Joey Pumo

MLS didn’t disappoint in the goal department his week. With a whopping 45 goals in 12 different matches there were bound to be some special ones among the bunch. This week I will be showing my picks for the top 5 goals of match week 31. Fortunately MLS’ youtube channel put a montage of every goal scored this week so this made it much easier for me to evaluate. Each goal will have the link to the goal so you will be able to watch. You’re Welcome.

5. Deiber Caicedo- Portland Timbers v. Vancouver Whitecaps

The Whitecaps found themselves trailing the Portland Timbers 2 goals to nil Wednesday night. Deiber Caicedo decided to take things into his own hands in the 63rd minute when he received the ball in his own half. Caicedo never looked back and made a dashing run straight through the Timbers defense. He carried the ball about 65 yards into the Timbers 18 and had a nice composed far post finish.

https://youtu.be/31GPZ0lu-aI?t=1266

4. Brandon Vazquez- FC Cincinnati v. Chicago Fire

From the perfectly weighted long ball from Ronald Matarrita to the breaking Brandon Vazquez’s delicious touch and exquisite finish. This goal is every D3 coaches dream. The over the top pass from a wide area played diagonally into the stride of the ambitious Brandon Vazquez he brings it down and into his stride with one touch and that touch sets him up brilliantly for the finish which he tucks away with cheekily.

https://youtu.be/31GPZ0lu-aI?t=389

3. Carlos Gil- DC United v. New England Revolution

Revs attacking midfielder Carlos Gil reminded everyone why he is currently the favorite for MLS MVP. Carlos Gil receives the ball at the top of the 18 and drops his first guy and fakes out two others before placing the ball precisely in the bottom right corner. Carlos Gil continues to prove he is one of the best in the league and he oozes class with this goal.

https://youtu.be/31GPZ0lu-aI?t=133

2. Guomundur Thorarinsson- Atlanta United v. New York City FC

AT THE DEATH! Thorarinsson hits an absolute peach of a free kick against Atlanta United. The foul was drawn around the top right corner of the 18 yard box. Up steps the Icelander as he strikes the ball with whip and top spin to give Brad Guzan absolutely no shot of saving it. This free kick had everything you could ever want from one. It was hit to perfection, no keepr is stopping that.

https://youtu.be/31GPZ0lu-aI?t=254

1. Luka Stojanovic– FC Cincinnati v. Chicago Fire

I mean come on. This one is pretty obvious, no? A game winning 30-yard volley off a second ball recovery. The Serbian Stojanovic could not have hit this any sweeter. The clearance header falls to him and he takes one touch as the ball bounces back off the ground Stojanovic hits hard and over the keeper leaving him no chance of saving it. What makes this goal even better is that FC Cincinnati tied the game 3-3 with 2 minutes to play and Stojanovic pulls this winner with NO time left. Just as FC Cincinnati think they stole a point Chicago responds incredibly.

https://youtu.be/31GPZ0lu-aI?t=491