There are no real criteria as to what makes a goal “great.” It can, indeed, come in any number of ways. And MLS has seen its fair share over the years. From Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s debut volley to Darlington Nagbe’s flick and ping, there have been many memorable goals to grace the league.
And this year has been no different. The 2024 MLS campaign has been full of terrific efforts, both individual masterpieces and team masterclasses. It’s what makes soccer truly great.
This year, we have compiled three of the best. GOAL US writers rank the best strikes of the season, from long-range belters to crafty curlers… in part two of our MLS Alternate Awards.
Jacob Schneider: Edwin Cerrillo, LA Galaxy vs LAFC
This Edwin Cerillo strike is what it’s all about. The assist is sensational from Riqui Puig, but the finish, my word. Outside the boot, wicked spin, top corner in a rivalry match to draw things level… that’s the good stuff.
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Tom Hindle: Kellyn Acosta, Chicago Fire vs CF Montreal
He meant it, surely?! Acosta’s long-range strike for Chicago is a totally absurd thing. At first, it looks like a fine stoppage time heave up the pitch. 3-3, Chicago are going for a late winner, get the center backs up and crank a ball into the box.
And then, the wind intervenes, and the ball never stops curving, eventually skipping over the keeper’s head and into the back of the net for a 98th minute winner. Absurd? Sure. Perfect? Absolutely.
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Alex Labidou: Thiago Almada, Atlanta United vs. D.C. United
Outside of an MVP-level season in 2023, Almada mostly flattered to deceive during his time as the leading man for Atlanta. He had some gaudy statistical seasons, but he never quite reached the level of success that the Josef Martinez, Miguel Almiron-led seasons had at the club. Yet, there were moments where the 23-year-old displayed world class potential. His outing against D.C. United on June 19 was one of those moments.
The midfielder dribbles past one defender, takes on another two and realizes four D.C. United players are about to close in on him where he launches a long range strike that hits top corner. Incredible strike and a winner from a player who would ultimately leave MLS a few weeks later to join Botafago. Still, its strikes like these that keep people talking about his time in MLS, despite Atlanta’s overall struggles during his time in the North American top flight.
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Ryan Tolmich: Chico Arango, Real Salt Lake vs Austin FC
There have been a few ridiculous long-range goals this season (looking at you Kellyn Acosta), but the best of the bunch is surely Chicho Arango’s banger against Austin FC.
There are so many layers to unpack with it: the slow walk forward, the head tilting up, the casualness of the strike. He made a goal from 50 yards away look entirely effortless, but also entirely intended. This was the exact outcome he had in mind when he struck it, and he did so with no indication that he was planning to do it. It was his plan all along, though, and that’s what makes it the best, although not the most ridiculous, goal of the MLS season.
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