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One of the only professional football leagues in the world that do not follow the relegation and promotional model, the first season of the MLS took place in 1996 with ten teams. In a bid to win the 1994 WC allocation bid, the MLS was founded a year earlier in 1993, although the league was in dire straits, losing millions of dollars as well as a couple of teams that folded.
However, today the MLS is one of the biggest leagues in the world and has 22 teams from USA and Canada competing for the crown. Since its first season in 1996, there has been a number of goals scored by various individuals from different backgrounds and nations.
Here we take a look at the top 5 all-time MLS goal scorers:
#5 Ante Razov - 114 goals
Former American national team football striker and MLS veteran Ante Razov began his MLS career with LA Galaxy in 1996. Unable to break into the first XI at the club, the American footballer (of Croatian descent) made the move to Chicago Fire two years after the league's inception.
The American quickly settled into his new surroundings as he played 84 times for the Fire during his two years at the club, notching an impressive 42 goals. After a short one year spell at another MLS club Racing Ferrol, the Californian born Razov made the move back to Chicago to play with his previous employer.
With more goals during his time at the Fire, the American international played for three seasons at the Chicago club in his second spell at the club. With two more failed moves to follow his second stint at Chicago in 2005, Razov joined Chivas USA where he ended his career after three more seasons.
A coach with LA Galaxy currently, the former American international scored six times for his country and scored an impressive 114 goals, during his MLS career. He is fifth on the MLS all-time goal scoring chart.
#4 Jamie Moreno - 133 goals
Former Bolivian international striker, Jaime Moreno has travelled the world plying his trade, playing the game he loves during his 20-year career. Currently a coach for DC United, Moreno was a brilliant goal poacher and sits fourth on the MLS all-time goalscorer list.
He began his career in Bolivia playing for Club Blooming in 1991, after which he moved to Colombia to continue his career. However, his say in Bogota with Independiente Santa Fe was short-lived, as a move to the Premier League transpired with Middlesbrough signing the striker in 1994.
Having made 75 appearances for his national team, scoring just 9 goals, the striker left Boro at the end of the '95 season to join DC United, where he would send his next six years. Notching a stunning 69 goals in 130 appearances, Moreno established himself as a top player in the MLS.
A short exit from DC United during the 97-98 season on loan to Boro and a similar move to MetroStars in 2002-03, saw the improving Moreno eager to challenge himself in different setups. However, failing to impress in his short stints away, the Bolivian re-joined DC United in 2004 and saw out the rest of his career at the club till 2010, ending with a staggering goal tally of 133 goals.
#2 (tied) Jeff Cunningham - 134 goals
Former Jamaican-born American footballer Jeff Cunningham is a veteran MLS player who has played for numerous clubs during his 15-year career in the top league of North America.
Begining his career in 1998, Cunningham spent six seasons at Columbus Crew scoring 62 goals in 182 appearances for the club.
The American international footballer moved around from club-to-club post his move in 2004, having one-year spells with three different clubs before a two-year stint with FC Dallas. Notching a number of goals during his short spells with different clubs, Cunningham moved across the country to experience the MLS and the rise of football growing in the country.
Following his spell at FC Dallas, he had three more short stints with others clubs before calling it time on his playing career.
He is currently tied second on the all-time list of MS goal scorers with 134 goals to his name in the league.
#2 (tied) Chris Wondolowski - 134 goals*
Tied second on the all-time MLS goalscoring chart and in first-place among its active players (hence the asterisk), Chris Wondolowski currently plays for the San Jose Earthquakes.
An American international player, he has been capped 35 times for the USA and began his playing career in 2004 playing for Chico Rocks.
Wondolowski moved to San Jose in 2005 with the Earthquakes before moving to Houston for the next three years with the Dynamos. However, his move to Houston was a painful experience in terms of game-time and goals scored but the American developed his skills and ability in his time with the Dynamos.
Wondolowski returned to San Jose in 2009 and has turned into one of the most lethal finishers for the club in its history scoring 130 goals in over 250 appearances for the team. Cementing his place in the national side as well, the player has a lot more to offer and could go on to become the most prolific goalscorer in the next couple of years in MLS history.
#1 Landon Donovan - 145 goals
One of the greatest footballing talents from North America retired American footballer Landon Donovan has entertained US crowds for over the best part of 20 years.
A player who caught the eye of many scouts during his time with the USA youth teams, Donovan joined Bayer Leverkusen at the age of 17. He was, though, was unable to adapt and force himself into the senior setup and a move back to the States was approved although on a temporary basis.
He was sent on loan to San Jose Earthquakes and was part of the team that clinched the MLS Cup in his first season with the club, scoring 32 goals during his 3-year stay.
The American opted to leave Leverkusen to join LA Galaxy after his 3-year loan stay in San Jose. Donovan spent the rest of his career with the LA club and became the all-time leading goalscorer in the leagues' history.
Apart from a few loan sells during his offseason time with the Galaxy, Donovan moved to Bayern Munich and Everton for a short stint on loan. The most decorated American football, Donovan inspired millions of Americans to follow the greatest sport on earth.
