Robbie Keane is the 2014 MLS MVP. The LA Galaxy forward was given the award on Wednesday, capping a fabulous year for the Irish international, who has helped lead his club to the MLS Cup final.
Robbie Keane wins MLS MVP
The LA Galaxy forward’s 19 goals and 14 assists for the MLS Cup finalists was enough for him to earn the league’s highest individual honor.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Keane had 19 goals and 14 assists this season, both career highs for the forward since joining MLS. His 19 goals were third-most in MLS, while his 14 assists were second-best in the league. No other player in the league combined for more goals and assists.
The Galaxy got off to a slow start this season, but were the league’s best team from May on and are now one win away from their third MLS Cup title in four years. They picked up steam in large part because of their incredible attack, which led the league in goals scored, and was spearheaded by Keane.
As good as Keane was scoring and tallying assists, his impact went beyond that. Nearly everything the Galaxy did going forward went through him. He often controlled tempo and maintained possession for them, initiating the offense and he did it from everywhere on the pitch. He'd drop into the midfield, slide out wide and even push up high. Other players on the team praised not just Keane's play, but the work he put in during training and the tutelage he gave them. Gyasi Zardes credited Keane for the growth that led to the second-year man's 16-goal campaign.
Keane beat out fellow finalists Obafemi Martins and Lee Nguyen for MVP. The Seattle Sounders' Martins had 17 goals and 13 assists this year, leading the Supporters' Shield winning side, while the New England Revolution's had 18 goals and five assists for the team that the Galaxy will play in the MLS Cup final.
This is Keane’s first MLS MVP award. He is the first European player to win MLS’s highest individual honor.
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