Photo by ISIphotos.com
Real Salt Lake's Will Johnson was the winner of the 2008 Sierra Mist Goal of the Year for his flick and volley in a must-win game against FC Dallas on Oct. 18, the league announced today. Johnson's goal received the most votes in online fan voting.
Chris Wingert started the sequence by playing the ball to Johnson's feet at the top-right of the 18-yard box. The Toronto, Canada native flicked the up and hit a first-time strike past Dario Sala for the game-winner in a 3-1 victory against FC Dallas.
Ironically, that goal wasn't good enough to be goal of the week in Week 30. That honor belonged to Red Bulls goalkeeper Danny Cepero, who on his debut became the first MLS goalkeeper to score a goal when his 80-yard free kick bounced over the head of Columbus goalkeeper Andy Gruenbaum.
Cepero was one of five finalists, along with Columbus' Robbie Rogers, Geoff Cameron of Houston, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Johnson.
What is my take? I can't see how Cepero couldn't have won. Johnson's strike was great, but how often do you see a goalkeeper score a goal? And on his debut? Sure he didn't do anything spectacular, and he was aided by the Giants Stadium FieldTurf and a stunning gaffe by Gruenebaum, but when you think back to the best goals of 2008, will you remember Cepero's amazing goal or a strike by Johnson, which is nice but something you'll likely to see a few times this year in various leagues around the world.
Then again I thought John Wolyniec should have won the honor in 2003.
What do you think? Share your thoughts below.