Photo by John Todd/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski has enjoyed the type of season that many won’t soon forget, but what would make it truly special from an individual standpoint would be him scoring twice this weekend to break the all-time single-season scoring record.
Wondolowski currently has an outstanding 26 goals this year, and he is just one shy of tying the record Roy Lassiter set in the inaugural MLS season in 1996 while with the now-defunct Tampa Bay Mutiny. Wondolowski, however, would like to top the record with a two-goal performance and he will get one more chance to do so on Saturday.
Luckily for Wondolowski, the Earthquakes face the lowly Portland Timbers. Yes, the game is at JELD-WEN Field, but the Timbers have nothing to play for. That means the match should be an open affair with plenty of chances for Wondolowski to find the necessary brace he needs to surpass Lassiter, who will be flown into Portland to attend the game courtesy of MLS.
While some may argue that Lassiter’s goal-scoring total was more impressive due to there being less games in 1996 than there are now, others will point to the degree of difficulty in which Wondolowski has had to score them. There has never been as much talent in MLS as there is currently, granted there are 19 teams in the league now as opposed to the 10 in 1996.
Regardless of where you stand on the debate, there is no denying that Wondolowski has put together one of the finest seasons in MLS history, one that could become even more special with two goals on Saturday.
Here’s a video the Earthquakes made with members of the Earthquakes discussing Wondolowski’s chase for history:
—–
Do you see Wondolowski scoring twice to break Lassiter’s record on Saturday? Is Wondolowski’s goal-scoring total more impressive than Lassiter’s already? How do you think Wondolowski will celebrate the achievement if he accomplishes it this weekend?
Share your thoughts below.