Landon Donovan's Final Season (2015)
MLS 100-Goal Club: The elite scorers of Major League Soccer.
This is a list of players who scored over 100 goals in Major League Soccer, the top flight men's soccer league of the United States and Canada, dating back to its inaugural season in 1996. This list does not include goals scored in the MLS Cup playoffs. Thirteen players have reached the milestone.
- major_honour
- Western Conference Runners-Up
- final_match_venue
- Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Lore & Background
The first MLS player to reach 100 goals was Jason Kreis on August 13, 2005. Jaime Moreno took the record from Kreis on August 22, 2007, and held it until August 27, 2011, when Jeff Cunningham scored his final MLS goal. Landon Donovan broke the record on May 25, 2014, and retired in 2016 with 145 goals. Chris Wondolowski became the all-time leading goalscorer on May 18, 2019.
In Their Own Story
The floodlights of CenturyLink Field hummed against the cold December air. Landon stood near the center circle, chest heaving slightly after ninety minutes of intensity. He looked up at the Green Army in the stands, their faces illuminated by the glow of flares and passion. There was no need for words; the roar told him everything he needed to know. As his teammates gathered around him, draped in green and gold, he felt the weight of the trophy in his hands and the finality of the moment settle in. This was it. The last game. A perfect end.
Reader's Guide
Bold shows players still playing in Major League Soccer.
Did You Know?
- Of the thirteen players, eight are Americans and one, Dwayne De Rosario, is Canadian.
- The highest-scoring foreigner is Kei Kamara of Sierra Leone, with 147 goals.
- Jaime Moreno of Bolivia and Bradley Wright-Phillips of England are the highest scoring players from South America and Europe respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defined Landon Donovan's final season with Seattle?
This campaign marked the culmination of a legendary career in Major League Soccer before he retired. It served as an emotional farewell tour for one of the sport's most decorated players at CenturyLink Field.
What role did he hold on the team during 2015?
Donovan joined as a Designated Player and took over duties as the team captain. His experience helped stabilize the midfield while allowing younger squad members to flourish under his guidance.
How did his career conclude at CenturyLink Field?
He played his last professional match in front of home fans during an emotional final game. Immediately following the 2015 season, he officially announced his retirement from professional football.
Why is this era important for Sounders FC history?
The season acted as a bridge between the club's inaugural success and its established identity as a powerhouse. Donovan's presence ensured continuity during a critical transition period for the franchise.
Did the team achieve major honors during his tenure?
While they reached the MLS Cup Final, the championship title was secured by the squad in the subsequent year. His leadership set the foundation for that back-to-back glory era following his departure.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Seattle Sounders universe
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