MLS: Best Moments of the Year

Vancouver Whitecaps forward Camilo Sanvezzo (7) signals to the crowd after scoring a goal against the Portland Timbers during the second half at BC Place. The Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers tied 2-2. (Anne-Marie Sorvin, USA TODAY Sports)

MLSSoccer.com is currently giving fans the chance to vote for the best moment of the year in the MLS. It’s a really good idea to stop and remember all the stories and excitement that 2013 brought us. It was a phenomenal year to be a fan of professional U.S. soccer. Which of these truly is the best moment in 2013? It’s hard to say since there are so many great ones to choose from, but here are a few that I find are a little above the rest.

I want to make it perfectly clear that all of these moments deserve to be on this list, but obviously some will stick out more than others. For instance, Thierry Henry’s bicycle kick is quite amazing, but will it be remembered for years to come? Some people will argue yes, but in my mind, there was a greater goal this year, one that will consume more space in my memory. That is ultimately how I’m going to be judging these moments:  Will it be memorable 5-10 years down the road?

Honorable Mention: Landon Donovan ties MLS career goal record – October 6th

Landon Donovan is one of the best players in U.S. soccer history. I find it fitting and appropriate that he will someday become the all-time leading scorer in America’s top league. His total of 134 goals ties him with Jeff Cunningham for most goals. We all will be on record-watch in 2014, as Landy-cakes tries for career goal 135.

The only reason that this isn’t one of the top moments is the lack of the 135th goal. I’m pretty certain that this will be mentioned in the Best Moments of the Year 2014.

Camilo strikes Goal of the Year vs. Portland Timbers – October 6th

Putting the ball behind the goalline is the only way to score in soccer, but why not do it with as much flair as possible. The 2013 goal of the year was one of the best I’ve ever seen. The timing could not have been any more perfect. The Portland goalkeeper never stood a chance.

The best-looking goals can come from the least-likely player, but this year it went to the man who scored the most goals during the regular season. Camilo Sanvezzo was a welcome addition to the MLS season, for Vancouver and the fans.

Portland Timbers beat Seattle Sounders in postseason – November 7th

If you haven’t followed the MLS very long you may not know that Portland has only been in the MLS for three seasons, which makes the Portland-Seattle rivalry all the more amazing. The two teams put together great teams this year, and when they played, it was something you didn’t want to miss, not just for the action on the pitch, but also for the fans who attended the game.

I’m a big advocate how awesome fans are. They don’t get enough coverage or appreciation. Portland, however, is the example of what fan bases should be, and Seattle isn’t far behind. These two are showing the U.S. what it’s like to be a soccer supporter: fun, intense, and some thing you don’t want to miss.

The playoff game in Portland was electric. The fans were so ready to scream and sing to take their team to the next level. It was Portland’s first trip to the playoffs, and how perfect was it that it happened against the Sounders. No fan base deserved the moment or the win more than them.

Combination of Trophies: D.C. wins U.S. Open Cup, NYRB win Supporter’s Shield, Sporting KC wins MLS Cup

Any time a team wins an award it merits some kind of memory. A fan of said team will remember what it meant to earn

Sporting KC defender Aurelien Collin (78) kisses the championship trophy after the 2013 MLS Cup against the Real Salt Lake at Sporting Park. Sporting KC won in a shootout. (Peter G. Aiken, USA TODAY Sports)

the trophy.

D.C. United fans will recall the improbable chance of the U.S. Open Cup. The United experienced one of the worst seasons in MLS history, yet somehow found themselves winning a Cup over Real Salt Lake. No one has yet to explain how it was even possible that such a bad team made such an incredible run.

New York Red Bull fans won’t forget the first time their team won any type of hardware. Before this season, NYRB didn’t have a single piece of metal in their trophy case. Being the best regular season team allowed them to fill the empty space in a season in which new head coach Mike Petke was able to bring them to glory.

Sporting KC fans will not forget the absolutely wonderful MLS Cup Final. It was cold, brutal, and exciting. The collection of players, coaches, and fans who experienced the game in person will surely never forget the tremendous moment that transpired on December 7th. (As a Sporting KC fan, this is probably my vote for best moment.)

Addition of Two New Franchises: New York City FC and Orlando City

How can the addition of two teams not be memorable? The NYCFC will make a big impact in the biggest market in the world, and Orlando will bring soccer to the desperately depraved Southeast.

Real Salt Lake already lost their 2013 coach due to the promise and power of a new club in New York. Plus the team is directly backed by Manchester City, one of the best clubs in the English Premier League. This connection will only improve the stream of players that come to the team. They’ll be a powerhouse for years to come.

Orlando will be another great submission to the teams with a great fanbase. They are loud and proud even though they’ve never played in the MLS.