2014 MLS MVP Race: Editors’ Choice

OBAFEMI MARTINS

Sep 27, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC forward Obafemi Martins (9) celebrates his goal against Chivas USA during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Blakely: (2nd) Barring an absolute meltdown from Keane and an incredible final two game stretch, I have Martins finishing second in the MVP race. He has had an incredible season, setting the club record in goals for a single season with 17 so far and also leads the Sounders in assists as well with ten. His partnership with Clint Dempsey has made him even more dangerous and I can’t wait to see what happens the rest of the year and playoffs.

Philip Naegely: (2nd) Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey are a deadly MLS duo. Clint Dempsey’s success in MLS is in part due to how dangerous Martins is. In Dempsey’s absence this year due to 2014 World Cup and other call-ups, Martins has become a leader and kept Seattle at the top of the standings. In addition to finding the net 17 times, he is a true playmaker as well as evidenced by his 10 assists. He’s someone worth watching in this final two weeks of the regular season and in 2015 as well.

Baxter Colburn: (3rd) The Seattle Sounders will win the Western Conference and the supporters shield, because of Obafemi Martins. Martins already established himself as the most dominant scorer for Seattle and continues to move up the rankings in MLS. Martins needs to have two monster games to finish off the season if he want’s any type of shot at winning the MVP award.