MLS GOTY Finalists Announced

Nov 9, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution midfielder Lee Nguyen (24) shoots the ball during the second half against the Columbus Crew at Gillette Stadium. The New England Revolution defeated the Columbus Crew 3-1, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Lee Nguyen (vs. Houston)

Lee Nguyen was a revelation for New England this year and an absolute crucial part of their success. In a way, the team sort of followed how Lee Nguyen went. if he was struggling, the team usually was as well and likewise with the opposite. For most of the year, though, Nguyen was on and it was a joy to watch, not just for Revs fans but for the rest of MLS.

His creativity and finishing ability was on display in this goal. Two nicely placed passes led to Nguyen receiving the ball near the top of the box. He made one Dynamo miss and calmly placed the ball in the top corner of the net where Tyler Deric did not have a chance. He did not score 18 goals without good finishing, and that was on display with this goal.

This goal may not be as flashy as the other goals Nguyen is going up against, but the quality of it is right up there. Not only that, but the difficulty to make a man miss like that and put that ball into the top corner so calmly is extremely difficult. That cannot go unnoticed in voting for these goals.

I would not be surprised one bit to see Lee Nguyen’s goal announced as goal of the year. The quality of it merits serious consideration for the award. Nguyen has had a very successful year, even making a return to the USMNT a week or so ago. It was moments like these that made Nguyen so loved throughout the league, and brought him back into that national team picture.