Landon Donovan Leads Golden Boot Race

Good news everyone! When he scored the first half goal against Colorado, the only goal in the match, Landon Donovan, a midfielder, moved back into a tie for the lead in the Golden Boot race. Thierry Henry, a forward, is his running mate. Contrary to popular belief, the Galaxy do actually have forwards on their team. 

That was a snarky wink wink nod nod to a conversation I had this morning on twitter, on the possible production value of Paolo Cardozo. However, the important thing to note is something Landon Donovan told me in the locker room last year. What he said was something to the effect of, "the thing about the way I play the game, I step it up when I need to and I step back when that's what's needed." 

I make no apologies, I love Landon Donovan, the soccer player. He hadn't scored since July 30th and he's still tied with Henry at the top of the scorers chart. Donovan has lead MLS is goals before, was at the top of the assist chart last year (with Beckham out half the year) and now he's back at the top of the goal chart. I'm gonna say it, the man is prolific. If soccer had an EGOT, he'd win it. 

Thanks to Chris Wondolowski stealing the Golden Boot from Edson Buddle last year, Landon Donovan remains one of only two Los Angeles players who have won the goal title. The other was Carlos Ruiz, who set the club record with 24 goals in 2002. The next season he scored 15 goals, to leave him in a tie with Taylor Twellman. 

So what say you? Is Landon Donovan the most prolific player to ever lace up for the Galaxy? Or do you still see the man criticized at the national team level for being really good but not ever pushing into the truly great category?