Top five leading candidates for 2023 MLS MVP award
After one-half of the 2023 MLS season being played, several players have shown out with the stellar performances and helped propel their teams in their respective conferences.
Which players are leading candidates for the 2023 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award?
5. Denis Bouanga - LAFC
Denis Bouanga started the 2023 MLS season on fire, and he's started to pick up steam near the business end of the season.
The 28-year-old has amassed 14 goals and dished out five assists this term as LAFC look to lock down their place in the playoffs. The Black and Gold will need their star winger to be in fine form once the postseason kicks-off as they look to defend their 2022 MLS Cup title.
4. Cucho Hernandez - Columbus Crew
When Lucas Zelarayan left Columbus Crew in the summer to join Saudi Pro League club Al Fateh, many wondered who was going to fill the void that the fan-favorite was leaving.
Although Diego Rossi was signed after Zelarayan departed, the two are different kinds of players as Rossi is still adjusting to MLS.
However, none other than Juan 'Cucho' Hernandez has put the Crew on his back with 13 goals and seven assists this campaign, as his team sit in third place in the Eastern Conference with four games remaining.
3. Hany Mukhtar - Nashville SC
Hany Mukhtar was crowned the 2022 MLS MVP and he looked set to go back-to-back at the beginning of the campaign.
However, the Germany international had a hard time finding the back of the net during the summer but still holds an impressive 15 goals and eight assists to his name and has racked up two goals and an assist in his last three appearances.
If Nashville surge up the table in their final five games, Mukhtar could find himself ending up with the award yet again.
2. Thiago Almada - Atlanta United
Thiago Almada started the 2023 campaign in red-hot form, like Atlanta United, but slowed down a little during the summer.
Now, the 22-year-old has showed his quality week in and week out alongside the likes of Giorgos Giakouamkis and new signings Saba Lobjanidze and Xande Silva. Almada leads the league in assists (16) and also has 10 goals to his name in 2023.
If Atlanta continue their impressive form to reach top-four status, Almada might have a chance at taking home the MVP award.
1. Lucho Acosta - FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati are having an incredible season thus far, losing just four times in league play. The Orange and Blue are 11 points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield thanks to the tremendous performances from Luciano "Lucho" Acosta.
The 29-year-old has scored three goals in his last four games, bringing his total for the season to 15 goals and nine assists. Acosta's play hasn't dropped off throughout the season and should his side capture the Supporters' Shield, the MVP award will more than likely be heading to TQL Stadium.