Top 10 forwards to watch out for in 2024 MLS season - ranked
- Major League Soccer boasts a fine collection of forwards
- The Golden Boot and Newcomer of the Year winners crack the top 10
- A couple of USMNT figures and several ex-European players find themselves in the ranking
The 2024 Major League Soccer season is nearly upon us, and that means we get to see more top-notch forwards finding the back of the net from late February to early December.
The ones who lineup across the front line get fans excited and on their feet, regardless if they're playing front and center or out wide. 2023 saw both wide players and strikers immerse themselves amongst the goals, and that looks set to continue in the upcoming campaign.
Here are the top 10 forwards to look out for during the 2024 MLS season.
10. Cristian Espinoza - San Jose Earthquakes
Cristian Espinoza enjoyed a solid 2023 campaign, notching 13 goals and 13 assists to propel San Jose Earthquakes to a Wild Card spot.
The former Boca Juniors winger is now set to shoulder more of the attacking responsibilities in 2024 after Cade Cowell's departure to Liga MX giants Chivas de Guadalajara.
9. Alan Pulido - Sporting Kansas City
After missing the entire 2022 season through injury, Alan Pulido rebounded in 2023 by bagging 14 goals to lead Sporting Kansas City to a playoff slot after a dismal start to the beginning of the campaign.
The veteran striker showed he can still be relied on to bang in the goals up front for the Western Conference side, as his excellent performances saw him take home the Comeback Player of the Year award.
8. Jordan Morris - Seattle Sounders
This list wouldn't be complete without Seattle Sounders figure Jordan Morris who's spent his entire career thus far with the Western Conference side as he continues pour in goals at Lumen Stadium.
As his career started out on the wing, he proved to head coach Brian Schmetzer he's capable of being a reliable target man, scoring 11 goals up front last season for the Sounders.
7. Duncan McGuire - Orlando City
Duncan McGuire was set to depart Orlando City and join EFL Championship side Blackburn Rovers a little over a week ago. But his move to England was on and then off -- twice -- and he's now set to return to the central Florida club to prepare for the upcoming campaign.
The 23-year-old bagged 13 goals in MLS action in his rookie season and his only campaign in professional soccer was so good he was set to move to Europe straight away -- which means he deserves a spot on the list.
6. Ryan Gauld - Vancouver Whitecaps
Vancouver Whitecaps have emerged as dark horses in the last few seasons after snatching up back-to-back Canadian Cups in 2022 and 2023.
The Canadian outfit have been led by none other than Ryan Gauld, who managed 11 goals and 12 assists last term to lead Vancouver to a sixth place finish in the Western Conference table. His creative presence out wide makes him an invaluable asset to Vanni Sartini's squad.
5. Giorgos Giakoumakis - Atlanta United
Giorgos Giakoumakis made the quite the statement when he scored 17 goals in his debut MLS season to win the Newcomer of the Year award over the likes of Lionel Messi and Eduard Lowen.
The former Celtic figure came in second place in the Golden Boot race but will be eager to take home the award this time around with Thiago Almada still in the Atlanta United side.
4. Facundo Torres - Orlando City
Facundo Torres' 18 goal involvements in 2023 propelled Orlando City to a record-breaking season and the 2022 US Open Cup winners will no doubt be back for more in 2024.
Torres signed a new long-term deal in offseason to keep the Uruguay international at the club just a little longer as they hope to make a deep run in the postseason.
3. Lionel Messi - Inter Miami
This ranking would not be complete without eight-time Ballon d'or winner Lionel Messi, who endured a rough preseason but should be in for a spectacular regular season and postseason should he steer clear of injuries.
The Barcelona legend showed what he can still bring to the table at 36 years old in Leagues Cup and will be eager to do the same in MLS action when the season kicks-off next week vs Real Salt Lake.
2. Cucho Hernandez - Columbus Crew
Cucho Hernandez carried Columbus Crew in the business end of the 2023 season after Lucas Zelarayan's departure to the Saudi Pro League.
Hernandez just might be the most complete center-forward in MLS, as he's shown time and time again his ability to linkup with his teammates in and around the penalty box while also managing to put away chances with ease.
1. Denis Bouanga - LAFC
There was simply no way last season's Golden Boot winner would end up anywhere but first. Denis Bouanga's 20 regular-season goals propelled the Black and Gold to MLS Cup, but they were ousted by Columbus Crew in December.
The Gabon international proved himself as one of the league's most clinical finishers, often cutting in from the right-wing to fire home goals with his favored right foot.
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