Nguyen’s Numbers Not Enough - Keane Named MLS MVP

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Wednesday, December 03, 2014

Matt LaPan, Go Local Sports Reporter

Nguyen may have set records in 2014, but was unable to capture his first MVP award

Many in New England have become familiar with the social media hashtag “#MVLee”. This creative take on "MVP" was created by the New England Revolution to show support for midfielder Lee Nguyen following his record-breaking season. Nguyen set MLS and team records while leading his team to a 2nd place finish in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer. Despite his impressive credentials, Nguyen finished 3rd in MLS MVP voting, Wednesday, missing out on the honor to one of his opponents in Sunday’s MLS Cup Final, Robbie Keane. Seattle Sounders forward Obafemi Martins finished 2nd in the voting.

The Results Are In

Keane ran away with the MVP award, scoring a weighted total of 88.69 in voting with Martins scoring 63.69 and Nguyen finishing with 57.54. Keane received the highest percentage of votes from clubs, media and players — easily crowing him the MVP. Keane’s impressive season helped lead the Galaxy to Sunday’s MLS Cup Final against Nguyen and the New England Revolution and was a well-deserved award.

The 3rd place finish has many in New England scratching their heads, however.

Records Not Enough

LA's Robbie Keane with his new MVP award (via @LAGalaxy)

Keane took the MVP award after finishing with 19 goals and 14 assists in 29 games for the Galaxy. Martins was named the runner-up following 17 goals and 13 assists for the Sounders. Their scoring touch outdid Nguyen’s 18 goals and five assists. Although the numbers were more impressive for Keane and Martins, Nguyen’s numbers had history behind them.

Nguyen finished with 18 goals, good for the most goals all-time in a MLS regular season for a true midfielder. The 18 goals also set a team record for the Revolution. Of those 18 goals, nine were game-winning goals, by far the most in MLS.

While the results for Nguyen and Revolution fans are disappointing, the focus immediately turns to Sunday’s MLS Cup Final. Nguyen leads New England against Keane’s Galaxy as one of the hottest teams in MLS.