Following Week 22 of Major League Soccer play, the MLS editorial staff released their latest MVP Power Rankings — ranking Sounders FC forward Raúl Ruidíaz as the consensus No. 2.
From MLSsoccer.com: “He’s leading the Golden Boot presented by Audi race by two goals now (14 total) and it’s difficult to imagine anyone catching him. And the more he expands his lead, and the more he delivers when Seattle needs him most, the more he’ll have a chance at taking the top spot from...Carles Gil.”
Raúl’s 14 goals in 22 appearances place him in a confident two-goal lead for the MLS Golden Boot race ahead of Gustavo Bou, Ola Kamara and Dániel Sallói. The Peruvian’s goal pace places him at 57 total goals for the Rave Green since joining mid-season in 2018, leaving him tied with former forward Clint Dempsey.
The 31-year-old’s attacking prowess has been on full display in his last four regular-season matches, notching a diverse set of goals that include an instant impact off of the bench against Dallas where he curled a shot into the top corner just 26 seconds after entering the match and a brace against Portland by way of a lasered direct free-kick and a trademark Ruidíaz poacher’s goal off a rebound.
Most importantly, Raúl’s 14 goals currently account for 40 percent of Seattle’s goals scored so far, emphasizing the significance of his contributions to the current standings of the club.
