We all know that Chris Wondolowski is a goal-scorer, an all-around good guy and an aspiring rapper. But I don't think people totally understand exactly how vital his gluttonous goal-scoring romp has been to the San Jose Earthquakes.
Here's a look at the MLS all-time top-five list for game-winning goals:
- Jeff Cunningham – 40 in 365 games
- Landon Donovan – 35 in 295 games
- Ante Razov – 33 in 262 games
- Jason Kreis – 31 in 305 games
- Chris Wondolowski – 30 in 162 games
On average, the top four on the list have played in about 307 games apiece. Wondo has nearly half that number of appearances, and he didn't have a single game-winning goal in his first 45 career MLS games. That means The Human Goal Magnet has racked up 30 game winners in his last 117 games – roughly one every four games.
Looking deeper into the stats, you'll find that 30 of Wondogolowski's 71 goals in San Jose have been game winners. In fact, since arriving via midseason trade from the Houston Dynamo in 2009, he's has netted the winner in 30 of the Earthquakes' 53 victories.
Efficient. Clutch. The next American Idol. Vote Wondo for President of the United States come 2016.
