Chris Wondolowski took control of the race for the Golden Boot with a goal against the Kansas City Wizards on Saturday at Community America Ballpark.
In the 70th minute, Geovanni played a perfect pass toward the far post that Wondo easily tapped past a defenseless Eric Kronberg to cut Kansas City's lead to 2-1. The Wizards would go on to win by a 4-1 margin, but Wondolowski put pressure on his Southern California rival Edson Buddle heading into the Galaxy's final match on Sunday against FC Dallas.
BUY: SJ-NYRB PLAYOFF TICKETS
READ: QUAKES TO FACE RED BULLS IN EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIS
WATCH: SJ-KC HIGHLIGHTS
READ: KANSAS CITY TOPS QUAKES, 4-1
Wondo's strike was his 18th of the season, one ahead of Buddle. Heading into the week, San Jose's MVP candidate trailed Buddle by three goals, 17-14. However, a hat trick against Chivas USA revitalized Wondo's bid for the Golden Boot.
Wondolowski closed out his 2010 regular season campaign with 18 of San Jose's 34 goals. Widely considered the breakout player of the year in MLS, Wondo recorded nine game winners, two hat tricks and a brace to seal San Jose's passage to the post-season. Additionally, Wondo has provided the Quakes last 10 goals, breaking Carlos Ruiz's MLS record of nine for an LA Galaxy squad that won the MLS Cup in 2002.
The Galaxy will host FC Dallas at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Because Buddle has more assists than Wondolowski, the Galaxy forward will only need one goal to take home the Golden Boot.
Your move, Edson.
