With what is in essence a home-and-home series to end the regular season for Seattle Sounders FC and the LA Galaxy, the Supporters’ Shield implications are quite obvious. An interesting subplot to the team hardware race is that each team has a top candidate for Volkswagon MLS MVP. Both Robbie Keane and Obafemi Martins are the statistical leaders in two of the most dynamic attacks in recent MLS history. One will almost certainly earn the MVP based on their performances in these two games.
Just a cursory glance at their numbers puts Keane in the lead from a statistical standpoint. He has more goals (19 to 17) and more assists (14 to 10). And that could end discussion quickly, but neither are the leader in these categories. Bradley Wright-Phillips is running away with the scoring title and could even match or set the MLS record. Landon Donovan is racking up assists at a near record pace, as well.
But the leaders at MLSSoccer.com’s MVP Ladder are Keane and Martins. That gets down to the “Valuable” part of the MVP. It isn’t the award for the best player, the highest scoring player, or the player that is retiring. The award says “Valuable.”
That often leads to discussions about what that means in sports. They can be emotional (look at his grit, heart, hustle) or statistical (value over replacement, wins with/without). Both methods have some legitimacy thanks to the world Valuable.
It is also why Martins could pull ahead of Keane in the collective conscious of media, coaches and players. Seattle Sounders FC currently have more wins than the LA Galaxy, thereby holding the tie-breaker for the Shield. Oba is a huge reason for that success, as Sounders FC is 12-0-0 this season when he scores a goal. His presence this year as a scorer, a helper of others and quality defense from the forward position is undeniable.
If Sounders FC win the Shield powered by Obafemi it would happen while Keane is on the field. It would also happen in the final two games before voters vote on the award. In a world of “what have you done for me lately?” a performance on the grand stage against grand opponents offers a lot of sway.
Things could clearly go the other way. Keane already leads Martins in key statistical categories. Should the Galaxy take the Supporters’ Shield from Seattle with Keane at their helm his performance would be fresh in minds and solidify his standing as the current leader.
Clearly the focus of this two-match series is on obtaining the Supporters’ Shield. Seattle needs only two points to do so. How the MVP race is determined will be less straightforward, but equally exciting.
