It’s impossible to ignore what Obafemi Martins achieved in his second year in MLS. The Nigerian striker scored a club-record 17 goals during the regular season and the Sounders went 12-0-0 in matches that included a Martins goal. Add his two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup goals—including an extra-time score to seal a 3-1 win over Philadelphia in the Final—and Oba’s 19 goal across all competitions topped Fredy Montero’s mark of 18 in the 2012 season.
However, it wasn’t just his scoring that set him apart in 2014, as Martins tied Mauro Rosales’ club record with 13 assists, including four game-winners (tied for fourth in MLS).
His ability to create chances and generate dazzling offensive plays earned him five AT&T Goal of the Week nods, as well as MLS Goal of the Year for his unbelievable chip against the San Jose Earthquakes in May.
Martins was one of three Sounders FC players that started the 2014 AT&T MLS All-Star Game, was voted to the MLS Best XI alongside Chad Marshall and finished runner-up in Volkswagen MLS MVP Voting.
For his efforts, the 30-year-old signed a contract extension on October 28 to remain in Seattle, so Sounders fans will be watching backflips for years to come.
"I feel at home here. I hope to continue to do well and help the team,” Martins told reporters on October 28. “I’m happy here and I hope to score a lot of goals for Seattle and win trophies.”
