by Ridge Mahoney @ridgemax, Dec 18, 2015

2015 Soccer America Positional Rankings:

SA Positional Rankings:

HISTORY.

Best Forwards

With most teams using variations of either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system, more players are toggling between roles up top and playing either out wide or deeper.The category of forward -- as opposed to a striker -- is comprised of those players who sometimes play up top but could also be deployed out wide on the front line, as well as players who work ”underneath” a striker.These roles can evolve from game to game or even during games, but they are distinguishable from attacking midfielders who are primarily playmakers.(Toronto FC)(San Jose)(Seattle)(Sporting KC)(D.C. United)(Chicago)(Vancouver)(Montreal)(New England)(Houston)In any case, the incredible debut season of Italianearned him the MVP award as well as that of Newcomer of the Year.He’s the first person in league history to lead the league in goals (22) and assists (16) in the same season and is already being touted as one of the best MLS signings, ever.Another tough season for the Quakes moved Wondolowski between forward and midfield, and though six of his 16 goals came from the penalty spot he’s still among the league’s most potent threats. Dempsey labored through injuries and though limited to 20 games still produced 10 goals and 10 assists.Nemeth bagged Goal of the Year honors for an amazing slalom and finish against Portland to punctuate a solid debut season of 10 goals and six assists. Rolfe and Accam also netted 10 goals as they split duties out wide and up top.Oduro (eight goals) and Manneh (seven) also lined up on the outside at times but usually arrowed for goal more often than not. Agudelo played several positions in the Revs’ attacking quartet and was one of three Revs to notch seven goals.Barnes started all 28 of his appearances either up top or in midfield and wound up third on the Dynamo with seven goals.leads all players with five designations as MLS's best forward. He was cited three years in a row (2004-06), the same as Wondolowski (2010-12). Moreno was also named the attacking midfielder in 1999, making him the only player to have been selected six times.2015 Sebastian Giovinco2014 Robbie Keane2013 Mike Magee2012 Chris Wondolowski2011 Chris Wondolowski2010 Chris Wondolowski2009 Landon Donovan2008 Guillermo Barros Schelotto2007 Ante Razov2006 Jaime Moreno2005 Jaime Moreno2004 Jaime Moreno2003 Landon Donovan2002 Cobi Jones2001 Alex Pineda Chacon2000 Clint Mathis1999 Jaime Moreno1998 Stern John1997 Jaime Moreno1996 Preki