Several players had incredibly strong campaigns. But who are the candidates for the MLS Regular Season MVP award? Well, here are the top three.

It is common in professional sports that players on teams making a deep playoff run have an advantage in MVP voting. That is one reason many leagues like to differentiate between the regular season and the playoffs. It provides a level playing field.

There were several players that had fantastic campaigns, but there is only one regular season MVP. Which MLS MVP candidates made the strongest case? As we catch our breath, let’s review a few worthy players.

Here are the top three candidates.

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Has anyone made a grander entrance into a league then Zlatan Ibrahimovic? On March 31st, after thousands chanted his name throughout the first half of “El Trafico”, Zlatan appeared in the 71st minute. The Galaxy were trailing 3-1 versus LAFC, a team destined to become an arch rival. Two minutes later, Chris Pontius pulled one back for the home side. What happened next is the stuff of legend.

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As the opening act, Zlatan scored this goal. I can remember watching and thinking to myself, ‘that might have been the most exciting moment in the history of MLS.’ Then, for the main event, he gave the Galaxy the win with a header in stoppage time; the matinée was his post-game interview.

Since joining the Galaxy, Zlatan has registered 22 goals and 10 assists in just 26 games; he also has the top-selling jersey. Los Angeles are a completely different side when he is in the game. This brings me to my one knock on him: he does not always make himself available when the club needs him most.

It is completely understandable why he avoids artificial surfaces. Given his age and recent knee problems, it’s wise to take the long view, not risking his remaining career. However, there are moments that are bigger than an individual. I’ll give him credit for playing against Minnesota earlier this month, a critical match with playoff implications. But it just makes me wonder how different the standings might be if he had made that same decision earlier in the season?