Best MLS goal ever?

Share

Fans of Canada's two Major League Soccer clubs were certainly treated to some sublime goals this weekend.

Toronto FC striker Alan Gordon's effort certainly claimed the honours in terms of drama - securing a point for Aron Winter's club in the 94th minute in Los Angeles, just three minutes after Juan Pablo Angel had put the Galaxy in front.

But unbeknownst to most of the TFC faithful, up the coast in Seattle Vancouver Whitecaps striker Eric Hassli was putting the finishing touches on what is certainly the front-runner for goal of this, or any other, MLS season.

Just like Gordon's strike, Hassli's wonder effort also claimed an away point for the visiting Whitecaps, albeit a little earlier in the game in the 85th minute, but the rare quality makes it stand out from most other goals you will see at the MLS level, although Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller quite rightly suggested the Frenchman would struggle for a repeat performance.

"I could give him that shot probably another 99 times and I don't know if he's going to score it, but he did [Saturday]" Keller said. "Sometimes you've just got to shake somebody's hand and say, 'Hey, that's a hell of a goal.' "

And Hassli was happy to admit an element of luck. "I closed my eyes and shot; I had a lot of luck there," he said.

The goal has become an instant YouTube sensation, with 1,204,467 views so far, and garnerned its fair share or press around the globe, even in countries where soccer is a far bigger concern. Indeed The Spoiler, a British football blog, compared Hassli's effort to a goal scored by none other than Manchester United legend, and fellow Frenchman Eric Cantona.

Of course, it's a question of personal taste, but being mentioned in the same breath as the King - as the Old Trafford faithful still refer to Cantona - is nothing to be ashamed of.