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Jeff Cunningham can't stop scoring goals and it is time to start asking the question: Is he now the MLS MVP front-runner?
No, FC Dallas still hasn't qualified for the playoffs, and it still has plenty of work to do, but the fact that FCD has rattled off four wins in five matches to pull within striking distance of the post-season is a direct product of Cunningham's goal-scoring hot streak.
Cunningham leads MLS in goals with 17 goals, but just being the league's scoring leader doesn't make you an MVP candidate. Cunningham has scored clutch goals in every win and has helped turn the FC Dallas attack into the league's most dangerous.
With that in mind, is it time to give Cunningham serious MVP consideration? The answer is yes.
Shalrie Joseph got our vote a few weeks back, but New England's steady slide late in the year has put Joseph's candidacy in jeopardy. Landon Donovan remains a serious contender and Colorado's Conor Casey may get a bit stronger look as his national team heroics have awakened some observers to the stellar year he is having.
None of those candidates have run away with the award like Guillermo Barros Schelotto did last season so Cunningham still has a good chance of winning the MVP award if FC Dallas can win its final two matches and reach the post-season.
We're firm believers that an MVP should come from a team that is at the very least a playoff team, so Cunningham's candidacy could hinge largely on whether he can help FC Dallas finish its improbable run to the post-season. If he doesn't, he could find it difficult to beat out Joseph and Donovan among others.
What do you think? Is Cunningham an MVP favorite? Still don't think he's worthy? Who gets your vote with two weeks left in the season?
Share your thoughts below.
