In the electric world of Major League Soccer, where stars rise fast and records crack under pressure, one question always lingers among fans and analysts alike: most goals in a single MLS season — who holds it, how it was done, and who might challenge it next? In this article, DeutKick will take you deep into the history, crunch the numbers, explore the legends behind the record, and forecast whether that mark will ever be broken.
The record and how it stands today
When one asks about the most goals in a single MLS season, the answer is clear: Carlos Vela, with 34 goals in 2019, playing for Los Angeles FC. That astonishing run shattered the previous record of 31 goals, set by Josef Martínez in 2018. Vela’s feat is now enshrined not just in MLS lore, but in Guinness World Records as well.
Here’s the essential breakdown:
- Carlos Vela scored 34 goals in the 2019 regular season.
- He achieved it in 31 matches.
- He also contributed 15 assists that same season, making him a dual threat.
Vela’s record remains intact as of now — no player has officially surpassed 34 goals in a single MLS campaign.
Top single-season goal scorers in MLS history
To understand how special Vela’s record is, let’s zoom out and see who else has threatened it. Below is a selection of the top scorers in a single MLS season:
|
Player |
Season |
Club |
Goals |
|
Carlos Vela |
2019 |
Los Angeles FC |
34 |
|
Josef Martínez |
2018 |
Atlanta United |
31 |
|
Zlatan Ibrahimović |
2019 |
LA Galaxy |
30 |
|
Roy Lassiter |
1996 |
Tampa Bay Mutiny |
27 |
|
Chris Wondolowski |
2012 |
San Jose Earthquakes |
27 |
|
Bradley Wright-Phillips |
2014 |
New York Red Bulls |
27 |
These names are not just footnotes — they’re a who’s who of attack-minded legends in MLS history. Martinez’s 2018 campaign was the benchmark before Vela, and Zlatan’s 2019 run only underscored how fierce the competition is at the top.
Carlos Vela’s 2019 season: anatomy of perfection
What made Vela’s 2019 campaign so extraordinary? Let’s break down the key ingredients:
Consistency and efficiency
Vela didn’t just score in bunches; he was consistently dangerous. He found the net in many phases of the season, rarely going cold for long stretches — a nightmare for defenses.
Supporting cast & style
Playing alongside Diego Rossi and benefiting from LAFC’s attack-heavy philosophy, Vela had both the space and supply to exploit defenses. The team itself scored 85 goals in 2019, one of the highest totals in league history.
Breaking the record in style
On Decision Day in October 2019, with everything on the line, Vela delivered a hat trick to push past Martinez’s record — goals 32, 33, 34 — sealing not just a personal milestone but also the Golden Boot and a Supporters’ Shield for LAFC.
Dual-utility
One startling stat: Vela’s 34 goals came along with 15 assists — making him arguably the most complete attacker in a single season in MLS history. No one has matched that blend of scoring and creating in one campaign.
Why the record has held — and why it might break
Obstacles to breaking 34
- Tactical shifts: MLS teams emphasize defensive balance and parity; ultra-offensive styles invite counterattacks.
- Injury risks & workload: A season is long, travel is brutal, and maintaining form week after week is tough.
- Distribution of talent: The league’s quality is more evenly spread now; it’s harder for one player to dominate so singularly.
Who could challenge it?
- Lionel Messi: Already rewriting MLS history in goals + assists.
- Young, rising strikers: The next generation of attackers in MLS or those who join.
- System fits: A player in a hyper-offensive system, with strong support and consistency, could mount a serious run.
But to dethrone Vela, someone must outdo 34 goals and sustain it over the full campaign — a monumental challenge.
Milestones, trends, and fun facts
- Vela’s 34-goal season remains the gold standard in MLS history.
- His 15 assists that same year make it the only season with that combined output.
- Before Vela, Martinez’s 31 in 2018 was seen as nearly untouchable.
- Zlatan’s 30 in 2019 was also remarkable — achieving that in a debut season in MLS.
- There is no recorded instance of a player scoring 35 or more goals in an MLS regular season to date.
Here’s where DeutKick thinks things go next
If we’re projecting ahead, here’s a scenario:
- Short term (1–3 years): Messi may flirt with the record only if injuries hold off and team form remains perfect; others will fall short.
- Mid term (5+ years): An attacker in his prime joins an attack-heavy, modern MLS side — combining skill, team chemistry, and opportunity — could realistically challenge it.
- Long term: If scoring trends tilt upward and teams open up, the 34-goal barrier might finally be cracked.
Final Thoughts
Most goals in a single MLS season still belongs to Carlos Vela with 34 — a mark that radiates greatness, audacity, and perfect timing. It’s not just a number; it’s a testament to what excellence looks like in MLS. Whether Messi or another rising star can topple it remains one of the league’s most thrilling ongoing stories.
If you’re hungry for more stories about top scorers, record bursts, or stat battles across MLS and beyond — let DeutKick be your source. Bookmark this, dive into the archives, and let’s follow the chase together.
