For the first time in his illustrious career, Nicolas Lodeiro has been named a finalist for MLS MVP. His nomination is both fitting — he’s had one of his best statistical seasons since joining MLS (including leading the league in assists) — and long overdue — he’s been the best player on the league’s best club for the last five years.
His fellow finalists are Diego Rossi, who led the league in goals; Jordan Morris, who was the league’s most statistically complete winger; Alejandro Pozuelo, who led a depleted and temporarily unrooted Toronto FC to Supporters’ Shield contention; and Andre Blake, who anchored a historically great defense en route to his club’s first Supporters’ Shield.