Since becoming a starter in 2011, Graham Zusi has asserted himself among Major League Soccer's elite playmakers with 17 goals and 38 assists in MLS competition (including playoffs) for Sporting Kansas City. Only five other players have contributed to more goals over that span:
<strong>Player Name</strong> |
<strong>G</strong> |
<strong>A</strong> |
<strong>TOT</strong> |
1. Thierry Henry |
43 |
29 |
72 |
2. Chris Wondolowski |
57 |
13 |
70 |
2. Robbie Keane |
45 |
25 |
70 |
4. Landon Donovan |
36 |
32 |
68 |
5. Brad Davis |
17 |
46 |
63 |
6. Graham Zusi |
17 |
38 |
55 |
His impact hasn't gone unnoticed for a résumé that includes MLS MVP finalist (2012), ESPYS Best MLS Player nominee (2013), MLS All-Star (2012, 2013) and MLS Best XI (2012, 2013) honors.
That said, such individual statistics and accolades aren't the most important metrics for Zusi. The team's success is his top priority and no player in Major League Soccer has won more regular season games since 2011 and led their team to an MLS Cup than Zusi.
Now in his sixth professional season, the 27-year-old Florida native and University of Maryland product is on the cusp of Jurgen Klinsmann's World Cup roster (3g, 4a in 20 caps) and his rise to prominence within MLS and the U.S. Men's National Team is the focus of this week's MLS Insider.
Produced by eight-time Emmy award winners Hock Films, the episode looks back at his path to the professional ranks and talks to the friends and family who know him best. The weekly video feature debuts on KICKTV -- boasting more than 1 million subscribers and approaching 100 million video views through their YouTube network -- with additional distribution from partners that include MLSsoccer.com, NBCsports.com, SB Nation and AppleTV.
Now in its second season, MLS Insider has previously featured the 2013 MLS Cup penalty kick shootout at Sporting Park and the club's 2-1 victory over Manchester United in 2010.
