MLS Top Scorer Maintains Focus for Florida Tournament

Maxi Urruti got off to a ‘flyer’ in MLS 2020, re-discovering his goal touch as he raced to the top of the league’s goal-scoring charts registering three times in two matches.

When was the last time if ever, an Impact striker topped the MLS goalscoring charts? Probably never would be my semi-educated guess.

Although Urruti was never known as an out and out striker at any of his previous clubs, the Impact had seen the Argentinian’s scoring rate deteriorate after arriving at Stade Saputo, but then again he was playing in a side that struggled offensively without the talismanic but injury-stricken, Nacho Piatti.

In Argentina with Newell’s Old Boys where Urruti was in and out of the side, his strike rate in league play was similar to what Impact fans have so far witnessed, a goal every 4.75 games. It improved in spells with Portland Timbers, a goal every 4.33 games, and better still at FC Dallas, a goal every 3.27 games, the club where he has been most productive in terms of goal output.

Urruti has been appreciated at his previous clubs more for his foraging, boundless energy and work-rate than for any goalscoring prowess, and he did help Portland win MLS Cup in 2015.

You wonder if he can keep current trends alive throughout the MLS-is-Back tournament. The smart money suggests it’s unlikely, but if Urruti retains the focus and 100% commitment, he wants to see from his team-mates in Florida, then you just never know.

Speaking from the team’s camp, Urruti mentions the Florida temperatures being much hotter than Montreal.

“We stay in the hotel in the rooms, together with the rest of the guys, Playstation keeps us occupied.

“But more important is the game, the next game. We need to stay focussed for the fans and for the club.

“[It’s] difficult you know. Because we stay three months at home and after we are training together, but for me all teams in this league are in the same situation.

“We must stay focussed and play 100%. [Our] intensity is good, just like pre-season. For me it’s much better because we play with the ball and [work on] shape, but also train with focus on the other team.”

No one in the Montreal camp will complain should Urruti continue his rich vein of goalscoring from before lockdown... even if it means his selfless, lung-busting efforts are sacrificed to ensure freshness of mind for when those opportunities arise in front of goal.