On this date in 2019, San Jose's Chris Wondolowski became MLS' all-time leading goal scorer

Chris Wondolowski - smiles - on the record

Exactly one year ago, Chris Wondolowski began the day still a goal behind Landon Donovan for the all-time MLS goal scoring lead. He ended it not only as the all-time leader, but having achieved the feat in incredible style.


Having struggled and failed to score through 430 minutes of 2019 season and making his first start since March 30, Wondolowski broke out for the only four-goal performance of his MLS career in the San Jose Earthquakes' 4-1 win over the Chicago Fire at Avaya Stadium.

The performance set him off to a 15-goal campaign for the Quakes, who emerged with a new energy under first-year coach Matias Almeyda and nearly made the playoffs a year after finishing dead last in the Western Conference.


When the 2020 MLS regular season resumes, Wondolowski will be looking for his 160th career league goal, which would further distance himself from Donovan's 145 goals and the rest of the career scoring list.