Golden Boot Winners

Let’s start at the Burn beginning and look back in time at who led Los Toros on the stat sheet each year. I’ll throw in a little context and some other notable scoring stats with each one.

1996 – Jason Kreis

28 Apr 1996: Carlos Valderrama #10 of the Tampa Bay Mutiny and Jason Kreis #15 of the Dallas Burn fight for the ball during an MLS game played at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Burn won the game, 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Simon Bruty/Allsport

After being selected in the 5th round (5th!!!!) of the MLS launch draft, Jason Kreis came out his rookie year on fire. 13 goals (3 game-winners) and 5 assists in 31 games, some of it as a wide midfielder. Kreis is named an MLS All-Star and MLS Player of the Month for July (5 goals in 7 games). 

He also scored the first goal in franchise history, the video here should be qued to that goal.  (And Real Salt Lake history too at 4:04 below.)

Side note: did you know Kenny Cooper scored the first MLS goal in Portland Timbers history?  It’s at 6:22 in the video.

The great Hugo Sanchez finishes his one year in MLS – 1996 – with 6 goals and 3 assists. Gerrell Elliott has 5 and 7.

1997 – Dante Washington 

10-08-97) Dallas Burn’s Dante Washington (10) and Daniel Peinado (22) celebrate Washington’s first period goal which he headed past Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman ( 22) and defender Danny Pena (2). (Andy Scott / NS_Sports)

12 goals and 6 assists in 30 games. Dante Washington was named an MLS All-Star and picked up two MLS Player of the Week nods. 3 game-winning goals.

Right behind Washington was Damian Alvarez, an MLS All-Star, with 11 goals (4 PKs) and 7 assists in 19 games. Jason Kreis nets 8 goals (4 of them PKs) with 6 assists in 32 games (21 starts), again some as a midfielder. Gerrell Elliott also a solid year with 7 goals and 5 assists. Alain Sutter, also MLS All-Star and MLS Player of the Month in May, has 8 assists in 21 games.

The Burn earned 10 PKs that year.

1998 – Jason Kreis 

(right) Dallas Burn’s Jason Kreis, #9, in action during a game against Columbus Crew.(John F. Rhodes)

A year of balanced forward scoring. Jason Kreis leads the way with 9 goals and 8 assists in 30 games. An amazing 6 game-winners by Kries – out of his 9 goals – and 2 game-winning assists.

Also having solid striker seasons were Dante Washington (7 goals, 5 assists in 28 games), the late Mickey Trotman (5 goals, 3 assists in 23 games), and Damian (4 goals, 2 assists in 13 games).

1999 – Jason Kreis 

Jason Kreis 1999 MLS MVP.
Jason Kreis, 1999 MLS MVP.

Jason Kreis has the greatest single season in franchise history and one of the greatest in MLS history: 18 goals and 15 assists. The first American-born MLS MVP. First 15/15 season in MLS. MLS All-Star. MLS Best XI. MLS Golden Boot (first in franchise history, with 51 points). Player of the Month for June. 6 MLS Player of the Week nods. Still tied for the highest single-season goal total in franchise history (18). 6 game-winning goals and 7 game-winning assists.

Ariel Graziani joined the team late in the season and scored 4 times in 8 games during the regular season but then added 5 more in the playoffs including the series winner against Chicago in game 3.

Chad Derring (4g/7a) and Oscar Pareja (4g/6a) also have strong seasons.

2000 – Ariel Graziani 

24 Jun 2000: Ariel Graziani #20 of the Dallas Burn kicks the ball as he is rushed by Carey Talley #3 of the D.C. United at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The United defeated the Burn 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Greg Fiume /Allsport

The Jason Kreis and Ariel Graziani partnership really takes off. Graziani leads the team in goals with 15 in 24 games (3 assists). Graziani is an MLS All-Star and wins MLS Player of the Week twice. He has three braces that season (by my count) and is named Team MVP.

Jason Kreis is actually the leading point-getter that year, which used to get you the Golden Boot in MLS, with 11 goals (4 game-winners) and 13 assists (4 game-winners). Kreis is also an MLS All-Star.

Oscar Pareja has 10 assists, 4 being game-winners.

2001 – Ariel Graziani 

Ariel Graziani, front row center, at the 2001 MLS All-Star game. (MLS Communications)

The 2nd season for Ariel Graziani as the Burn’s leading goal scorer with 11 goals and 8 assists in 25 games. An MLS All-Star nod.

Graziani and Jason Kreis continue their great striker partnership. Kreis with 7 goals and 10 assists in 25 games. He was also named an MLS All-Star.

Oscar Pareja was named team MVP though with 12 assists, 4 of them game-winners. Zarco Rodriguez took all the PK, ending the season with 6 goals and 4 assists.

2002 – Jason Kreis 

Dallas Burn forward Jason Kreis, right, heads the ball into the net for a goal as New York/New Jersey MetroStars defender Mike Petke looks on during the first half Saturday night, May 4, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.(BILL KOSTROUN / AP)

13 goals and 4 assists in 27 games by Jason Kreis. 5 game-winning goals and 2 game-winning assists. 0 PKs by Kreis, as Zarco Rodriguez took all the PKs again. Kreis was named an MLS All-Star Reserve and an MLS Player of the Week for week 7.

A strong season on the stat sheet for the Burn. Antonio “Chivas” Martinez 4 goals, 10 assists.

Bobby Rhine: 7 goals, 6 assists and an MLS Player of the Week for his hat trick against Colorado.

Ronald Cerritos: 4 goals, 6 assists.
Joselito Vaca: 9 assists and MLS All-Star via Commissioner’s Pick.
Oscar Pareja: 6 assists.

2003 – Jason Kreis 

Jason Kreis warms up before facing Palestino during the 2003 preseason tour of Chile. (Buzz Carrick, 3rd Degree

The last season Mr. Dallas Burn, Jason Kreis, led the team in goals. 7 goals and 2 assists in 18 games.

Brad Davis with a respectable 6 goals and 5 assists in 26 games.

2004 – Eddie Johnson 

Eddie Johnson breaks upfield for the Dallas Burn. (John Rivera, Captured View)

Eddie Johnson, the “Grown Ass Man,” had his best season in Dallas with 12 goals and 3 assists in 26 games. Showing his clutch nature, an astounding 7 of his goals were game-winners. Only 1 PK.

Ronnie O’Brien with 10 assists (4 game-winners) and 2 goals in 29 games was named an MLS All-Star and MLS Best XI. Jason Kreis 5 goals and 2 assists in his final season with the franchise.

2005 – Carlos Ruiz 

Carlos Ruiz goes for a bicycle kick against DC United. (Tony Quinn)

Fish (Carlos Ruiz) flops his way to Dallas. 11 goals and 2 assists in 19 games with 3 game-winning goals and 3 PKs. Ruiz did win the MLS Goal of the Decade for a bicycle kick goal against DC United (awarded in 2010). He named an MLS All-Star.

This was another great statistical year for FCD.
Roberto Mina: 7 goals, 4 assists.
Ronnie O’Brien: 6 goals, 12 assists, All-Star, Best XI.
Ramon Nunez: 5 goals, 3 assists.
Eddie Johnson: 5 goals, 2 assists, All-Star.

2006 – Carlos Ruiz 

#20 Carlos Ruiz takes on the Columbus Crew at Pizza Hut Park in 2006. Ramon Nunez #10 of FC Dallas looks on. (Rags Gardner / RII)

Year two of the Fish. Carlos Ruiz led the line with 13 goals, 5 assists in 27 games. 2 game-winning goals. Fish won MLS Player of the Month in May.

Kenny Cooper was named team MVP though with 11 goals, an astounding 6 of them game-winners, and 4 assists in 31 games.

Ronnie O’Brien had 11 assists in 27 games.
Ramon Nunez 6 goals and 4 assists.

Richard Mulrooney 9 assists and took the MLS Comeback Player of the Year nod.

Shockingly Dallas with 0 PKs that year. That’s amazing.

2007 – Carlos Ruiz 

Ruiz takes on Clube Atlético Paranaense of Brazil in 2007. (Jason Gulledge / 3rd Degree)

The final year of the Fish, Carlos Ruiz had 7 goals and 2 assists in 22 games. Surprisingly 0 game-winners. 1 PK. He did score in the playoffs 2nd leg against Houston.

Juan Toja was arguably FCD’s best player that year with 6 goals, 3 of them game-winners, and 1 assist. He was named an MLS All-Star.

2008 – Kenny Cooper 

#33 Kenny Cooper dribbles against Colorado Rapids while Kyle Beckerman looks on in the background. (Rags Gardner, RII)

2008 was Kenny Cooper‘s big season with 18 goals in 30 games (3 assists, 4 game-winning goals, 4 PKs), equaling Jason Kreis’ 1999 season for the franchise single-season goal record. Cooper finished 2nd in the MLS Golden Boot race behind Landon Donovan (20 goals). Cooper was named an MLS All-Star, MLS Best XI, and MLS Comeback Player of the Year.

Andre Rocha was the main assist man that year with 8 assists (4 game-winners) and 3 goals.

2009 – Jeff Cunningham 

Jeff Cunningham fires on net right in front of Dave van den Burgh. RSL Robbie Russell is unable to block the shot. (Matt Visinsky)

Jeff Cunningham with the 3rd highest single-season goal total in franchise history: 17 goals. Coming in 28 games, 7 of them were game-winners and only 1 PK goal. Cunningham also added a remarkable 8 assists that season (if you watched him play that is remarkable). For his efforts, Cunningham took home the MLS Golden Boot (2nd in franchise history), MLS Best XI, MLS Player of the Month in September, and MLS Player of the Week 4 times.

It was an offensive explosion of a season…
David Ferreira: 8 goals, 7 assists.
Dave ven den Bergh: 3 goals, 11 assists. Kenny Cooper: 8 goals, 7 assists.
Dax McCarty: 3 goals, 6 assists.

2010 – Jeff Cunningham 

#9 Jeff Cunningham of FC Dallas takes on DC United at Pizza Hut Park, May 8, 2010. (Matthew Visinsky / 3rd Degree)

The second of Jeff Cunningham‘s two-season run as FCD’s leading scorer with 11 goals in 27 games. Only 1 assist though. 3 game-winning goals. 1 MLS Player of the Week nod.

David Ferreira wins the MLS MVP award with one of the best single-season performances in club history: 8 goals and 13 assists. 2 game-winning goals and 5 game-winning assists.

2011 – Brek Shea 

Brek Shea lines up a shot while playing for FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. (Matt Visinsky, 3rd Degree)

Brek Shea‘s crowing season with 11 goals in 31 games, adding 4 assists. 4 assists is almost impressive given how bad the strikers were this year. Shea is named an MLS All-Star and MLS Best XI. 5 game-winning goals and 2 game-winning assists, leading FCD in both categories.

It was a bad year for FCD strikers. Milton Rodriguez and Ruben Luna each scored 1 goal. In desperation, FCD traded for Maicon Santos who netted 2 goals in 11 games after moving to Dallas.

2012 – Blas Perez 

FRISCO, TX – MARCH 11: Blas Perez #9 of the FC Dallas battles Victor Palsson #44 of the New York Red Bulls and Stephen Keel #22 for possession during the second half of a soccer game at FC Dallas Stadium on March 11, 2012 in Frisco, Texas. FC Dallas won 2-1. (Photo by Brandon Wade/Getty Images, courtesy MLS)

With 9 goals in 20 games, it’s the first of 3 straight seasons for Blas Perez, leading FCD in goals (with 4 assists). Strangely, none of his goals are game-winners though.

Fabian Castillo has his “break out” season and finishes 2nd with 6 goals and 3 assists, 2 of the goals and 2 of the assists are game-winners. 

The Brazilian Jackson with a solid 4 goals and 7 assists. 

David Ferreira 9 assists.  Brek Shea, perhaps distracted by potential transfers, with only 3 goals and 2 assists.

2013 – Blaz Perez 

Blas Perez celebrates scoring against Vancouver Whitecaps in 2013. (Craig Marcho, 3rd Degree)

The first of two back-to-back 11-goal seasons by Blas Perez (1 game-winner), but only 3 assists, all coming in 25 games.

Kenny Cooper, at the end of his run with FC Dallas, finishes 2nd with 6 goals. David Ferreira: 3 goals, 9 assists. Michel: 3 goals, 8 assists.

2014 – Blas Perez

7 June 2014 – FC Dallas forward Blas Perez (#7) during the MLS game between FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. FC Dallas won the game 3-2. (Matt Visinsky, 3rd Degree)

11 goals (for the 2nd straight season) and 6 assists in 29 games for the Panamanian striker Blas Perez. 3 game-winning goals and 2 penalty kicks. This was his best season in MLS. Perez earned an MLS Player of the Week in week 27 for his 2 goal performance against Vancouver Whitecaps.

Castillo a close statistical second with 10 goals and 4 assists in 27 games as a mid/winger.

Tesho Akindele with 7 goals and 3 assists is named MLS Rookie of the Year.

2015 – Fabian Castillo

18 April 2015 – FC Dallas midfielder Fabian Castillo (#11) and Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow (#2) during the MLS regular-season game between FC Dallas and Toronto at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. (Matt Visinsky, 3rd Degree)

9 goals and 9 assists in 30 games for the Colombian winger/midfielder Fabian Castillo. A fantastic season for Castillo, who was named an MLS All-Star and MLS Best XI.

The team’s two strikers, David Texeria and Blas Perez had 6 goals and 5 goals respectively, so you can see why they went after a striker and took Urruti in the ’15 MLS Re-Entry Draft (postseason).

2016 – Maxi Urruti & Michael Barrios

02 April 2016 – during the MLS game between FC Dallas and the Columbus Crew at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky, 3rd Degree)

Maxi Urruti and Michael Barrios tie with 9 goals each. Urruti did it in 30 games, which would technically make him the winner, Barrios did it in 32 games albeit more as a winger/midfielder. Urruti has 4 assists, Barrios 2.

Mauro Diaz with 5 goals and 13 assists (7 game-winners) is named an MLS All-Star and MLS Best XI.

2017 – Maxi Urruti

Maxi Urritu holds off a Houston Dynamo defender, May 2018. (Matt Visinsky, 3rd Degree)

Maxi Urruti has12 goals and 5 assists in 32 games, on paper a great season and his best in MLS, but unfortunately for FC Dallas none of his goals came after the San Lorenzo offer for him was turned down. Urruti’s late-season drought was part of the biggest collapse in MLS history. 3 of Urruti’s goals were game-winners and one goal was a PK. He did add 5 assists for a well-rounded line.

In 2nd place, Roland Lamah, seemingly scoring goals in multi-goal only, with 11 goals. 

Michael Barrios with an MVP level assist season with 14 (and 3 goals).

2018 – Maxi Urruti

FRISCO, TX – AUGUST 04: FC Dallas forward Maxi Urruti (#37) runs down a long pass during the MLS game between FC Dallas and San Jose Earthquakes on August 4, 2018, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky)

Maxi Urruti tops the goal list for the 3rd straight season but with only 8 goals but he does add 11 assists. The excellent season isn’t enough and he’s traded to Montreal Impact after the season at least partially due to his exciting contract.

Roland Lamah puts up strong numbers with 8 goals and 8 assists but is left unprotected in the expansion draft and is selected by FC Cincinnati.

Michael Barrios (6g/6a) and Santiago Mosquera (6g,5a) also have solid seasons.

2019 – Jesus Ferreira

Jesus Ferreira sprints upfield against Sporting Kansas City at Toyota Stadium on October 6, 2019. (Matt Visinsky, 3rd Degree)

With 8 goals at just 18 years of age, Jesus Ferreira is the youngest Golden Boot winner in franchise history. He also adds 6 assists, which is 2nd in the club assist table.

Zdenek Ondrasek scores 7 goals in the final 8 games of the year to vault up to 2nd in one of the most remarkable host streaks in Dallas history. Dom Badji and Ryan Hollinsgead come in with 6 goals each.

Michael Barrios ties the single-season assist record held by Jason Kreis with 15 assists.

2020 – Franco Jara

Franco Jara debut
Franco Jara pulls the trigger against Nashville SC, August 8, 2020. (Matt Visinsky, 3rd Degree)

Franco Jara leads FC Dallas in goals with 7, which isn’t a surprising number considering he joined mid-year and it was a truncated season. (Jara played in 19 of the 22 games.) What’s surprising is that FCD has twice before had a leading scorer with just 7 goals in full seasons.

Ryan Hollingshead (left back) and Santiago Mosquera (left wing) finish 2nd with 4 goals. 3 of Santi’s 4 came in one game.

Michael Barrios was the assist king again with 5. Bryan ReynoldsReggie Cannon‘s replacement at right back – came in 2nd with 3 assists.

2021 – Ricardo Pepi

Pepi FCD v SKC 9-29-21 387
Ricardo Pepi in action against Sporting Kansas City, September 29, 2021. (Matt Visinsky, 3rd Degree)

The 18-year-old Ricardo Pepi had his national coming-out party with 13 goals and 3 assists. He also broke into the USMNT. His 13-goal total is the most since Jeff Cunningham’s 17 in 2009.

Jáder Obrian‘s 9 goals would have been the most goals since Maxi Urruti’s 12 in 2017.

Jesus Ferreira also enjoyed an excellent season with 8 goals and 9 assists, the latter led FCD. Both those numbers are career highs.

Franco Jara, mostly playing as a sub, equaled his 2020 total of 7 goals.

2022 – Jesus Ferreira

SOCCER: AUG 13 MLS - Portland Timbers at FC Dallas
FRISCO, TX – AUGUST 13: FC Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira (#10) celebrates after scoring a goal during the MLS soccer game between FC Dallas and the San Jose Earthquakes on August 13, 2022, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky, 3rd Degree)

Jesus Ferreira wins the FC Dallas Golden Boot for the 2nd time with 18 goals tying the All-Time franchise single-season scoring record held by Jason Kreis (1999) and Kenny Cooper (2018). Jesus also had 6 assists, 3rd on the team. Ferreira was named the MLS Young Player of the Year and #1 on the MLS U22 List.

Paul Arriola was 2nd for FCD with 10 goals.

Arriola, along with Alan Velasco, led the club with 7 assists. Sebastian Lletget and Paxton Pomykal had 5 assists each.

2023 – Jesus Ferreira

Jesus Ferreira slides toward the crowd after scoring the winning goal in the MLS match against Sporting KC on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Toyota Stadium. (Daniel McCullough, 3rd Degree)
Jesus Ferreira slides toward the crowd after scoring the winning goal in the MLS match against Sporting KC on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Toyota Stadium. (Daniel McCullough, 3rd Degree)

Jesus Ferreira goes back-to-back and gets the FCD Golden Boot for the 3rd time in the last 5 seasons with 12 goals. He added 6 assists on top of that to lead the team in both categories.

Bernard Kamungo and Jader Obrian each had 6 goals to come in 2nd. Obrian added 5 assists, 2nd on the team. Alan Velasco went for 4 and 4.