Darlington Nagbe Wins 2011 Goal of the Year

by Geoff Gibson on Nov 16, 2011 8:23 AM PST

Wow! I mean, I knew it was a great goal but I figured the Eric Hassli goal was going to be the goal of the year simply based on the circumstances surrounding it. I mean, it was a great goal against a primary rival coming from behind in the late minutes. Really, it had a lot of emotional support.

But never count out a Portland Timbers I always say. Well, I do now, as Darlington Nagbe's wonder strike against Sporting Kansas City has been named "Goal of the Year" by fans.

Here are the exact stats:

Darlington Nagbe, Portland Timbers – 42 percent
Eric Hassli, Vancouver Whitecaps FC – 31 percent
Fredy Montero, Seattle Sounders FC – 23 percent
Davide Chumiento, Vancouver Whitecaps FC – 4 percent

Nagbe won by a healthy margin!

I've included a video of the goal for those that don't remember. The way Nagbe catches the ball, keeps it up for two bounces and then slams it home is absolutely amazing.

So huge congratulations to Darlington Nagbe for being only the second MLS rookie in history to win goal of the year. The first being Damani Ralph in 2003.

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Yay for Cascadia stuffing the ballot box!

When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy

by Andrew Wheeler on Nov 16, 2011 9:22 AM PST reply actions 1 recs

Nagbe's goal is a winner through and through

and Keller’s SOY was a little questionable, but given his retirement and legacy and GKOTY award, I don’t think it’s an outrage or anything (I thought Tainio deserved it).

But I do wonder if Cascadia’s presence on the MLS site and in voting is a real turnoff to fans. The place is 50% Sounders, 25% Timbers, and then everyone else.

volatilelyle.com

by almost awesome on Nov 16, 2011 11:07 AM PST up reply actions

Perkins got a combined vote of 46%

> Keller’s 41%. Retirement schmeschmirement.

Nagbe’s was absolutely a winner — I don’t want to take anything away from that. And it certainly helps that he’s got quality as a person too, which is more than one can say for some of the other contenders.

Having said all that, I wouldn’t be surprised if MLS starts to diminish the role of fan voting in some of these awards.

When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy

by Andrew Wheeler on Nov 16, 2011 11:30 AM PST up reply actions

"Ballot stuffing" or not

If those fans want ballot stuffing for their teams then go out and get more fans. Otherwise, people shouldn’t complain.

That said, most of the SOY finalists were excellent saves. I voted for Taino.

I love Portland because everyone here takes things so seriously, sort of.

by yepyou'reright on Nov 16, 2011 2:21 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions

Stuffing the ballot box?

I resent the implication! But I am glad to see my 6 votes counted!!

by zippyflynn on Nov 16, 2011 12:56 PM PST up reply actions

Well

I am the IT department for my school and currently have 20 working computers and 2 cell phones (not including the 4 personal computers and 4 cell phones of other family members) so my 30 or so votes counted…..

No I did not stuff the ballot box….

Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.

by Ryan Gates on Nov 16, 2011 1:40 PM PST up reply actions

3 of those goals were deserving imo

Hassli and Nagbe for sure. I voted for Hassli.

I love Portland because everyone here takes things so seriously, sort of.

by yepyou'reright on Nov 16, 2011 2:17 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions

The question is

was that the first goal ever in MLS for the other rookie?

Also, it has to be said: 23 percent too many for Montero.

Jag kom, jag såg, erövrade jag.

by Kejsare on Nov 16, 2011 9:42 AM PST reply actions

Not sure on point 1...

Totally agree on point 2. He’s about 24% ahead of where he should be :)

Blazers win!

by The X-man on Nov 16, 2011 10:37 AM PST up reply actions

Just enjoy Nagbe's award

Quit worrying about your big brother.

by Soccer Island on Nov 16, 2011 10:39 AM PST up reply actions

You do know

The younger brother is always better at everything :)

Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.

by Ryan Gates on Nov 16, 2011 10:52 AM PST up reply actions

SURE!

Jag kom, jag såg, erövrade jag.

by Kejsare on Nov 16, 2011 1:40 PM PST up reply actions

Just an observation...

All the Sounders Award bashing looks like there is a bit of insecurity around Timbers nation.

Full disclosure… I voted for Hassil’s wonder strike that put a dagger through my heart.

by Soccer Island on Nov 16, 2011 2:25 PM PST up reply actions

Looking at the comments

I actually think a lot of the ballot stuffing comments came from places other than Portland, of course anything Seattle will generate comments from Timbers fans.

WIth that said I think the Montero goal was not on the same level as Hassli’s or Nagbe’s goal. Which is what drew the ire of the rest of the MLS.

Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.

by Ryan Gates on Nov 16, 2011 2:43 PM PST up reply actions