MLS Golden Boot Race: Messi, Suarez, Benteke threatened as Union’s Baribo Takes Early Lead

In a league as star-studded as the MLS, Philadelphia Union‘s striker, Tai Baribo, has shone brightest. While the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Christian Benteke have begun the season in flying colours, the center forward seems to have soared beyond reach, scoring more than double the goals of any of his counterparts. Having Smashed the net five times in two games, the Israeli forward is well on his way to Golden Boot glory.

Union’s Baribo leads early Golden Boot race

When the Union lost Julian Carranza to Feyenoord, there was much skepticism regarding Baribo’s ability to replace the Argentine – it was deemed a shoe too big for him to fill. Baribo took the role regardless, albeit with a sluggish start to life at Philadelphia, blanking in his first 11 appearances across a span of 8 months.

But amidst Baribo’s struggles, his talent couldn’t be gainsaid. He was coming from Austria’s Wolfsberger FC, where he had netted 37 goals in 73 appearances. After his lacklustre start to life at Philadelphia Union, he got cracking with nine goals in 16 appearances, having earned the trust of Jim Curtin, who, for a long time, had blamed Baribo’s lack of game time on his performance in training. It was the kind of situation where the 27-year old, still en route to his prime and well within the ideal range of improvement, needed more game time and refining to burst into stardom.

For Baribo, Bradley Carnell’s appointment was timely. It addressed his unique situation: despite his undeniable talent, all he needed was the right coach to give him the platform to flourish. He got that in Carnell and has repaid the team with back-to-back impressive displays, placing him well above the league’s best.

Striker depth: extra motivation

Perhaps, an event worth considering was the signature of Bruno Damiani from Nacional. Dreading another stint on the sidelines, Baribo may have found extra motivation in Damiani’s arrival.

The coexistence of both strikers is healthy competition for the resurgent Union side. It opens up the team to multiple attacking options and helps both players improve. In the Cincinnati game, for example, both strikers averaged a goal every 26-27 minutes—Baribo netted 3 in 82 minutes, while Damiani added one within the 26 minutes he played.

Can Union and Baribo keep their hot streak going?

Baribo’s resurgence is akin to that of the Union, who are also enjoying life on the league’s rooftop. And regardless of the reason behind his revival – Damiani’s arrival, Bradley Carnell’s appointment or just a stroke of luck – Philly are basking in the rewards of his goalscoring form.

While it remains unclear how Carnell manages the more than two prolific attackers on his team, Philadelphia have been exceptionally brilliant with Baribo, scoring goals that have made the team more dangerous with each passing game. And should his discovered form live long enough, the likes of Lionel Messi, Christian Benteke, and Luis Suarez will only have second place to fight for in the race for the Golden Boot.