5 of MLS' All Time Greats

As MLS approaches two decades of play, it is time to look back and reflect on the players that have graced the league. From aging stars to young talent, MLS has provided a platform for many to earn respect on the pitch.

While plenty of fading stars have played out there final years in the states, this list is designed to capture the five best players all time, judged by their performances when they were still in the league.

From goals and assists to minutes played, there are plenty of statistics available to compare these individuals, but ultimately there is an element of subjectivity to the rankings.

So here they are, five of MLS' all-time greats.

Honorable Mention: Thierry Henry

He might be slightly over the hill, but Thierry Henry can still turn a game around with his magical touch.

The French forward has only been in the league for a few seasons, but he has already displayed a soccer IQ beyond what the league has seen before. 

In his first full season in MLS, Henry notched 15 goals and three assists. The very next season, the striker put in 15 goals and added 12 assists.

Henry is the catalyst behind a strong Red Bull side, one that could make a run deep into the playoffs.

Unfortunately, his lack of team success and short MLS career keep him out of the top five.

Honorable Mention: Steve Ralston

In a career that spans 16 seasons in America's top league, Ralston was a star.

Ralston began his career with the now defunct Tampa Bay Mutiny before finishing up with the New England Revolution.

As it stands, the playmaker is currently the Major League Soccer all-time career leader in assists (135), appearances (378), starts (372) and minutes played (33,143).

His accomplishments translated to success with the national side, with whom he earned 36 caps.

Honorable Mention: Jeff Agoos

Now a radio color commentator for the San Jose Earthquakes, Agoos was a feared defender in his day.

As a member of D.C. United, Agoos won three MLS Cups and a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. He was part of a dominant back line that watched United maintain its position as the top team in the division.

The center back moved to the San Jose Earthquakes before finishing his career with the Metrostars.

Agoos was strong and powerful, a physical presence capable of handling any striker. His sturdy play at the back helped him record 134 caps for the USA national team.

5. Jeff Cunningham

It would not be fair to leave Jeff Cunningham out of the top five. His remarkable goal tally and consistency across his 13-year MLS career earn him a spot.

Cunningham was born in Jamaica, but made the USA his home for the vast majority of his career. His talents were on display for the Columbus Crew, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, Toronto FC and FC Dallas.

In total, Cunningham scored 134 goals in Major League Soccer, good enough for most all time. Though he never broke the 20-goal mark, Cunningham got into double digits during seven different campaigns.

A curious case of MLS star and national team failure, Cunningham only recorded one goal for the USA in 14 caps.

4. David Beckham

An easy pick for the No. 4 spot. Beckham's arrival in 2007 marked the beginning of a rejuvenation period for the league. Stagnant attendance and a low international profile were two areas the league was looking to improve, and Beckham's arrival enhanced both.

Outside of his celebrity status, Beckham proved to be among the league's best during his stint with the Galaxy.

Hampered with injuries in his first few seasons in Los Angeles, a healthy Beckham added much to an already impressive Galaxy side.

With the team, Beckham won two MLS Cups and two Supporter's Shield trophies and also made it to the playoffs four times.

On top of his never-ending list of team trophies, Beckham was individually honored as well. He made MLS best IX in 2011, and was Comeback Player of the Year that same season.

In total, he scored 18 goals with the club, but recorded a remarkable 48 assists. His free-kick deliveries remain unmatched, and the Beckham bend contributed a great deal to setting up his teammates.

While he certainly was not at his peak during his time in MLS, loan stints to AC Milan followed by a half season with PSG indicated that he still had the goods to produce. What other MLS player can say they started against Lionel Messi in the Champions League quarterfinal at age 37?

3. Carlos Valderrama

Despite one of the most absurd haircuts in all of sports, Valderrama had a illustrious MLS career.

The Columbian was incredible on the ball, using impeccable technique to make up for a conspicuous lack of pace. He was able to dictate play from the center of the pitch, and was always searching for the killer pass.

His searches were fruitful. Valderrama recorded 114 assists in just 175 appearances. The midfielder's average of an 0.66 assists per game place him among the best in league history.

Valderrama also holds one record that may never be broken. His 26 assists in the year 2000 mark the only time a player has reached 20+ goals in MLS play.

The bushy blonde is also Columbia's most-capped player, with 111 caps to his name.

2. Jaime Moreno

The hottest commodity in soccer: goals.

Jaime Moreno brought them. In bunches.

MLS' second all time leading goal scorer, Moreno notched 133 goals in 340 games. The Bolivian was a five time MLS Best IX selection, and won the MLS Cup MVP award in 1997.

His list of accolades doesn't end there.

Moreno has won the MLS Cup four times, the MLS Supporter's Shield four times, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup twice and the CONCACAF Champions Cup once.

Let's just say his credentials check out.

Though Jeff Cunningham recorded a better rate then Moreno, the Bolivian takes the No. 2 spot for his ability to create for his teammates—102 assists which place him fifth all time.

1. Landon Donovan

It seems like Landon Donovan has been the face of American soccer forever.

Year after year, the diminutive playmaker produces performances worthy of recognition. His incredible consistency across the years is admirable, as are his impressive statistics.

Donovan boasts 127 goals from 294 appearances—a remarkable record for a player that is rarely deployed as a striker. Those goals put him third all time in MLS.

Even more commendable are Donovan's 114 assists which rank second all time along with Carlos Valderrama. Not only can he put them away, but Donovan is a creative influence in his side, and a competent dead ball specialist.

His peculiar hiatus from the sport was unwelcome by many Galaxy fans, but after leading the USA to a Gold Cup trophy, Donovan is back and pushing Los Angeles to yet another playoff appearance.

Donovan's remarkable resiliency and commitment to the league make him MLS' best all time.