Kei Kamara chose the perfect moment to tie Landon Donovan's record of 145 career MLS goals, putting him in second place on the all-time list.
The iconic striker scored a crucial goal on Wednesday night, securing a late 1-1 draw for LAFC against Austin FC. This extended LAFC's unbeaten run to seven games. With this result, they maintained their position in second place in the Western Conference standings with a record of 10 wins, 4 losses, and 4 draws, totaling 34 points.
MLS all-time leading scorers
| Player | Goals |
| 1. Chris Wondolowski | 171 |
| T-2. Landon Donovan | 145 |
| T-2. Kei Kamara | 145 |
| 4. Jeff Cunningham | 134 |
| 5. Jaime Moreno | 133 |
Level with Landon
“Landon is obviously one of the role models of this league, somebody I look up to,” the former Sierra Leone international said postgame of the six-time MLS Cup winner. “He’s one of the best, or the best, American soccer player, so for me to be right next to him is amazing.”
Signed as a free agent in late March, the 39-year-old scored his first goal for LAFC in Matchday 21. He scored a towering header at the back post in the 90th minute. This goal could be crucial for the team as they aim to reach their third-straight MLS Cup in 2024.
“Forget the record,” Kamara remarked. “It was just getting the goal to get back into it so we don’t lose the game so we can keep our streak going.”
Historic moment
Ironically, his teammates seemed more focused on the record than the history-maker himself.
“To see the joy in all of the guys' faces coming into the locker room after the game and seeing them celebrate that goal more than I celebrate that goal is huge,” Kamara shared. “Some of them are like ‘Just enjoy the moment,’ but I’m like ‘Guys, you don’t even realize how big that goal was for us not to [lose].’ They’ll celebrate it for me more than I’m going to celebrate it.”
Kamara still has a ways to go to catch San Jose Earthquakes legend Chris Wondolowski on 171 goals, but with the longevity the 39-year-old has shown across his MLS career, anything is possible. First, he’ll be aiming to pass Donovan with No. 146 later this season.
“It’s a special day today. Obviously, Juneteenth is a celebration, not just June 19th, but my 19th year playing professionally, so it’s a big celebration,” Kamara said.
“I want to say thanks to everybody that paved the way for us to be here, for me to be here as a Muslim refugee from Sierra Leone, having an opportunity to be in America and continue to achieve my dream and be happy.”
