by Ridge Mahoney

With most teams using variations of either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system, more players are toggling between roles up top and playing either out wide or deeper. The category of forward -- as opposed to a striker -- is comprised of those players who sometimes play up top but could also be deployed out wide on the front line, as well as players who work "underneath" a striker. These roles can evolve from game to game or even during games, but they are distinguishable from attacking midfielders who are primarily playmakers.

In any case, the incredible debut season of Italian Sebastian Giovinco earned him the MVP award as well as that of Newcomer of the Year. He's the first person in league history to lead the league in goals (22) and assists (16) in the same season and is already being touted as one of the best MLS signings, ever.

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Source: http://www.socceramerica.com/