2017 MLS statistical leaders: Top performers from the regular season

Another MLS regular season is in the books. 

As we shift our focus to the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs which kick off in just a few days, we take a look back at the players who have excelled in various statistical categories over the course of the year.

For the full list of stats leaders in select categories, check out the links below or visit the stats section at MLSsoccer.com:

• Goals (G): Nemanja Nikolic (CHI) - 24 goals
• Game-Winning Goals (GWG): Diego Valeri (POR) - 7 game-winning goals
• Assists (A): Sacha Kljestan (NY) - 17 assists
• Shots (SHTS): David Villa (NYC) - 136 shots
• Shots on Goal (SOG): Nemanja Nikolic (CHI) - 59 shots on goal
• Fouls Committed (FC): Alejandro Bedoya (PHI) - 66 fouls committed
• Fouls Suffered (FS): Nicolas Lodeiro (SEA) - 110 fouls suffered
• Red Cards (RC): Jelle Van Damme (LA) - 3 red cards
• Yellow Cards (YC): David Guzman (POR) - 11 yellow cards
• Minutes Played (MINS): Alexander Callens (NYC), Luis Robles (NY), Zack Steffen (CLB) - 3,060 minutes
• Offsides (OFF): Nemanja Nikolic (CHI) - 51 times offside
• Goalkeeper Saves (SV): Joe Bendik (ORL) - 118 saves
• Goalkeeper Shutouts (ShO): Stefan Frei (SEA) - 13 shutouts

Big Chances Created

Creating a situation in which a player should reasonably be expected to score, usually in a 1-on-1 scenario or from very close range.

Chances created

The final pass or pass before a shot leading to the recipient of the ball having an attempt at goal without scoring.

Passing Accuracy

Completed passes as a percentage of total passes attempted.

Dribbles completed

This is an attempt by a player to beat an opponent in possession of the ball. A successful dribble means the player beats the defender while retaining possession.

Open play crosses completed

A pass from a wide position into a specific area in front of the goal from open play. A completed cross is one in which a teammate touches the ball first.

Touches

A sum of all events which involve a player touching the ball.

Tackles

A tackle is defined as a play in which a player connects with the ball in a ground challenge, successfully taking the ball away from the man in possession.

Blocks

An action which involves a player blocking a shot by an opponent.

Interceptions

An action in which a player intentionally intercepts a pass by moving into the line of the intended ball.

Clearances

A defensive action which sees a player kick the ball away from his own goal with no intended recipient of the ball.

Recoveries (by an outfield player)

An action in which a player wins back the ball when it has gone loose or when the ball has been played directly to him.