The best goals of MLS Week 24 - ranked

MLS Week 24 is in the books and the playoffs are quickly coming over the horizon.

Though the business end of the regular season is approaching, the pressure doesn't seem to be getting to the players, who continue to produce golazos and wonder strikes at a remarkable rate.

This week was no different, so let's rank five of the best.

5. Santiago Rodriguez vs New England Revolution

Like so many before them this season, NYCFC succumbed to the New England Revolution machine at the weekend. But not before giving them an early scare with a Santiago Rodriguez goal.

There was some great initial work from the Uruguayan to turn the ball over while he also did well to get back up and run to the back post after being absolutely clattered to the floor.

But perhaps the best part of this goal is the delicious delivery lifted in by Argentine forward Taty Castellanos, who showed wonderful vision and technique to put it on a plate for Rodriguez.

4. Joao Paulo vs Minnesota United

Seattle Sounders maintained their place at the top of the West at the weekend thanks to this supremely accurate strike from Joao Paulo - not your usual source of goals.

But like the Rodriguez strike, this one is arguably so good because of the build-up, featuring a reverse pass from Nico Lodeiro that still keeps catching us out.

3. Damir Kreilach vs LAFC

Sunday night's clash between LAFC and Real Salt Lake was peak #MLSAfterDark and if we were really trying to dunk on RSL, we'd put Toni Datkovic's bizarre own-goal on this list.

But we're not that cruel. Instead, at No.3 is this superb effort from Damir Kreilach, who needed no second invitation to sweep home his ninth MLS goal of the season.

It's just a shame RSL's cataclysmic defending meant the strike was totally meaningless.

2. Ezequiel Barco vs Orlando City

What is it about little Argentine forwards having opposing defences on strings?

Okay, so Ezequiel Barco isn't Lionel Messi. But he sure did a good impression of him to round off Atlanta United's resounding win over rivals Orlando City on Friday night.

Barco beat not one, not two, but three Orlando defenders - putting two of them on their backsides - before firing the ball beyond Adam Grinwis and into the bottom corner.

And all of that is without talking about the laser-guided pass from Brooks Lennon and the immaculate control from Barco to bring the ball down in the first place.

1. Tajon Buchanan vs NYCFC

A move to Club Brugge, his first two goals for the Canadian National Team and helping fire the Revs well clear in the Supporters' Shield race. It's been a good few months for Tajon Buchanan and on Saturday, it got a little bit better.

Similar to Kreilach's goal, Buchanan gave Sean Johnson absolutely no chance with a brilliant sweeping finish into the far corner, sealing a 2-1 comeback win over the Revs.

What sets this one apart from the rest, though, is the mesmeric footwork from Carles Gil as the Spaniard notched his 12th assist of the season - at least four more than any other player in MLS.

Honourable mentions: Michael Barrios (vs LA Galaxy), Dru Yearwood (vs DC United), Fafa Picault (2nd goal vs Austin FC)