Meet the MLS millionaires in Canada, where Montreal’s Di Vaio tops the salary scale

TORONTO – Italian striker Marco Di Vaio is the highest-paid MLS player in Canada, according to the MLS Players Union.

The compact, elusive Italian will make at US$1.937 million this season.

Injured Dutch striker Danny Koevermans tops the Toronto FC salary scale at $1.663 million. The next highest-paid TFC player is defender/captain Darren O’Dea at $456,250. Young designated player Matias Laba is listed at $200,000.

Scottish forward Kenny Miller leads the Vancouver Whitecaps at $1.132 million. Whitecaps captain Jay DeMerit is listed at $375,000 while midfielder Niger Rea-Coker is down for $237,362.

New York Red Bulls star striker Thierry Henry is the league’s highest-paid player at $4.35 million, just ahead of Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane at $4.333 million.

Henry, a French international, was listed at $5.6 million last season while Keane made $3.417 million.

Australian attacking midfielder Tim Cahill earns $3.625 million in New York while U.S. star forward Landon Donovan’s annual salary with the Galaxy is listed at $2.5 million. Donovan missed the start of the season because of a sabbatical.

The only other MLS millionaire is Seattle forward Obafemi Martins ($1.725 million).

Canadian attacking midfielder Dwayne De Rosario earns $645,333 at D.C. United. Canadian midfielder-forward Will Johnson collects $243,750 as captain of the Portland Timbers.

Bargains include Toronto goalkeeper Joe Bendik, whose $46,550 salary is well below the $200,000 made by fellow ‘keeper Stefan Frei.

Stylish Alessandro Nesta is a steal for Montreal at $305,000 while fellow Italian defender Matteo Ferrari makes $295,475. Midfielder Davy Arnaud eanrs $290,000.

Toronto FC fullback Richard Eckersley makes $310,000, down from $390,000 in 2012. English midfielder Hogan Ephraim collects $180,000 while veteran defender Danny Califf earns $165,000.

Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson makes $495,000 in Philadelphia. San Jose Earthquakes sniper Chris Wondolowski earns $600,000.