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Goal.com's MLS Best XI: Week 17
The team of the week is picked.
Jul 26, 2010 7:19:00 PM
By Nicholas Rosano
Goalkeeper
Dan Kennedy, Chivas USA: There were a few great goalkeepers this weekend (and a few terrible ones, too), but Chivas USA's Dan Kennedy stood out above the rest. He saved seven of the eight shots Salt Lake threw at him, the only one he let by being Ned Grabavoy's goal of the week contender.
Defenders
Heath Pearce, FC Dallas: Was good up and down the field for Dallas, contributing offensively while doing well to keep in mind his defensive responsibilities. He was an important part of the formula that allowed Dallas to leave Toronto with a point.
Jamison Olave, Real Salt Lake: The Colombian was alert and strong throughout the entire game. He almost never put a wrong foot but like his teammates, saw most of his hard work undone through a goalkeeping gaffe.
Andy Iro, Columbus Crew: Not only did he score a nice volley to seal the game for the Crew, that goal was a reward for the solid defensive effort he put in throughout the game. Iro has struggled throughout July, but he redeemed himself very well on Saturday evening.
Todd Dunivant, Los Angeles Galaxy: Did everything you could ask for from a full back in Thursday's game against San Jose. He was involved up and down the field, as emphasized by his strong defending and the assist he tallied on Edson Buddle's goal.
Midfielders
Bobby Convey: Convey was as strong as ever on the left flank against Los Angeles. He scored an early goal to set the tone of the match and was involved throughout the whole game, leading his side to a road draw against the best team in the league.
Ned Grabavoy, Real Salt Lake: In addition to bagging a wonder strike that put his team ahead, Grabavoy was an important part of Real Salt Lake's high octane midfield that ultimately had its hard work undone by a goalkeeping error.
Kyle Beckerman, Real Salt Lake: The other part of Salt Lake's central midfield pair, Beckerman was all over the field on Saturday night. Not only did he get involved in some well-worked pasing moves that set up great chances for his teammates, he was responsible defensively, as well.
Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy: You can see why the MLS will only sell Donovan for "silly money" after another strong performance against the Earthquakes. The USA's World Cup hero ran the show against his former club helping to set up the first LA goal before grabbing the game winner at the death.
Forwards
Steve Zakuani, Seattle Sounders: Looked lively all game against Colorado and showed a great finishing instinct in putting away two of the early chances that came to him.
Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Columbus Crew: Earns his way onto the team of the week for his consistent play against Houston. He was at the center of nearly everything positive the Crew did offensively and was back to his imperious 2008 form.
Formation (4-4-2):
Kennedy
Pearce - Iro - Olave - Dunivant
Convey - Beckerman - Grabavoy - Donovan
Zakuani - Schelotto
Bench: Emilio Renteria, Columbus Crew; Maicon Santos, Toronto FC; Milton Rodriguez, FC Dallas; Jesus Padilla, Chivas USA; Adam Moffat, Columbus Crew; Chad Marshall, Columbus Crew; Kasey Keller, Seattle Sounders
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Dan Kennedy, Chivas USA: There were a few great goalkeepers this weekend (and a few terrible ones, too), but Chivas USA's Dan Kennedy stood out above the rest. He saved seven of the eight shots Salt Lake threw at him, the only one he let by being Ned Grabavoy's goal of the week contender.
Defenders
Heath Pearce, FC Dallas: Was good up and down the field for Dallas, contributing offensively while doing well to keep in mind his defensive responsibilities. He was an important part of the formula that allowed Dallas to leave Toronto with a point.
Jamison Olave, Real Salt Lake: The Colombian was alert and strong throughout the entire game. He almost never put a wrong foot but like his teammates, saw most of his hard work undone through a goalkeeping gaffe.
Andy Iro, Columbus Crew: Not only did he score a nice volley to seal the game for the Crew, that goal was a reward for the solid defensive effort he put in throughout the game. Iro has struggled throughout July, but he redeemed himself very well on Saturday evening.
Todd Dunivant, Los Angeles Galaxy: Did everything you could ask for from a full back in Thursday's game against San Jose. He was involved up and down the field, as emphasized by his strong defending and the assist he tallied on Edson Buddle's goal.
Midfielders
Bobby Convey: Convey was as strong as ever on the left flank against Los Angeles. He scored an early goal to set the tone of the match and was involved throughout the whole game, leading his side to a road draw against the best team in the league.
Ned Grabavoy, Real Salt Lake: In addition to bagging a wonder strike that put his team ahead, Grabavoy was an important part of Real Salt Lake's high octane midfield that ultimately had its hard work undone by a goalkeeping error.
Kyle Beckerman, Real Salt Lake: The other part of Salt Lake's central midfield pair, Beckerman was all over the field on Saturday night. Not only did he get involved in some well-worked pasing moves that set up great chances for his teammates, he was responsible defensively, as well.
Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy: You can see why the MLS will only sell Donovan for "silly money" after another strong performance against the Earthquakes. The USA's World Cup hero ran the show against his former club helping to set up the first LA goal before grabbing the game winner at the death.
Forwards
Steve Zakuani, Seattle Sounders: Looked lively all game against Colorado and showed a great finishing instinct in putting away two of the early chances that came to him.
Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Columbus Crew: Earns his way onto the team of the week for his consistent play against Houston. He was at the center of nearly everything positive the Crew did offensively and was back to his imperious 2008 form.
Formation (4-4-2):
Kennedy
Pearce - Iro - Olave - Dunivant
Convey - Beckerman - Grabavoy - Donovan
Zakuani - Schelotto
Bench: Emilio Renteria, Columbus Crew; Maicon Santos, Toronto FC; Milton Rodriguez, FC Dallas; Jesus Padilla, Chivas USA; Adam Moffat, Columbus Crew; Chad Marshall, Columbus Crew; Kasey Keller, Seattle Sounders
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Goal.com Poll
Poll runs from Jul 26, 2010 to Jul 30, 2010
Poll runs from Jul 26, 2010 to Jul 30, 2010
Who deserved to make this week's Best XI?
Kasey Keller
45.95%
Emilio Renteria
18.92%
Jesus Padilla
13.51%
Chad Marshall
13.51%
Maicon Santos
8.11%
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