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Goal.com's MLS Best XI: Week 23
With Week 23 in the books, Goal.com's Nick Rosano takes a look at the standout performers.
Sep 6, 2010 6:45:00 PM
By Nick Rosano
Goalkeeper
Sean Johnson, Chicago Fire: A penalty save on Landon Donovan to keep 10-man Chicago in the game was just the highlight of a fine five-save performance from the young sensation. Bob Bradley and the folks over at US Soccer must surely be paying attention, now.
Defenders
Kosuke Kimura, Colorado Rapids: The Japanese full-back has emerged as one of the standout defenders for the Rapids this year and put on an excellent defensive display in Colorado's 3-0 thrashing of Chivas USA.
Omar Gonzalez, Los Angeles Galaxy: Another young player who surely has a long national team career in his future, Gonzalez atoned for his foul that led to Collins John's free kick goal by putting away the equalizer with authority. Aside from that foul, Gonzalez played with authority throughout the game and was definitely up to the task of handling the veteran Brian McBride.
Zach Loyd, FC Dallas: It may not have been the prettiest of games, but Loyd helped FC Dallas continue their impressive run by putting in an excellent shift in the back. He has been one of the unheralded stars of FC Dallas' season, and it's about time he gets some recognition.
Shaun Francis, Columbus Crew: The young Jamaican has had his share of growing pains since landing a starting role with the Crew mid-season, but he looked extremely capable in the team's 1-0 victory over D.C. United. After replacing Gino Padula in the 30th minute, he did an admirable job defending against one of the league's top young players in Andy Najar and looked much more composed than in previous appearances.
Midfielders
Kheli Dube, New England Revolution: Dube was a constant thorn in Seattle's side all game long with his work rate on the right flank and the support he provided his teammates. In addition, he capped off New England's comeback win in some style with a lasered finish into the top corner of the net.
Kyle Beckerman, Real Salt Lake: Beckerman set up Salt Lake's only goal of the game in the weekend's marquee matchup with New York by sending in a perfect chipped ball over the top for Espindola to put away. He faded somewhat in the second half, but did a solid job in an RSL midfield that was coping with the absence of Will Johnson.
John Thorrington, Chicago Fire: Freddie Ljungberg may be making the headlines in Chicago nowadays, but equally important for the Fire are the contributions of John Thorrington. Recently returned from injury, Thorrington ran Chicago's midfield with his excellent distribution and work rate, and did well to earn the free kick that led to Collins John's late goal.
Chris Tierney, New England Revolution: On the other side of the midfield from Dube, Tierney was the man of the match in New England's victory over Seattle. He started the comeback after going close minutes before and was at the heart of most of the Revolution's positive play.
Forwards
Geovanni, San Jose Earthquakes: Major League Soccer's newest designated player announced his presence in emphatic fashion, leading his team to a fortuitous 2-1 victory over Houston. He ran nearly half the field to assist Khari Stephenson's opener before grabbing the game winning goal with a finish that caused Dynamo announcer Glenn Davis to describe the ball as "a blurry orb."
Omar Cummings, Colorado Rapids: Cummings has been at the heart of the Rapids' offensive breakout in the past few weeks, bringing his total to three goals in two games with a well-taken brace. He left the Chivas USA defenders in the dust with his pace and ball control for the first finish before blowing past the defense to roll home his second and cap off a fine Colorado performance.
Formation (4-4-1-1)
Bench: Jimmy Nielsen (Kansas City Wizards), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Khari Stephenson (San Jose Earthquakes), Brian Mullan (Houston Dynamo) Danny Mwanga (Philadelphia Union), Fabian Espindola (Real Salt Lake), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew)
Nick Rosano is a NorCal-based contributor for Goal.com. Follow him on Twitter @nicholasrosano for more MLS insight and the occasional moment of hilarity.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Sean Johnson, Chicago Fire: A penalty save on Landon Donovan to keep 10-man Chicago in the game was just the highlight of a fine five-save performance from the young sensation. Bob Bradley and the folks over at US Soccer must surely be paying attention, now.
Defenders
Kosuke Kimura, Colorado Rapids: The Japanese full-back has emerged as one of the standout defenders for the Rapids this year and put on an excellent defensive display in Colorado's 3-0 thrashing of Chivas USA.
Omar Gonzalez, Los Angeles Galaxy: Another young player who surely has a long national team career in his future, Gonzalez atoned for his foul that led to Collins John's free kick goal by putting away the equalizer with authority. Aside from that foul, Gonzalez played with authority throughout the game and was definitely up to the task of handling the veteran Brian McBride.
Zach Loyd, FC Dallas: It may not have been the prettiest of games, but Loyd helped FC Dallas continue their impressive run by putting in an excellent shift in the back. He has been one of the unheralded stars of FC Dallas' season, and it's about time he gets some recognition.
Shaun Francis, Columbus Crew: The young Jamaican has had his share of growing pains since landing a starting role with the Crew mid-season, but he looked extremely capable in the team's 1-0 victory over D.C. United. After replacing Gino Padula in the 30th minute, he did an admirable job defending against one of the league's top young players in Andy Najar and looked much more composed than in previous appearances.
Midfielders
Kheli Dube, New England Revolution: Dube was a constant thorn in Seattle's side all game long with his work rate on the right flank and the support he provided his teammates. In addition, he capped off New England's comeback win in some style with a lasered finish into the top corner of the net.
Kyle Beckerman, Real Salt Lake: Beckerman set up Salt Lake's only goal of the game in the weekend's marquee matchup with New York by sending in a perfect chipped ball over the top for Espindola to put away. He faded somewhat in the second half, but did a solid job in an RSL midfield that was coping with the absence of Will Johnson.
John Thorrington, Chicago Fire: Freddie Ljungberg may be making the headlines in Chicago nowadays, but equally important for the Fire are the contributions of John Thorrington. Recently returned from injury, Thorrington ran Chicago's midfield with his excellent distribution and work rate, and did well to earn the free kick that led to Collins John's late goal.
Chris Tierney, New England Revolution: On the other side of the midfield from Dube, Tierney was the man of the match in New England's victory over Seattle. He started the comeback after going close minutes before and was at the heart of most of the Revolution's positive play.
Forwards
Geovanni, San Jose Earthquakes: Major League Soccer's newest designated player announced his presence in emphatic fashion, leading his team to a fortuitous 2-1 victory over Houston. He ran nearly half the field to assist Khari Stephenson's opener before grabbing the game winning goal with a finish that caused Dynamo announcer Glenn Davis to describe the ball as "a blurry orb."
Omar Cummings, Colorado Rapids: Cummings has been at the heart of the Rapids' offensive breakout in the past few weeks, bringing his total to three goals in two games with a well-taken brace. He left the Chivas USA defenders in the dust with his pace and ball control for the first finish before blowing past the defense to roll home his second and cap off a fine Colorado performance.
Formation (4-4-1-1)
Johnson
Kimura - Gonzalez - Loyd - Francis
Dube - Beckerman - Thorrington - Tierney
Geovanni
Cummings
Kimura - Gonzalez - Loyd - Francis
Dube - Beckerman - Thorrington - Tierney
Geovanni
Cummings
Bench: Jimmy Nielsen (Kansas City Wizards), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Khari Stephenson (San Jose Earthquakes), Brian Mullan (Houston Dynamo) Danny Mwanga (Philadelphia Union), Fabian Espindola (Real Salt Lake), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew)
Nick Rosano is a NorCal-based contributor for Goal.com. Follow him on Twitter @nicholasrosano for more MLS insight and the occasional moment of hilarity.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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