MLS Best XI

By now you've heard that the MLS has dropped their official Best XI. And while we'll get to that at the end of this bit, there's a better way to do that. Some players in the mix didn't belong there. Hence the reason to build OleOle's own version of the best XI.

Without further adieu, here we go.

2009 OleOle MLS Best XI

Goalkeeper:

Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders) -- The USMNT legend was a vital part of the success in Seattle. Keller's presence at the back solidified a backline anchored by another member of the Best XI. He's up there in the years, but showed no signs of age affecting his game negatively. If anything, his game management experience was crucial and his reflexes 

Defenders:

Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy) -- Certainly a shocking inclusion, but a survey of some of the best defenders reveals how little they actually played. Chad Marshall and Wilman Conde could easily go here, but they both played less than two-thirds of the season. And that's not a fair shake, when you have someone like Gonzalez who played so well, so often. Yes, he's a rookie and had his rookie moments, but considering he

Jhon Kennedy Hurtado (Seattle Sounders) -- Along with Keller, Hurtado was the bargain that anchored the defense for the expansion team. Hurtado had to be included in this first team since he was part of a defense that was tied for first in goals conceded. Consider also, that he's likely be a starting centerback on every other team in the league.

Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo) -- Cameron, the second-year man out of Rhode Island, eschewed the pressure of a sophomore slump to anchor the Dynamo defense, who finished level with Seattle for fewest goals scored. Cameron started 24 times in central defense after the injury to Eddie Robinson prior to the start of the 2009 season, and filled in so well that 

Midfielders:

Dwayne De Rosario (Toronto FC) -- Toronto's goal-scoring midfielder lit up the scoreboard this season, and brought the dynamic, attacking energy from Houston back home. One of the league's all-time greats already, one can only hope the Canadian can lead his home club to the MLS Playoffs in 2010.

Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy) -- A shoo-in for this list, Donovan has been on the top of his game in 2009, both for the USMNT and LA. Without Donovan, the Galaxy wouldn't be where they are today, and the big question over where he'll be next year is going to be brought up over the offseason.

Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution) -- Many voters have already dubbed Joseph the MVP, and with good reason. If not for Joseph and his ability to score timely goals and a willingness to play out of position to help his team, the Revolution finish nowhere near the playoffs. His tackling ability in the midfield and nose for goal bailed out Steve Nicol on a number of occasions.

Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo) -- Not the highest-profile Dynamo in the midfield, but the backbone of a solid attack throughout the season. Davis' 12 assists were important, not to mention a handful of goals scored at important times. While this spot could have gone to teammate Stuart Holden, Davis managed to edge him out thanks to his ability to pull Houston out of a tight spot. 

Claudio Lopez (Kansas City Wizards) -- Lost in the mediocrity and poor field of Kansas City was the excellent play of World Cup veteran Lopez, a standout performer throughout the seasons. The numbers weren't too gawdy, but they were respectable, posting seven goals with eight assists. Hard to think of an attacking midfielder that was as consistent as this one was throughout the whole season. It's a shame no one else besides him and Josh Wolff scored goals for KC.

Forwards:

Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas) -- Playing like a man possessed by a goal-scoring demon, Cunningham surged after Dallas sold Kenny Cooper to 1860 Munich. He ran away with the Golden Boot after a second-half scoring spree that may not be seen in MLS for years to come. While it wasn't enough to earn a playoff berth, his performance turned the heads of many who thought his career was over.

Omar Cummings (Colorado Rapids) -- A striker who isn't the leading scorer on his own club is the best in the league? My answer? Take a glance at highlights from the 2009 Rapids' season. Note how many goals Cummings both assisted on, and created either via the build-up play or a penalty. Along with the 12 assists he created, Conor Casey gets a fraction of his goals if not for the play of his Jamaican teammate.

2009 MLS Best XI

Goalkeeper: Zach Thornton

Defenders: Geoff Cameron, Wilman Conde, Chad Marshall

Midfielders: Dwayne De Rosario, Landon Donovan, Stuart Holden, Shalrie Joseph, Freddie Ljungberg

Forwards: Conor Casey, Jeff Cunningham