MLS Best XI (Week 4)

Here goes my take on the MLS Best XI for the past week. Among those who will NOT be on the list: Carlos "more cards than goals" Ruiz, Nick "how much does the USL pay these days" Rimando or Amado "if I push the ref I can leave early" Guevara.

GK- Kevin Hartman, Wizards- Two shutouts in a week not bad at all, even if they came against Toronto FC

D- Hunter Freeman, Red Bulls- His rapid rise continues with first career MLS goal.

D- Carlos Mendes, Red Bulls- One of the league's most underrated defenders, Mendes was rock-solid vs. FC Dallas.

D- Marcos Gonzalez, Crew- Ezra Hendrickson scored the game-winner but Gonzalez has emerged as the Crew's anchor in the back.

D- Michael Harrington, Wizards- Rookie of the year front-runner keeps turning heads with his attacking qualities.

M- Ned Grabavoy, Crew- A career-year in the making continues for the diminutive midfielder.

M- Claudio Reyna, Red Bulls- One of several standout performances in the Red Bulls central midfield.

M- Shalrie Joseph, Revolution- He keeps delivering the goods despite unhappiness with his contract.

M- Kyle Beckerman, Rapids- Young national team prospect delivers a quality goal and nice overall performance.

F- Landon Donovan, Galaxy- When his teammates give him support, Donovan can still destroy MLS defenses.

F- Eddie Johnson, Wizards- He is doing well early on but tougher opponents await.

I would list an honorable mention but I'm off to Red Bulls practice. Feel free to offer some up (Chris Armas, Dave Van Den Bergh, Andy Gruenebaum are just a few I can think of that almost made the cut.)

Comments

[Tim]

I thought Taylor Twellman played decent against FC Dallas.

[Trex]

I second that Tim. He is definately honerable mention if not best XI.

[Gilbert]

I would think Joe Cannon would have to be at least honorable mention. He certainly faced stiffer competition in 1 game vs. Chivas than Kevin Hartman did in 2 vs. TFC.

[sidenetting]

Well deserved for EJ. I would be surprised if he falters with better competition. I can't believe I'm writing this but I think he's back.

On semi-related topic, I'm looking to move up the ranks in the SBI league for MLS fantasy. HOWEVER, I'm currently not getting credit for both of EJ's games last week, as well as the two Dallas games (although they don't amount to many points). Is MLS fantasy totally screwed up or will I (and everyone else) get these points?

[Uncle Dave]

sidenetting -

did you not have a complete squad this week?

[Uncle Dave]

HEY WAIT! MY EJ DIDNT GET POINTS EITHER!!!!!! Sidenetting is right!

[Joamiq]

I've got 146 EJ points for last week. I'm hopeful that he'll be able to carry this over to the rest of the season... but I'm doubtful.

[Matt]

Twellman...........? All he does is continue to be a "consistent finisher" putting the ball in the back of the net---albeit with solid set-up from Ralston & Shalrie.
Still----he DOES actually FINISH consistently...which is more than can be said for many other U.S. counterparts.
Matt

[Uncle Dave]

the 146 points is right, thats what i have. the error is that they have johnson listed as having 2 79 point days, when that wasnt the case. but the total is correct. that is what was happening.

[Adam]

Armas looked good against the Dynamo, but Jimmy Curtin seems to be the rock of the defense.

[undrafted]

5 players from the NY-CLB game? well at least it's under half the team

[EmorySoccer]

Ives, have you considered doing ABC's "Dancing with the Stars"? They're in dire need of a soccer personality...

Long time no post from yours truly. NYC is kicking my @ss man. Too many hours of work. Yikesss

[EssEff]

EJ was very unimpressive. He should have scored five, but we've all seen that before. Harrington, however, really impressed me. Taking guys on and his speed of thought and play right up there.

[Andrew]

donovan in there at best eleven forward instead of twellman is kinda nuts... TT's goal against dallas was a thing of beauty