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SBI MLS Best XI: Week 9

LandonDonovanBestXI (ISIPhotos.com)

Landon Donovan was at it again last week, finding the net and helping the Los Angeles Galaxy record another victory.

Donovan moved into first place on the MLS goal-scoring charts with his latest performance, and he also took up what has become a regular place on the SBI MLS Best XI.

Justin Braun made his debut on the Best XI, courtesy of his improbable hat-trick against New York. FC Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman made the squad courtesy of his two shutouts last week, while there were several other repeat selections in this week's eleven.

So who else made this week's squad? Here is SBI's MLS Best XI for Week Eight:

SBIMLSBestXIWeek8

HONORABLE MENTION- Stefan Frei, Jamison Olave, Jackson Goncalves, Marvell Wynne, Benny Feilhaber, Chris Pontius, Corben Bone, Juninho, Thierry Henry, Chad Barrett, Steven Lenhart

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Some thoughts:

There were A LOT of good midfield candidates this week, and in most other weeks players like Corben Bone and Benny Feilhaber would have made the cut.

Stefan Frei was a tough player to overlook this week. He was outstanding against Chicago, but Hartman's two shutouts won the day, and he also out-dueled Frei head-to-head.

Chad Barrett didn't score a goal, but his two assists in the big LA win were impressive. He still can't finish, but on that day he found other ways to contribute.

No, this eleven wouldn't function well as an actual team, but ONCE AGAIN, that's not the purpose of this exercise.

That's all for now. What do you think of the squad? Who made the team that you were happy to see be recognized? Who was left out that you felt deserved to be on the team?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. I will take the flip side of that.

    He has been 100% committed to MLS, unlike playing next to him ( when he shows up barely ever ).

    I can understand being annoyed by the constant talk when you have signed a contract and said you were going nowhere.

    I guess I would be a LOT more blunt…and yes I would play EA FIFA with the more free time.

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  2. The Fire is a completely new team this year. I’m encouraged with the youth and speed. Sometimes good young players don’t get much opportunity when aging former stars are brought in and given big contracts. Well, Corben Bone got his chance this week and made the most of it. He drew the foul that resulted in Pappa’s goal on the FK. Then he took on a defender in the box and made the pass for the second goal. And lastly he threaded the needle on a perfectly timed through pass to Paladini that should have been the winning goal except for a miracle save. I’m glad Ives also noticed even though Corben didn’t make the final XI.

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  3. An American owner invests millions of dollars into a club and specifies that he has set aside a specific amount of money to acquire Landon Donovan. How ludicrous that reporters dare waste Landon’s time by following up on such a thin lead. Don’t they realize they are cutting into Landon’s X-box live time?

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  4. Wondering if the Fire will ever have a player named to the Best XI …

    It’s a testament to the lackluster performances they have put together.

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  5. Great that lando is rounding into form right before the gold cup. Maybe the long layoff was just what he needed. As per usual for big tourneys, Demps and Lando are the key guys.

    Reply

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