Photo by ISIPhotos.com
With all the retirements of long-time MLS standouts in 2010 there has been some concern over who would take their places. If the members of SBI's MLS Under-23 Best XI show anything, it is that the league has plenty of young talent ready to take over.
Omar Gonzalez may be the only player 23 or younger to make the actual MLS Best XI, but there were plenty of young players who had good enough seasons to merit consideration. From Fredy Montero and Steve Zakuani in Seattle to George John at FC Dallas and Tim Ream in New York.
With that in mind, here are my selections for the best players 23 and under in MLS in 2010:
SBI MLS Under-23 Best XI
1st TEAM
GK- Sean Johnson, Chicago Fire
D- Omar Gonzalez, Los Angeles Galaxy
D- Tim Ream, New York Red Bulls
D- George John, FC Dallas
M- Steve Zakuani, Seattle Sounders
M- Will Johnson, Real Salt Lake
M- Juninho, Los Angeles Galaxy
M- Brek Shea, FC Dallas
M- Marco Pappa, Chicago Fire
F- Fredy Montero, Seattle Sounders
F- Justin Braun, Chivas USA
2nd TEAM
GK- Bill Hamid, D.C. United
D- Nana Attakora, Toronto FC
D- Zack Loyd, FC Dallas
D- Kevin Alston, New England
M- Andy Najar, D.C. United
M- Eric Alexander, FC Dallas
M- Michael Stephens, Los Angeles Galaxy
M- Emmanuel Ekpo, Columbus Crew
M- Dax McCarty, FC Dallas
F- Danny Mwanga, Philadelphia Union
F- Teal Bunbury, Kansas City Wizards
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(Yes, I dropped Andy Najar off the first team and forgot to put him back on the second team (hence the picture in the original post). He was in line for a first-team spot but lost out to the five midfielders listed. He's back on the list as a second-team selection).
What do you think of the squad? Is anybody missing who should be on the first or second team?
Share your thoughts below.