In a year when foreign players took him many of Major League Soccer's top awards, and grabbed more than half the spots on MLS Best XI, it's easy to forget that several American players enjoyed strong seasons.
From Chris Wondolowski's Golden Boot-winning 18 goals, to Landon Donovan's latest stellar season, American players led the way for many of the top teams in the league this year, and while you could argue that foreign players are taking on a more prominent role in the league than ever thanks to the increased number of Designated Player slots, American players continue to play key roles.
So who were the best American players in MLS this season? Here are SBI's choices for the MLS All-American Best XI:
SBI All-American MLS Best XI
1st Team
GK-Kevin Hartman
D- Heath Pearce
D- Omar Gonzalez
D- Tim Ream
D- Nat Borchers
M- Landon Donovan
M- Bobby Convey
M- Daniel Hernandez
M- Jeff Larentowicz
F- Chris Wondolowski
F- Edson Buddle
2nd Team
GK- Nick Rimando
D- Chad Marshall
D- Drew Moor
D- George John
D- Sean Franklin
M- Brad Davis
M- Eddie Gaven
M- Kyle Beckerman
M- Pablo Mastroeni
F- Conor Casey
F- Justin Braun
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Some thoughts,
The criteria for the All-American Best XI is simple. If you're eligible to play for the U.S. national team right now then you're eligible.
No, there is no natural left back on either the first or second team, but if you can find a quality American left back in MLS let me (and Bob Bradley) know. Yes, you can make a case for Jonathan Bornstein, but I felt these other defenders had better seasons.
We tapped into the deep pool of American defensive midfielders, selecting two each for both first and second teams. Good cases can be made for all four being first-team worthy.
Similar can be said for centerbacks. There wasn't much separating Tim Ream, Chad Marshall, George John, Nat Borchers or Marvell Wynne, who just missed the cut for us.
Yes, I went with Hartman over Rimando on this squad. That isn't a change brought on by playoff performances. Hartman had my Goalkeeper of the Year vote since the regular season ended. You can't go wrong with either though.
I do reserve the right to make a change if there's a player who I just plain forgot who I feel should be on one of these teams. I'm also willing to listen to arguments for people.
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What do you think of the selections? Who didn't make first team that you thought should have? What player is missing from both teams that you felt deserved mention?
Share your thoughts below.