The goals were flowing in MLS this past week, with many multiple-goal scorers making their case for Best XI recognition and some not making the cut.
Landon Donovan's three goals and two assists helped carry the resurgent Los Angeles Galaxy; Alan Gordon had a hand in all four San Jose Earthquakes goals during wins over Colorado and Real Salt Lake; and Danny Koevermans and Will Bruin each scored three goals over the course of two games.
Defenders even got into the scoring mix, with Heath Pearce salvaging a point for the New York Red Bulls in a mid-week draw with Vancouver, and Brandon Barklage following that up with the first two goals of his career in a win over the Red Bulls' rival and his former club, D.C. United.
It was not just about the goal-scorers this past week, though. Carlos Valdes was dominant in the back to spearhead the Philadelphia Union's clean sheet against Sporting Kansas City, and Sean Johnson was stellar in the face of Columbus Crew pressure with his team down a man for more than an hour in the Chicago Fire's win Saturday night.
Here is SBI's MLS Best XI for Week 16:
SBI MLS Best XI: Week 16
———Will Bruin——-Danny Koevermans——-Alan Gordon——-
—-Mike Magee———–Patrice Bernier———Landon Donovan—-
–Todd Dunivant–Heath Pearce—Carlos Valdes–Brandon Barklage–
——————————–Sean Johnson——————————
HONORABLE MENTION — Matt Pickens, Justin Morrow, Jason Hernandez, David Horst, Ashtone Morgan, Felipe, Dax McCarty, Brad Davis, Chris Pontius, Marco Pappa, Chris Wondolowski, Jack McInerney
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What do you think of this week's selections? Is there anybody else that you think merited Best XI or honorable mention that didn't get the nod?
Share your thoughts below.