Every year, MLS teams scan the globe in search of talent to help boost their rosters, and in some cases, they come back with real gems.
The 2012 season saw its fair share of standout newcomers, and while we didn’t see an influx of high-priced superstars, we did see several top teams add key pieces that have helped them make a push at an MLS Cup title.
San Jose centerback Victor Bernardez, Seattle goalkeeper Michael Gspurning and Houston midfielder Oscar Boniek Garcia were all key to their team’s successes during the regular season, and will all be important heading into this week’s conference playoff semifinal second legs.
All three are members of the SBI MLS All-Newcomer Best XI. We have selected the MLS newcomers (not including rookies) who have made the biggest impacts this season. The squad is based on positions, otherwise we could have had 7-8 midfielders on this list.
Here is SBI’s MLS All-Newcomer Best XI:
SBI MLS All-Newcomer Best XI
————-Jairo Arrieta——-Saer Sene——————-
Felipe Martins———————–Oscar Boniek Garcia
————-Patrice Bernier—-Jaime Castrillon———-
Luis Zapata—————————————–Y.P. Lee
————Arne Friedrich—-Victor Bernardez———
———————Michael Gspurning——————-
HONORABLE MENTION– Markus Holgersson, Matteo Ferrari, Marcelo Sarvas, Federico Higuain, Lee Nguyen, Blas Perez, Marco DiVaio, Sherjill MacDonald.
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What do you think of our All-Newcomer Best XI selections? Who didn’t make the squad that you feel should have? (And no, we’re not above making a change to our squad). Who are you happy to see make the team?
Share your thoughts below.