MLS reveals 2013 Best XI

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  1. EPJr

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    MLS reveals 2013 Best XI, headlined by Portland Timbers trio
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    2013 MLS Best XI:
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    Donovan Ricketts Goalkeeper Portland Timbers Nationality: Jamaica
    A finalist for the Allstate Goalkeeper of the Year, Ricketts ranked among the league leaders in wins (13), goals-against average (0.97) and saves percentage (73 percent). The Jamaican international set MLS career highs in shutouts (14), saves (92) and minutes played (2,880) across 32 matches with the Portland Timbers. This is his second MLS Best XI selection.

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    José Gonçalves Defender New England Revolution Nationality: Portugal
    In his first MLS season, Gonçalves was named the 2013 MLS Defender of the Year and finalist for Newcomer of the Year. The dominating center back played every minute of the season while captaining a New England Revolution team that finished third-best in the league with a 1.12 goals against average. He also anchored a defense that accounted for a club-record 14 shutouts on the way to their first playoff appearance in four seasons. This is his first MLS Best XI selection.

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    Matt Besler Defender Sporting Kansas City Nationality: USA
    Last year’s Defender of the Year and finalist for this year’s award, Besler has established himself as one of the best central defenders in the League. He led a defense that allowed the fewest goals (30) this season, while contributing two assists. This is his second MLS Best XI selection.

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    Omar Gonzalez Defender LA Galaxy Nationality: USA
    A finalist for Defender of the Year and the youngest among this year’s Best XI selections, Gonzalez served as the backbone of the LA Galaxy defense starting 27 games this season. His consistent play helped the LA Galaxy keep 10 clean sheets in 2013. This is his third MLS Best XI selection.

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    Tim Cahill Midfielder New York Red Bulls Nationality: Australia
    In his first full MLS season, the two-time World Cup participant and English Premier League veteran was the driving force behind the New York Red Bulls Supporters’ Shield-winning season. Cahill scored 11 goals and added five assists, while starting 27 matches. This is his first MLS Best XI selection.

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    Will Johnson Midfielder Portland Timbers Nationality: Canada
    In his first season with the Timbers, Johnson scored a single-season career-high nine goals and added five assists. His strong play and leadership helped the Timbers claim the best record in the Western Conference (14-5-15), which included a 15-game unbeaten streak. This is his first MLS Best XI selection.

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    Diego Valeri Midfielder Portland Timbers Nationality: Argentina
    A finalist for Newcomer of the Year, Valeri signed with the Portland Timbers as a Designated Player before the start of the season from Argentina’s Club Atlético Lanús. The cunning playmaker led MLS in assists with 13 and added 10 goals, propelling the Timbers to an MLS club single-season record with 14 wins. This is his first MLS Best XI selection.

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    Graham Zusi Midfielder Sporting Kansas City Nationality: USA
    Zusi scored a single-season career-high six goals and tallied eight assists in 27 league appearances. The dynamic midfielder helped Sporting advance to MLS Cup and solidified his spot on the US national team. This is his second MLS Best XI selection.

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    Marco Di Vaio Forward Montreal Impact Nationality: Italy
    A finalist for the 2013Volkswagen MLS MVP Award, Di Vaio proved to be one of the most dangerous players in MLS this season. The vastly experienced Italian striker netted 20 goals for the Montreal Impact all from the run of play (no PK or free kicks), with five of those coming as game-winners. This is his first MLS Best XI selection.

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    Robbie Keane Forward LA Galaxy Nationality: Ireland
    A finalist for the 2013Volkswagen MLS MVP Award, Robbie Keane had one of the most complete performances of his career this season. The Irish international finished third in MLS with 11 assists and fourth in MLS with sixteen goals. The talented forward is Ireland’s all-time leader in goals and their current captain. This is his second MLS Best XI selection.

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    Mike Magee Forward Chicago Fire Nationality: USA
    A finalist for the 2013 Volkswagen MLS MVP Award, Mike Magee had a break out year finishing second in the league with 21 goals while adding four assists. After being traded from the LA Galaxy on May 25 to his hometown Chicago Fire side, Magee made an immediate impact, scoring seven goals in his first seven matches and led the team to a playoff berth. This is his first MLS Best XI selection.


    http://www.mlssoccer.com/mlscup/201...-2013-best-xi-headlined-portland-timbers-trio
     

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