MLS WEEK 30 Best Playing XI
Donovan Ricketts, Los Angeles Galaxy:
This powerful Jamaican goalkeeper came up with a number of vital saves against a tough Dallas side in the game where Los Angeles needed at least one point to snatch the Supporters Shield.
Defenders
Kosuke Kimura, Colorado Rapids:
Kimura has been one of the most under-rated contributors to Colorado's passionate run to the playoffs this season, providing a self-assured presence at the right back. He proved his importance once again for Salt Lake on Saturday as his cross created Conor
Casey's goal.
Carlos Mendes, New York Red Bulls:
The 2-0 score line initially gives the idea that it was an easy game, but it wasn’t for the Red Bulls as Carlos Mendes made some important tackles and looked composed and confident throughout the game.
C.J. Brown, Chicago Fire:
C.J. Brown hung his boots on a long MLS career with a high note, as Chicago Fire thrashed Chivas USA 4-1. As he has done for most part of his 13 year career at MLS, he remained a steady and influential presence at the defence, making sure that he and fellow
retiree Brian McBride get a send-off that is worthy of their fabled and inspirational careers.
Ramiro Corrales, San Jose Earthquakes:
Even after making his first start after a two and a half month lay-off through injury, Corrales looked incredibly sharp, alert and fit in the game against Chivas USA, answering nearly everything that was thrown at him and holding the back well.
This ensured him a deserving spot in this week's best XI even after being on the receiving end of his team’s 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Kansas City on Saturday.
Midfielders
Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy:
Ricketts wasn’t the only top performer for Galaxy’s win against Dallas; the Galaxy had to thank Landon Donovan for a major performance which helped them claim the regular season title.
He set up David Beckham's equalizer first and was then involved in Juninho's game winning goal. The assist that set up Beckham, takes his total to 16 in 24 games.
Dwayne DeRosario, Toronto FC:
Another MLS veteran spoiled Jaime Moreno's send-off as DeRosario scored two well taken goals to help Toronto to a 3-2 win over D.C. United, thus finishing a season both teams would want to forget about as soon as possible.
Pablo Mastroeni, Colorado Rapids:
Mastroeni once again showed why he is one of the best defensive midfielders in MLS, as he made a steady and calm contribution to Colorado's midfield dominance against Real Salt Lake. He dispersed the ever-dangerous Lake offence with ease and played simple
yet accurate passes.
Freddie Ljungberg, Chicago Fire:
The Swede’s performance might just have convinced the Chicago board and management to stick with him for at least one more season after he stole the show in Brian McBride's last professional game.
The ex-Arsenal man notched his sixth and seventh assists for Chicago and scored a goal in by far his best performance for the Fire since his arrival from Seattle.
Forwards
Chris Wondolowski, San Jose Earthquakes:
It’s a good sign that Wondolowski is showing his form at just the right time for San Jose Earthquakes. He scored a hat-trick coming off the bench to give San Jose three points against Chivas USA before scoring a consolation goal against Kansas City to grab
the Golden Boot for being the top goal scorer in this season on Saturday.
If he keeps on playing the way he has been for the past 3 weeks, no MLS team should expect an easy ride against San Jose.
Birahim Diop, Kansas City Wizards:
The Senegalese striker has never been considered a goal machine, but when he starts scoring, he just can’t be stopped. A hat-trick against San Jose took his season tally to five goals, all of them in high goal scoring games.
He seems to have done enough to persuade the Wizards' management to let him stay for yet another season.
Bench warmers
Eddie Gaven, Columbus Crew
AJ DeLaGarza, Los Angeles Galaxy
Dane Richards, New York Red Bulls
Omar Cummings, Colorado Rapids
Brian McBride, Chicago Fire
Alvaro Saborio, Real Salt Lake
Jaime Moreno, D.C. United
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