It hasn't been posted here yet so..... San Jose Earthquakes Forward Brian Ching named to MLS Best XI at Gala Awards Party. "The MLS Comeback Player of the Year, Ching ended the season as one of two winners of the MLS Golden Boot with 12 goals, after seeing his 2003 campaign end prematurely with a ruptured Achilles tendon that even delayed his return at the start of this season. The 26-year-old, named to the Best XI for the first time, also burst onto the scene at international level, scoring two goals in his first two World Cup qualifying appearances for the USA." Comeback Player of the Year, Golden Boot, and Best XI in the same year. Not too bad.
good for Brian. I'm still in shock that Donovan wasn't named. He made it the last 2 years? right? And I like Gaven but him making over Donovan? please.
Good for Brian. He showed well during a year when there were few individual standouts in goal-scoring (isn't this the lowest goal total for a scoring leader in MLS history?) I do believe that he deserves it more than LD this year, because he was more consistent. Also, Brian made an impact in the nats this year, and barring further injury should be a fixture for BA. All in all, he deserves the honor. I doubt you will hear much grumbling from other teams' partisans that he didn't, which is the true test.
I think the problem with Donovan being chosen is that half the time he was a forward, half the time he was a midfielder. Never got the chance to solidify and excel at either position. They didn't know where to vote to put him...so he doesn't make it. Although last year, he played forward virtually the whole year, and if I recall correctly, he got voted in as a midfielder. Doesn't make sense. But this is great for Chingy! Hope he continues to rise.