Votes are in and big names are out of the MLS Best XI roster in what has been a season with multiple "legends" landing a spot in Major League Soccer Team. From David Villa's efforts with New York City FC and Kaka's leadership in Orlando City SC and Didier Drogba's hot streak late in the season, it was not enough.
This may proove that the level of the Major League Soccer is growing and that it is not easy even for European stars to shine in what many call a "retirement league". This year, this professional soccer league celebrates its 20th season, and it did with record attendance to games.
Man by Man
Luis Robles: This New York Red Bulls goalkeeper was previously names Allstate Goalkeeper of the Year. It is his third consecutive season as the starter for this Red Bulls team and the first one in wich he is selected to this elite group. The club reached a record of 18 wins throughout the season.
Laurent Ciman: Didier Drogba's teammate and the only player from Montral Impact to make this list has already earned a selection to the All-Star game earlier this season. Through his leadership, Montreal only allowed 44 goals this season, 14 less than last season. This player started in 27 games for his team.
Matt Hedges: Every year that goes by this FC Dallas defender keeps getting better and better. During the season, Hedges earned his first call-up to the USMNT. His high level helped Dallas' defense allow only 39 goals throughout the season. He was considered as a starter for Oscar Pareja in 30 games this year.
Kendall Watson: Closing up the defense is Vancouver Whitecaps' Watson. The Canadian team was in the lead of the Western Conference for most part of the season. By the end of the regular season, their defense was the best in the league. Watson played in 28 games and scored two goals for his team, earning his first Best XI selection.
Dax McCarty: This 28-year-old player was the captain of the Supporters’ Shield winners NYRB. It has been his best season in the MLS out of the ten he has played in it. Throughout the season McCarty scored in three years, and set a career high with eight assists.
Benny Feilhaber: This 30-year-old player finished what may be his best season ever by scoring 10 goals and deliverin 15 assists. His performances were pretty solid during most of the year and that earned him a spot in the All-Star game. Now, he has been selected to the Best XI for the first time ever.
Fabian Castillo: Castillo may have dissapeared towards the end of the season and ended up being only one goal shy of his personal record of ten goals scored in a single season. This Colombian player did get the chance to debut with his national team this Fall and was important to help FC Dallas lead the Western Conference.
Sebastian Giovinco: Giovinco's popularity has sky-rocketed from the moment the season started. He was a very impressive player and showed that his time with Juventus was well spent. Toronto's best player is the first player from the team to be selected to the Best XI since 2010. Gio was the leading scorer out of the entire league with 22 goals and 16 assists, which would also make him the leader in that department.
Kei Kamara: Out of all the players in this list, Kamara is the only one still alive in the MLS 2015 season. Kamara finished the regular season tied with Giovinco in number of goals (22) and was the leader of the team with the best offense in the entire league (58).Kei is closing up a decade in the MLS with his first Best XI call.
Robbie Keane: Member of the 2014 MLS Champions, Robbie Keane is the only member of the LA Galaxy in this list. The team, that had Steven Gerrard and Giovanni dos Santos as two of their biggest signings, were not able to help Keane return to the MLS Cup Final. For him this is his fourth Best XI selection and he earned it with 20 goals in 24 games while adding eight assists.
WATCH: We present to you the "Best XI" players in the MLS
We're proud to present the 2015 MLS Best XI: https://t.co/M4iCIA1C9S https://t.co/6Ns6BYTjV2
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 29, 2015