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LOS ANGELES -- The 2004 Major League Soccer Best XI was announced Saturday night on the eve of MLS Cup 2004 between D.C. United and the Kansas City Wizards. The winners were named at the MLS Gala Awards Party, which was held at Universal Studios Globe Theater in Hollywood, Calif.
The MetroStars led all teams with three selections, while this year's MLS Cup participants each had two men earn the honor. Rounding out the squad of top players is one selection each from the Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, Dallas Burn and San Jose Earthquakes.
The 2004 MLS Best XI
GOALKEEPER
Joe Cannon - Colorado Rapids
It should come as no surprise to see Cannon as a member of this elite group. The experienced 'keeper picked up the 2004 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award Friday. Cannon's heroics in the Rapids' net helped to thrust his struggling side into the playoffs. Despite averaging less than a goal a game, Colorado was able to finish in third place in the Western Conference, thanks in no small measure to Cannon's superb play between the pipes.
DEFENDERS
Robin Fraser - Columbus Crew
This veteran back had one of his finest MLS seasons in 2004. While captaining the Crew, he led his side to an MLS record 18-game unbeaten streak in the second half of the season. Fraser's fine form also helped the Crew capture their first-ever Supporters Shield, awarded to the club with the best regular season record. His understanding of the game and ability to anticipate what will happen next thwarted countless attacks from the opposition.
Ryan Nelsen - D.C. United
New Zealand international and United captain Nelsen makes his second appearance in the MLS Best XI in as many years. Widely regarded as one of the top defenders in the league, Nelsen led both vocally and by example during the 2004 campaign. He stood as the rock in the center of D.C.'s three-man defensive line that crushed numerous assaults, helping to push United into their first MLS Cup since 1999.
Eddie Pope - MetroStars
In his ninth season, Pope proved that he is still one of the best at what he does. The North Carolina native joins Nelsen as a back-to-back Best XI member, capturing the honor for the fourth time in his illustrious career (1997, 1998, 2003, 2004). Still a regular on the U.S. national team, Pope seems to only get better with age. He also received the Kraft MLS Fair Play award this season.
Jimmy Conrad - Kansas City Wizards
The ever-present Conrad helps to solidify what many considered to be the top defense in 2004. He missed only one game this season for the Wizards. Conrad's speed and size (6-foot-2, 185 lbs.) make him one of the most difficult defenders to beat one-on-one. He also is very strong in the air, making him an attacking threat on corner kicks and set pieces.
MIDFIELDERS
Eddie Gaven - MetroStars
The inclusion of this 18-year-old in the Best XI caps a spectacular sophomore season for the local product from Hamilton, N.J. Gaven had a breakout year with the MetroStars, ratcheting up 21 points on seven goals and seven assists, good enough for third place for his club. He was a regular for the Metros this season after serving mostly as a reserve in 2003. In fact, he only missed one game for the "Red and Black" in 2004 and all of his 29 regular-season appearances were as a starter. Gaven even caught the eye of U.S. national team head coach Bruce Arena, who called him in and gave him his first full cap on July 11 in a friendly vs. Poland.
Kerry Zavagnin - Kansas City Wizards
Another man whose consistent success in the top domestic league impressed the U.S. boss is Zavagnin. The Wizards' defensive midfielder served as the first line of defense for Kansas City, while his composure on the ball and smart passing helped to begin many of his side's lightning-quick counterattacks. However, he is best known for his no-nonsense approach to the game -- not necessarily doing things in the most appealing way, but getting the job done right.
Amado Guevara - MetroStars
Also named this year's Most Valuable Player and Budweiser Scoring Leader co-champion, the Honduran international had a splendid outing in 2004. Guevara's 30 points from 10 goals and 10 assists were tops for both his team and the league (tied with Pat Noonan of the New England Revolution). Guevara also won MVP honors at the 2004 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game in Washington, D.C.
Ronnie O'Brien - Dallas Burn
The last man to ever represent the Dallas Burn in an MLS Best XI is O'Brien. The Dubliner had a spectacular season in 2004, which was particularly special after he missed the bulk of 2003 with a broken leg. He started in 29 games this season, raking in 14 points from two goals and 10 assists. O'Brien proved to be one of the most dangerous flank players in MLS, as he constantly buzzed up and down the sideline with great pace and crossing ability.
FORWARDS
Brian Ching - San Jose Earthquakes
Major League Soccer's first Hawaiian player burst onto the scene in 2004 with a league- high 12 goals (tied with Eddie Johnson of Dallas). Ching's partnership with Landon Donovan helped make San Jose's forward tandem one of the most dangerous in the league. He battled hard throughout the last off-season to overcome a torn Achilles tendon, making a fast recovery to help San Jose return to the playoffs in 2004. He also was named the 2004 MLS Comeback Player of the Year.
Jaime Moreno - D.C. United
Many thought that Moreno would never be the same after a disappointing season with the MetroStars in 2003 and a back injury that threatened to end his career. But D.C. United gave their old great another chance and he didn't disappoint. A finalist for the league's MVP award, Moreno proved that he is still one of the most gifted players around. His versatility as both a finisher and a creator make him one of the most feared attacking players in MLS. He led the league in assists with 14 and also scored seven goals. Moreno's 28 points was tied for second in place on the Budweiser Scoring Leaders list.
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
