My MLS 2009 All-Rookie team

by Steve Davis on Nov 12, 2009 11:27 AM EST Comment 2 comments

The best of brightest of a youthful MLS

Major League Soccer will announce its Rookie of the Year today. And while I expect big L.A. Galaxy center back Omar Gonzalez to claim the honor, there really are a number of worthy candidates. Even with three clubs coming on-line over the next two years – translation: more opportunities for good, young players – I really can’t see another class developing with so many talented and valued newbies.

When you click through, you’ll see my All-Rookie team for the landmark 2009 MLS rookie class. There really were some tough choices, too. I’ll give you a little hint on who is / isn’t on the list by naming some skillful young men who didn’t make it. You won't find Baggio Husidic from Chicago, who started at the end of the season and more than held his own. Nor will you spot Dallas center backs George John and U.S. under-20 captain Kyle Davies. I’m telling you right now, those two young up-and-comers are better than what some teams have starting at center back right now (and they represent an upgrade from what Dallas began with in 2009.) And A.J. DeLaGarza, the Galaxy's second-best rookie defender, couldn't squeeze into the list.

One more quick thought: I know that a lot of people look at this blog and tune out immediately when the subject is “MLS.” I mean, your internet time is limited and valuable … and there are cats playing piano over on YouTube!

Seriously, I get it. For a lot of folks, MLS just doesn’t jingle their keys. But you might want to pay attention here, as a lot of the fellows you’ll see on the All-Rookie list represent some of the future of U.S. Soccer. So if you don't look at this list ... the terrorists win.

Daily Soccer Fix's 2009 All-Rookie team: (For you MLS players out there who read this blog ... and I know some of you do ... don't get too excited if you see your name here. There is NO CASH PRIZE involved with the award.)

Stefan Frei

(Toronto)

Kevin Alston Darrius Barnes Omar Gonzalez Matt Besler

(New Eng) (New Eng) (LA Galaxy) (KC)

Jeremy Hall Micheal Lahoud Rodney Wallace

(Red Bull NY) (Chivas USA) (DC United) Steve Zakuani

(Seattle)

Sam Cronin

(Toronto)

Chris Pontius

(DC United)

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Comments

on barnes and alston

glad that barnes and alston made it over de la garza, john, and davies. For me, they were the two best rookie defenders alongside gonzalez this year. real bright spots in an otherwise dim Revs season.

Barnes’ cool, calm nature at the back combined with Alston’s hussle, determination, and attacking quality make them two defenders that i hope the Revs hold onto for at least a few eyars.

by MMOMFAndrew on Nov 12, 2009 12:53 PM EST reply actions

Alston is the complete package

Alston had a really great game against Chicago last week. Chicago had no real penetration on Alston’s side, even Blanco was being frustrated by him. Point being, he knows how to jockey and tackle (and he’s fast!). He’s a pretty darn good defender. About the only weakness I’ve noticed with his game is in the air (he’s only 5’8"), which is probably why he’s an outside back. Of the rookie class, he’s the one I most expect to start becoming a regular call up for the USMNT within a couple years.

by PeterJH on Nov 12, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions