By Ridge Mahoney
Soccer America Magazine
Senior Editor
Now that the regular season has concluded, The Confidential recognizes the standouts:
MVP
1. JAIME MORENO: Without the classiest ball-handler in the league, D.C. would have been shoulder-to-shoulder with New England.
2. BRIAN CHING: Size and mobility add greatly to Quakes' attack.
3. JOE CANNON: A great season of brilliant saves, consistency, and nary a soft goal.
DEFENDER OF THE YEAR
1. ROBIN FRASER: Crew often starts three rookies, yet plays with poise thanks to his leadership.
2. JIM CONRAD: Wizards funny man has been a serious force in the middle.
3. RYAN NELSEN: Imposing tackler, fierce competitor, respected leader only played 17 games.
GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR
1. JOE CANNON: He's the reason low-scoring Rapids are in the hunt.
2. JON BUSCH: He added maturity to his amazing athleticism.
3. TONY MEOLA: Excellent season marred by Achilles' injury.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
1. CHAD MARSHALL: How else would Columbus be atop the East playing with three in the back?
2. CLINT DEMPSEY: Gives the Revs punch no matter where he lines up.
3. JOSHUA GROS: Flank flyer has tremendous promise.
COACH OF THE YEAR
1. BOB GANSLER: Kansas City topped the West despite missing several stars for big chunks of the season.
2. GREG ANDRULIS: Remade the Crew — without Brian McBride –with astounding results.
3. PETER NOWAK: Improved D.C.'s record by a few points and amid the Freddy Furor revamped a team in chaos.
BEST XI
G – Joe Cannon. D – Ryan Nelsen, Robin Fraser, Jim Conrad. MF – Landon Donovan, Simon Elliott, Kerry Zavagnin, Amado Guevara, Ronnie O'Brien. F – Brian Ching, Jaime Moreno.
UNSUNG XI
G – Henry Ring. D – Tyrone Marshall, Nick Garcia, Antonio de la Torre, Mike Petke. MF – Diego Gutierrez, Ramiro Corrales, Jack Jewsbury, Sasha Victorine. F – Davy Arnaud, John Wolyniec.
FUTURE XI
G – Troy Perkins. D – Chad Marshall, Ryan Cochrane, Jeff Parke. MF – Joshua Gros, Danny Szetela, Brian Carroll, Clint Dempsey, Eddie Gaven. F – Jordan Cila, Freddy Adu.
MORE TIME NEXT YEAR XI
G — Troy Perkins. D – Taylor Graham, Ricky Lewis, David Stokes. MF – Craig Capano, Gilberto Flores, Andy Dorman, Alexandre Boucicaut. F – Andy Herron, Erick Scott, Matt Taylor.
Let us know what you think of Ridge Mahoney's picks – please include your name and hometown – by writing us at: letters@socceramerica.com