Omar Gonzalez and Robbie Keane named to MLS Best XI

Robbie Keane and Omar Gonzalez were the LA Galaxy players named to the MLS Best XI team, recognizing their top performances in the 2013 MLS season. This is the third nomination for Omar Gonzalez, and the second straight for Robbie Keane. The Galaxy were one of only three MLS teams with multiple nominees to the Best XI list, the others being Portland and Kansas City. MLS Cup participant Real Salt Lake went without a nominee.

The vote has multiple components with players and club officials weighing in as well as the media. As in any voted on award, name recognition plays a part and certainly Gonzalez' break out year with the national team helped him to Best XI status despite not having his best MLS year. That same factor saw Gonzalez finish third in Defender of the Year voting.

Robbie Keane is less controversial, as his MVP qualifying season has him up top with the other two MVP finalists. With 16 goals and 11 assists, one of only two players with double digits in both categories, and the only players in MLS with multiple hat tricks.

The complete Best XI is as follows:

Goalkeeper: Donovan Ricketts (Portland Timbers)
Defenders: Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Jose Goncalves (New England Revolution), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy)
Midfielders: Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls), Will Johnson (Portland Timbers), Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
Forwards: Marco Di Vaio (Montreal Impact), Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Mike Magee (Chicago Fire)