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MLS Players to Watch in 2016

By Zach Lahey

May 3, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC forward Khiry Shelton (19) in action against the Seattle Sounders FC during the second half of a soccer game at Yankee Stadium. The Sounders FC defeated the New York City FC 3 - 1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC forward Khiry Shelton (19) in action against the Seattle Sounders FC during the second half of a soccer game at Yankee Stadium. The Sounders FC defeated the New York City FC 3 - 1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2015 season brought a lot of promising performances for many players in the league. The question is which players will carry those showings into 2016? This is my take on the players to watch in Major League Soccer next season.

Khiry Shelton

Shelton was the 2nd overall pick in last years MLS SuperDraft. He was selected by New York City FC, and they had very high hopes for him this season. He made 15 appearances and only had one goal all season.

Shelton was sidelined for most of the season with a knee injury. Despite the injury, Shelton was a great player off the bench for New York earlier  in the season. He brought energy and speed to the club. The expectations that were set in 2015, you can expect to be reached in 2016.

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Jesse Gonzalez

Gonzalez was the 10th homegrown player signed in FC Dallas history. He was mainly the backup goalkeeper for most of the season. Gonzalez was loaned out to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in August. He was then asked back to the squad at the end of the season.

He made a total of ten appearances for the organization. He played a key role in making it to the Western Conference semifinals. He showed that he was the first string goalkeeper, and proved it when the big moments came. Expect him to be a top goalkeeper in 2016.

Nov 29, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez (44) in game action against the Portland Timbers in the second half of leg two of the Western Conference championship at Toyota Stadium. The matched ends in 2-2 draw. The Timbers advance on aggregate goals. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez (44) in game action against the Portland Timbers in the second half of leg two of the Western Conference championship at Toyota Stadium. The matched ends in 2-2 draw. The Timbers advance on aggregate goals. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Dairon Asprilla

Asprilla is a very interesting player in this list. He is a winger for the Portland Timbers and helped them win MLS Cup. In the playoffs, he had one goal and three assists.

What makes him an interesting player is this was his first real contribution to Portland. It will be interesting to see if he can continue this success into 2016. Especially with Lucas Melano coming a long as Caleb Porter expected. If he carries over that success, he will be an outstanding player in MLS.

Matt Polster

Polster appeared in 30 games for the Chicago Fire in 2015. The Fire did not have a great season, but the organization should be very excited about Polster. Polster had a great rookie campaign.

This kid is the real deal and every Chicago fan can expect big things from him in 2016. An outstanding defender, he has a bright future ahead. I predict a United States call up in the next year or so.

Andre Blake

Blake was selected first overall by the Philadelphia Union in 2014. He spent most of his Major League Soccer career on the bench, until he end of the 2015 season. He set a Union team record with ten saves against the New England Revolution in September.

He has been a regular selection for the Jamaican National Team. He has cemented his spot as the starting goalkeeper for his country. Look for him to do the same for the Philadelphia Union in 2016. This top prospect has a lot of potential going in to next season. 2016 looks very bright for the young Blake.

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