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Top 5 Underrated Players In Major League Soccer

By Zach Lahey

Sep 26, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; New York City FC goalkeeper Josh Saunders (12) reacts during the second half against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. The New York City FC won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; New York City FC goalkeeper Josh Saunders (12) reacts during the second half against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. The New York City FC won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Year after year, many players get overlooked for their tremendous efforts during the season. The superstars of the game get all the spotlight. These players are known to be underrated. Here is my take on the top 5 underrated players in Major League Soccer.

5. Damien Perrinelle

After only making two appearances in 2014 under Mike Petke, Perrinelle excelled in 2015.  He made 29 appearances and scored two goals this season for the New York Red Bulls. Perrinelle was an exceptional center-back for New York.

Many people overlook him, when players like Dax McCarty and Luis Robles get recognition. Perrinelle was the best defender on New York’s back line. He prevented great strikers such as Kei Kamara and David Villa from scoring.

4. Kellyn Acosta

Acosta made 21 appearances in 2015, totaling three goals and five assists. Only twenty years old, Acosta has been a vital part of the FC Dallas organization. He is a versatile player. He has seen time at outside back, outside midfield, and central midfield.

This season his home was outside midfield where he tormented defenders with his speed.  Acosta is a great young player who will be very important for Dallas in the upcoming years.

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3. Jeff Larentowicz

Larentowicz had an extremely tough 2015 season. The Chicago Fire had the worst season in their club history. Even though the Fire preformed horribly, Larentowicz had a good season besides being overlooked due to his clubs bad performance.

He had a total of 29 appearances and 6 goals. He was the captain of the Fire. Due to a coaching switch, Larentowicz moved from central midfield to the back line. Larentowicz has had a great career and was extremely overlooked this past campaign.

Oct 25, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Fire midfielder Jeff Larentowicz (20) before the game against the New York Red Bulls at Toyota Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Fire midfielder Jeff Larentowicz (20) before the game against the New York Red Bulls at Toyota Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jorge Villafana 

Villafan appeared in 39 matches for the Portland Timbers in 2015. He was a key part in the winning of the MLS Cup. Villafana played outstanding in that game, shutting down the likes of Kei Kamara and Ethan Finlay.

Behind Chris Tierney and Kemar Lawrence, he is the best left back in Major League Soccer . After the MLS Cup, everyone was talking about Valeri , Adi, and Porter. They should have been talking about Villafana. Sadly, Villafana will not be in Major League Soccer next year due to be trading to Santos Laguna.

1. Josh Saunders

In 2015, New York City FC began their first season in club history. They acquired the likes of David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, and Frank Lampard. A lot of fans believed that NYCFC was going to have a great year. They were wrong. New York did not have the season they planned.

Many fans were cheering for Pirlo and Villa but they should have been praising Saunders. Saunders kept the club in so many games. Having European superstars on your team can cause some shadow over fantastic performance, just ask Luis Robles.

Many players got overlooked this past season. The one player who was shadowed the most was Saunders. Saunders preformed great every game and deserves the recognition for it.

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