MLS Multiplex 2016 Team of the Year

Our analysts and writers weigh on on who they believe were the strongest players of the year in Major League Soccer.

Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; An overall view of the stadium during the first half between the Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders in the 2016 MLS Cup at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

After an extremely exciting MLS season with many captivating storylines (Zach Scott retiring a champion? A 15-year-old professional player? Colorado going from the bottom to the top of the table in a year, and Seattle doing it in a season?), the dust has finally settled, and we resolve ourselves to wait for the start of the next season, with only transfer rumors to hold us over.

So it now seems appropriate to release our writers’ vote on your MLS Starting XI of the regular season! Did your favorite players make it in? We’ll start with our voters pick for best keeper of the year.

Goalkeeper: Stefan Frei, Seattle Sounders FC, #24

Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei (24) leaps to make a save on a header from Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (not pictured) during extra time in the 2016 MLS Cup at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Goalkeeper was a hotly contested position, with Stefan Frei narrowly claiming entry to the Best XI of the season. His late game heroics in the MLS Cup (pictured) most likely boosted his vote count, but make no mistake; Frei made a habit of “ Seattle in numerous games this season”, and he was considered “criminally overlooked”.