Lee Nguyen Named to the MLS Best XI

It took months to get official confirmation that Lee Nguyen was an inactive MLS All Star. Fortunately, news that the New England Revolution lead scorer is a member of the MLS Best XI came at a much quicker rate.

On Tuesday, the 2014 MLS Best XI was revealed. The list includes legends like Landon Donovan, Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane as well as young talent like Bill Hamid and Omar Gonzalez. The attack-minded, and rarely used, 3-4-3 formation also featured Nguyen, a MLS MVP candidate.

This is Nguyen’s first time being named to the MLS Best XI. The nomination shouldn’t come as surprise, however, as the 28-year-old’s 18 goals are the most scored in a single season by a pure midfielder in MLS history. Nguyen also played provider this year as made evident by his five assists, the second-best on the Revolution.

Nguyen’s exceptional season caught the attention of US National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who gave the midfielder his first cap since 2007. Although he only played 12 minutes in his re-debut, Nguyen has stated that a January call up should be on the horizon.

Nguyen expressed his excitement in regards to being named to the Best XI by sending the following tweet:

So many great players with great seasons to pick from this year. It's an honor to be named Best XI amongst these guys! #MLS #NERevs

— Lee Nguyen (@LeeNguyen24) December 2, 2014

Below is the full list of the players named to the 2014 MLS Best XI:

Goalkeeper – Bill Hamid (D.C. United)

Defender – Chad Marshall (Seattle Sounders FC)

Defender – Bobby Boswell (D.C. United)

Defender – Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy)

Midfielder – Lee Nguyen (New England Revolution)

Midfielder – Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)

Midfielder – Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers)

Midfielder – Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)

Forward – Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy)

Forward – Bradley Wright-Phillips (New York Red Bulls)

Forward – Obafemi Martins (Seattle Sounders FC)