GK- Zach Thornton (Chicago): The most consistent GK in MLS History not named Tony Meola, Zach Thornton was the 1998 GK of the Year after supplanting Jorge Campos as the starter in Chicago. Before leaving for Benfica in Portugal big Zach had a Goals Against Average of less than 1.2 in the regular season and of less than 1.05 in the playoffs. But his agility and commanding presence in the box that established him as one of MLS' best. Tim Howard might have supplanted him had he stayed in MLS long enough but Zach is a no brainer.

D-Ezra Hendrickson (LA/Dallas/DC/Chivas/Columbus)At right back, there is no one more qualified to be on this list than St. Vincent and Grenadines international Ezra Hendrickson. His constant attacking style out of the back helped LA establish itself as one of the best offensive teams in MLS but he brought a great physical presence and quickness that kept opposing midfielders at bay. Arguably the best two way defender in MLS History.

D-Robin Fraser (LA/Colorado/Columbus)A 5 time member of MLS' Best 11 and twice Defender of the Year, Robin Fraser should have been named to MLS' Best XI ahead of Marcelo Balboa. The man most responsible for marshalling LA's defense in its early years, he was a standout on an otherwise average Rapids team. Great positional sense and good man marker. Amazing he was never a consistent National Team player.

D-Eddie Pope(DC/NY-NJ) The quiet superstar, Eddie Pope established himself in the middle of DC's lineup in 1996 and has become one of the US's premiere defenders with a couple of MLS Best XI appearances and Defender of the Year award in 1997. Quick with his feet and his mind, he's one of the league's premiere one on one defenders. Only injuries have slowed him down but when healthy, he's as good as any defender to have played in MLS & was included on MLS' list.

D-Uche Okafor (KC)- Granted he played in the middle of the defense and you could make an argument for Francis Okaroh at outside back but the Nigerian international was too good not to be included. Strong and great in the air, he brought years of international experience to KC's sides. He WAS KC's defense before KC became a defensive force in the league and was rewarded with a championship in 2000.

MF-Ansil Elcock (Columbus)-HARD! MY CALLING CARD! Tough, tough player who was versatile enough to play both defense and midfield, Trinidad and Tobago international Ansil Elcock personified those early, tough as nails, "Hardest Working Team in MLS" sides that the Crew put together in its early years. Saw MLS' inagural season on TV in Trinidad and planted himself in the Crew starting lineup the next year. Few people got by him and had DC United been in another conference he would have had a couple of championship medals. Might be supplanted by Shalrie Joseph in a few years but right now, he's the defensive midfielder.

MF-DaMarcus Beasley (Chicago)-Hard to believe he was in the league for about 5 years but he kept getting better and better before Europe finally called. Tremendous breakaway speed coupled with the ability to get out of tough spots, RunDMB is also one of the mentally toughest players around. His goal scoring increased and his displays for Chicago and the US National Team netted him a long sought move to Europe with Holland's PSV Eindhoeven.

MF-Andrew Williams (Columbus/Miami/NE/NY/Chicago/RSL)-One of the most creative dribblers in the league, Jamaican International Andrew Williams has great on the ball skills and a deadly long range shot that seems to come out of nowhere. An underrated passer, he was the Team MVP in 2001 for New England. Has moved around a lot because he counts as a senior international & probably needs a championship to cement his place as one of MLS' best players but he's good enough for our list. Described by my boy Martin in San Diego as a poor man's JJ Okocha. : )

MF-Cobi Jones (LA) - One of the most recognizable faces in American soccer, Cobi has has provided leadership for LA since MLS' inception in 1996. A speedy player, he's primarily played on the right side of midfield but has been known to drift into the middle at times to create for strikers and has even played a few minutes at forward. With his international career soon coming to a close he can focus on bringing another championship to LA. Tony Sanneh may have an argument but Cobi's leadership for LA has resulted in two titles and cannot be questioned.

F-Roy Lassiter (Tampa/DC/Miami/KC)- The league's most underappreciated goal scorer, Roy left MLS as its all time leading scorer in points and goals scored. His 27 goals in MLS inagural season still stands as a record and contributed mightily in DC after the 1998 trade. Production tailed off a bit after being traded to Miami but he was a threat anytime he was on the field with his breakaway speed and his finishing ability in the box. Never got the respect he deserved but was the most dangerous scorer the league had in its first few seasons.

F-Stern John (Columbus)-Like a meteor, Stern John came and went with a flash. But while he was here, man, was this cat unstoppable. Scored 52 goals in 65 matches (!)with Columbus and just missed tying Roy Lassiter's single season goal mark in 98. Tremendous quickness, he had the words "Stern Turn" on MLS Fans lips for two years before moving to England. Had he stayed he would have owned every MLS Scoring mark in the book.

(Pictures from MLS, Soccergamenight, WSoccer, KC Wizards, Baywalk.net, Soccertimes)