MLS Playoffs: Best XI From First-Leg Of Action

The first leg of action in the 2014 MLS Playoffs concluded last night with FC Dallas drawing with the Seattle Sounders 1-1. After an exciting and dynamic opening round of the 2014 MLS Playoffs which players stood out to you as the Best XI? Did one player stand out above the rest or were their several players that proved invaluable to their respective club?rnrn Bradley Wright-Phillips scored just one goal in the first-leg of competition against DC United , but also scored twice against Sporting Kansas City in the knock-out round to send his team through. His presence on the field makes everyone around him better, especially since he has learned from Thierry Henry . The one-two punch of Henry and Wright-Phillips makes it next to impossible to slow down if you are opposing defenses.rnrn[related-category]rnrnWhat about Nick Rimando of Real Salt Lake ? Did his shut-out against the LA Galaxy give him enough boast to make the Best XI? Rimando and his defense allowed just three shots from the Galaxy, while their offense kept Galaxy goalkeeper Jamie Penedo busy all night long.rnrnEvery club gets a week to rest and game plan for the second-leg of competition that begins on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 pm eastern as DC United host the New York Red Bulls . The action continues on Sunday afternoon with the New England Revolution taking on the Columbus Crew at 4 pm eastern.rnrnPlaying for 90 has our Best XI for the first round of the 2014 MLS Playoffs. Check it out and let us know your thoughts about our selections.rnrn[subscribe]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_374580" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Nov 2, 2014; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles (31) makes a save during first half against the D.C. United at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rnrn Goalkeeper: Luis Robles, New York Red Bulls rnrnRobles recorded two shutouts within four days. One against defending MLS Cup winners, Sporting Kansas City and one against Eastern Conference leaders, DC United. The Red Bulls head to DC on November 8 and hope to close out a damaged United side.rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_374581" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Nov 1, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew midfielder Ethan Finlay (13) tackles the ball away from New England Revolution defender/midfielder Chris Tierney (8) in the second half of the game at Crew Stadium. New England Revolution beat the Columbus Crew by the score of 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rnrn Defenders: Chris Tierney (New England), Jamison Olave (New York), AJ DeLagarza (LA Galaxy) &amp; Nate Borchers (RSL) rnrnAll four defenders listed above played exceptionally well during the opening round of play. Tierney scored a beautiful goal against the Crew, while Olave helped his club to back-to-back shut out victories. AJ and Borchers also guided their respective clubs to shut-outs, setting-up the final match of the Conference semi-finals to be really exciting.rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_374582" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Nov 2, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; FC Dallas midfielder Michel (31) after his penalty kick goal vs Seattle Sounders FC during the first half at Toyota Stadium. Seattle and FC Dallas tied 1-1. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rnrn Midfielders: Michel (FC Dallas), Lee Nguyen (New England) &amp; Ozzio Alonso (Seattle) rnrnEach player scored at least one goal for their respective club in the first round of action. FCD needs Michel to keep his form going into a tough match against Seattle, in Seattle. Nguyen scored New England's third goal of the match against Columbus to help seal the victory. Alonso scored the crucial game-tying goal against Dallas in the second half. All three players hold high respect within their organization, can each be the X-factor to their team moving onto the Conference Championships?rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_374583" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Nov 1, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; New England Revolution forward Charlie Davies (9) celebrates his goal in the first half of play against the Columbus Crew at Crew Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rnrn Forwards: Charlie Davies (New England), Bradley Wright-Phillips (NY) &amp; Thierry Henry (NY) rnrnThe Western Conference failed to produce any valuable options at the forward position, but the Eastern Conference saw a surplus in goals from it's forwards. Davies scored twice to lead his club to a 4-2 victory over the Crew. BWP score three goals in two games to give his team a huge advantage against DC United and Sporting KC. Henry continues to play brilliant soccer and provided incredible assists for the Red Bulls.

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MLS Playoffs: Best XI From First-Leg of Action

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