It’s that time of year again. &nbsp;July heat is upon us and most MLS teams have played half (or slightly more than half) of their schedule. &nbsp;International friendlies and the all-star games versus Manchester United are looming, so now is the ideal time to look back on the first half of the season and pick some of the highlights and&nbsp;low-lights. &nbsp;While this isn’t exactly a revolutionary new idea, I wanted to do a different take on a mid-season review. &nbsp;Contained below are the usual awards (best player, best XI, etc.) but I am also including a few (hopefully) unique and entertaining categories that will stir debate and help MLS fans enjoy a fairly comprehensive look-back on the first months of 2011.
Without further ado, my take on the 2011 MLS Mid-Season Awards:
Best Game: Los Angeles Galaxy 1, New York Red Bulls 1 on May 7
This game had all the hype – an ESPN audience with plenty of promotion, two of the top teams in MLS with the biggest star power, those stars actually playing in the match, and a sold-out LA crowd. &nbsp;And even though the match ended in a low scoring draw, this one had it all: a Thierry Henry goal early followed by a Donovan goal off a Beckham free kick and the controversy surrounding Tim Ream’s save of an apparent Donovan game-winner. &nbsp;This game more than any other probably has exemplified the MLS season.
Most&nbsp;Valuable&nbsp;Player: Brek Shea, FC Dallas
You can argue players like Thierry Henry who has more goals or Brad Davis who has been a critical component to his team’s offense, but when it comes down to it Shea is playing his best when his team needs it most. &nbsp;David Ferreira’s injury and Shea’s slow start (due to being out-of-position) had Dallas looking like it was going to sink to the bottom of a deep Western Conference. &nbsp;Instead, the exact opposite has happened. &nbsp;Shea has made Bob Bradley look like a fool for leaving him off the Gold Cup roster and is becoming the next young stud in MLS.

Least Valuable Players: &nbsp;New England Revolution Forwards
Andres Mendoza was a lock for this award until his recent scoring surge, so I am cheating a bit and giving the LVP to a bunch of players. &nbsp;While much has not been expected of the Revolutions’ forwards, there was some hope that playing in MLS last season would have them acclimated and ready for this season. &nbsp;Instead those (eight) players listed as forwards on the roster (and this does not include Shalrie Joseph) have scored seven goals in seventeen games. &nbsp;Beyond disappointing.
Most Exciting Player: &nbsp;Eric Hassli, Vancouver Whitecaps
Every time he takes the pitch/field, you never know the outcome. &nbsp;Will he score a wonder goal to help his team to a win? &nbsp;Or will he do something stupid and be red carded? &nbsp;You never know. &nbsp;He would garner serious MVP consideration if his team wasn’t so bad and he didn’t have red card issues, but he is without a doubt the player you want to watch on the field.
Most Surprising Team: &nbsp;Philadelphia Union
Most preseason prognosticators had the Union as an improving team with a good defense and no offense who would likely miss the playoffs. &nbsp;What the Union have become this first half are an improved team with a suffocating defense and a good enough offense who are legitimate contenders for the first seed in the East. &nbsp;Hats off to Peter Nowak for quickly molding this team in his image and making them good enough that they can win any game at any time.
Most Disappointing Team: &nbsp;Colorado Rapids
I struggled with putting New England here, but their fortunes have been trending down for the past two years. &nbsp;Colorado won the MLS Cup last season and returned virtually their entire roster. &nbsp;While that same roster was a wild card in the 2010 regular season, the team has enough talent to be a lock for a playoff spot. &nbsp;But now, sitting 5th in the West on 24 points, there is a chance that they could miss the playoffs even with expanded seeding. &nbsp;Injuries have been brutal to this team but even when moderately healthy they have struggled to play well. &nbsp;With CONCACAF Champions League looming, they facing a daunting task to grab even a wild card spot.
Best MLS Storyline: &nbsp;The Superstar League
After the disappointing debut of Henry for the Red Bulls last year, the annual David Beckham disappearance, and Landon Donovan playing in the EPL, the league’s attempt to attract world class talent seemed to have backfired. &nbsp;But now those three players are major contributors to their teams and the league has successfully lured some “name” U.S. players back into the league. &nbsp;While the Tim Howards and Clint Dempseys still play abroad, more marginal but dynamic players like Charlie Davies and Benny Feilhaber are no longer afraid to come back to the league. &nbsp;Expect this trend to continue.
Worst MLS Storyline: &nbsp;Career-Threatening Injuries
While the trend has slowed significantly over the past few months, MLS was lucky that this was not the season defined by superstar injuries derailing their teams. &nbsp;Within a matter of weeks Steve Zakuani, David Ferreira, and Javier Morales were all put out of action by reckless and aggressive tackles. &nbsp;All three were superstars in this league and while their prognoses seem good, this was a bad development for a league intent on being seen as less&nbsp;aggressive&nbsp;and more athletic.
Over-Discussed MLS Storyline: &nbsp;The Cascadia Fan Rivalries
I, for one, will be tuning into the Seattle-Portland match on ESPN this Sunday and look forward to the game’s atmosphere. &nbsp;But so many soccer commentators act like the fan support that these three Pacific Northwest teams have is unique in major league soccer. &nbsp;That kind of passion and support have been there for a long time in many different places with Bara Brava/Screaming Eagles, The Cauldron, Sons of Ben, 1906 Ultras and the numerous other groups that will leave angry comments in the comments section because they were excluded. &nbsp;I get it, they are new,&nbsp;shiny, and passionate but the media needs to realize that there are more than three dedicated fan bases in MLS.
Least Discussed MLS Storyline: &nbsp;Concussions
Logan Pause became the latest MLS player to announce he would wear headgear while playing due to a concussion. &nbsp;Increasingly players are sitting for extended periods because of this serious injury and one would have thought that Taylor Twellman’s concussion would have elevated this to a more seriously discussed issue. &nbsp;But I feel as though this is not getting the attention it is due, especially with its long-term consequences.
Biggest DP Signing Regret: &nbsp;Alvaro Saborio, Real Salt Lake
His knee injury could not have happened at a worse time, but the RSL player has really struggled this season due to that injury and seemingly a mental recovery from the injury. &nbsp;He is now up to three goals on the year but has not been the dominant player that may thought he would be.
Stupidest Robert Hay Preseason Prediction: Alvaro Saborio as the Golden Boot Winner
At least I didn’t pick Branko Boskovic as my Comeback Player of the Year…. um, wait, skip this part.
Coach of the Year: Peter Nowak, Philadelphia Union
Nowak gets the nod over Schellas Hyndman and Sigi Schmid because his team has been so consistently good this year. &nbsp;While the other two had rough starts to the season, the Union have been consistently at the top of the conference even when it seemed like they couldn’t score more than one goal.
Best Offseason Acquisition: Charlie Davies, DC United
This pick works on a couple of different levels. &nbsp;DCU needed a scorer and they needed one badly. &nbsp;Davies not only leads the team in goals but has opened up space for players like Chris Pontius and Andy Najar to continue to grow as offensive threats. &nbsp;Of course the loan to DC has helped Davies’ career as well, to the point where European teams are again asking about his availability for a transfer. &nbsp;So far a win-win for all involved.
Best XI:
Kasey Keller (Sea)
George John (FCD) – Jamison Olave (RSL) – Omar Gonzalez (LA)
Landon Donovan (LA) – Jack Jewsbury (Por) – Brek Shea (FCD) – Brad Davis (Hou) – David Beckham (LA)
Thierry Henry (NY) – Charlie Davies (DC)

A Different Kind of MLS Mid-Season Awards

A Different Kind of MLS Mid-Season Awards - World Soccer Talk

<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a title="Defend the fort by Lorianne DiSabato, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zenmama/4009761467/"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3493/4009761467_f88b1b4ac3.jpg" alt="Defend the fort" width="500" height="376"></figure></div></a>Photo by Lorianne DiSabato</div>
 
Team: New England Revolution 
Coach: Steve Nicol 
Last Year’s Finish: 9-5-16, 32 points. &nbsp;Eastern Conference: 6th
The big news this offseason was the recent arrest and suspension of Shalrie Joseph and Kevin Alston. &nbsp;While the situation is still under investigation, both players just returned to the team but face possible disciplinary action from the league. &nbsp;This unfortunate situation has taken attention off a team that has made some solid offseason moves and looks to vastly improve after a terrible season last year. &nbsp;The big keys for this team are resolving the situations of Joseph and Alston as well as finding that elusive striker the team needs so desperately.
The steady presence on this team is head coach Steve Nicol, who returns for his ninth season and is the longest tenured coach in MLS. &nbsp;Nicol’s team has gone through a rough patch; after making six conference finals and MLS Cups his fix six years they have gone three years without advancing to the final four, missing out on the playoffs last year for the first time since 2001, before he became the permanent head coach. &nbsp;To return to the playoffs and start a new streak, the team must find someone (or someones) to score goals consistently for the team.

Key Roster Additions: The Revs made two very recent acquisitions, picking up French international Ousmane Dabo and Argentine defender Franco Coria. &nbsp;Dabo, who previously played for Manchester City and Lazio, will provide some defensive help in the midfield and could be penciled in as a starter immediately. &nbsp;Another defensive signing is former PSG and Newcastle defender Didier Domi, who will likely be a starter at left back and make the New England back line even more “seasoned”. &nbsp;To offset some of their older signings, the team was active in the college draft, taking A.J. Soares with the sixth pick. &nbsp;Soares, another defender but one with a knack for scoring, played at Cal and was a finalist for the Hermann Trophy.
Key Roster Subtractions: The biggest subtraction last year was the retirement of American legend (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/TaylorTwellman" target="_blank">and prolific Tweeter</a>) Taylor Twellman, a forward who suffered from terrible concussion issues. &nbsp;Obviously the club has not found a way to replace his scoring up front. &nbsp;In recognition of the defensive shortcomings last season, the club also let go two of their starting defenders: Cory Gibbs to the re-entry draft and Emmanuel Osei.
Projected Starters: Even with all their turnover, Matt Reis will be the starter in goal. &nbsp;The 35 year old was decent last year and will look to provide some stability in defense. &nbsp;On the backline, I can see newcomers Domi and Corba eventually becoming starters once they work their way into the system. &nbsp;Darius Barnes will probably be the only returning starter at center back and may be pushed by A.J. Soares, who also could get a look in midfield. &nbsp;Once MLS is done with him, Kevin Alston looks to be a starter at left back. &nbsp;Re-entry draft pickup Ryan Cochrane is also a starting option here.
Assuming Nicol goes with a four-man midfield, we could see newcomer Dabo hold down the middle with Joseph once he returns or, if he feels like experimenting, Nicol could move Soares to midfield where he could score an occasional goal. &nbsp;On the wings Nicol could start Sainey Nyassi (who started 27 games last season) and Kenny Mansally (who scored four goals last season, good for third on the team).
The problem last year that looks to be a problem again is at forward. &nbsp;To be honest, the talent up front is lacking, so look for the Revs to try and make an international signing in the near future. &nbsp;Right now your starters are Marko Perovic and Ilija Stolica, who combined for nine goals last season. &nbsp;Also in the mix is Zach Schilawski.
 
Player to Watch: The player to watch is a player who might not even see the pitch this season. &nbsp;Diego Fagundez is the teen prodigy who is coming through the team’s academy and is tearing up nets left and right. &nbsp;He scored 28 goals in the past year and a half with the youth team, but at only 15 years old he is too young to regularly contribute to the senior club. &nbsp;However, if the Revs don’t find that high-scoring international player and struggle to score goals, look for the young man to get a few minutes for the senior team this summer and fall.
Predictions: The depths to which this&nbsp;proud&nbsp;franchise have fallen can be summed up in this sentence: of the players in the Revolution’s camp, only two (Joseph and Reis) have played in an MLS Cup with the Revolution. &nbsp;For a club with a great recent history of Cup runs, that’s astounding. &nbsp;It also speaks to how bad the team was last season, though injuries did play a part in that. &nbsp;This team has significantly upgraded its defense and I think it will not be letting in another 50 goals this season. &nbsp;But can it score more than 2010’s 32 goals? &nbsp;That’s the big question.
One thing is for certain: I expect New England to get off to a slow start. &nbsp;With so many late signings and new players getting integrated into the system, as well as Joseph’s possible suspension or&nbsp;disciplinary&nbsp;action, this team will probably have a rough start to the season. &nbsp;However, if they can find that goal scorer or have their current forwards improve, then this team could be a dark horse for the third Eastern Conference playoff spot. &nbsp;However, call me a skeptic.
Prediction: 6th place, Eastern Conference

MLS '11 Preview &#8211; Can New England Reclaim the Glory?

MLS '11 Preview - Can New England Reclaim the Glory? - World Soccer Talk

MLS '11 Preview – Can New England Reclaim the Glory?

<div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/news/confetti-falls-crowds/image/10427650?term=2011" target="_blank"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://view4.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/10427650/confetti-falls-crowds/confetti-falls-crowds.jpg?size=380&amp;imageId=10427650" border="0" alt="Confetti falls on crowds of people gathered Times Square on New Years Eve in New York City on January 1, 2011. UPI/Dennis Van Tine Photo via Newscom" width="380" height="228"></figure></div></a></div>
Happy New Year to all our readers and best wishes in 2011!
The past year was a big one for American soccer. &nbsp;A good but not great World Cup run, a highlight goal from Landon Donovan, and the controversial rehiring of Bob Bradley after the World Cup. &nbsp;A first MLS Cup win by Colorado, the signings of Rafa Marquez and Thierry Henry by New York, but maybe more importantly the rise of young players like Tim Ream, Teal Bunbury, Juan Agudelo, and Andy Najar. &nbsp;The retirements of Jaime Moreno, Brian McBride, and Taylor Twellman as well as the reinvigorating of Kevin Hartman.
And 2011 looks to be another interesting year, with MLS well represented in the CONCACAF Champions League as well as welcoming two new teams into the league. &nbsp;Will LA be able to finally turn their strong regular seasons into an MLS Cup? &nbsp;Will the young superstars continue their development while a very strong Superdraft be able to contribute right away? &nbsp;And will the Eastern Conference, especially a healthy New York team, be able to even the playing field with a stronger Western Conference? &nbsp;At the national level, can Bob Bradley begin to turn his Gold Cup team into the beginning of the 2014 qualifying team?
We here at MLS Talk are always looking to improve the site and make it the premier destination for discussions about American soccer. &nbsp;The Gaffer, Randy, Daniel, and all of the MLS Talk contributers all contribute great content to the site, but it is never good to stand pat at a website. &nbsp;So I open the floor to you, our dedicated community:
What content do you want to see from the site in 2011?
As part of the EPL Talk Network, we are a part of a number of great sites that present many different features for different leagues. &nbsp;For example, EPL Talk contributer Jesse Chula offers a “Player of the Week” every week while Niccolo Conte at Serie A Talk has a weekly “Five Things” column, among many other features. &nbsp;What kinds of new content would you like to see on the site in 2011? &nbsp;Share your thoughts in the comments section, and we look forward to a soccer-filled 2011!

What Would You Like to See from MLS Talk in 2011?

What Would You Like to See from MLS Talk in 2011? - World Soccer Talk

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A Different Kind of MLS Mid-Season Awards

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MLS '11 Preview – Can New England Reclaim the Glory?

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What Would You Like to See from MLS Talk in 2011?