RSL players left out of MLS Best XI for second-straight year

Real Salt Lake players were left out of the MLS Best XI, released this afternoon.

Nick Rimando is perhaps the biggest snub, but Javier Morales and Kyle Beckerman deserve mention as well as consistent, effective players deserving of recognition. Kyle Beckerman particularly has never been named to an MLS Best XI, and considering he has been one of the top midfielders in the league for years, his absence stings.

It's frustrating in part because players receive bonuses for awards (as per the collective bargaining agreement and player contracts), but also because we're one of two MLS Cup finalists. No Real Salt Lake player has made the list since 2011, when Jamison Olave was named, and 2010, when Nat Borchers, Javier Morales, and Olave were named.

MLS Best XI: Ricketts; Gonzalez, Besler, Goncalves; Johnson, Valeri, Cahill, Zusi; Magee, Keane, Di Vaio

Regardless, it's onward for Real Salt Lake, with the enormoity of Saturday's final looming.