Dwayne De Rosario Named To 2011 MLS Best XI

In a development that can hardly be termed a shock, DC United star Dwayne De Rosario was named to the 2011 MLS Best XI today.

De Rosario's 2011 stats alone would have placed him on the Best XI. The Golden Boot winner bagged 16 goals and also had 12 assists, making him the only MLS player in 2011 to get double digits in both categories. His numbers in a United shirt are even more ridiculous: In 18 games, De Ro scored 13 goals and had 7 assists (a pace that would have given him 25 goals and 13 assists over a 34 game season).

More than that, De Ro's time in DC was a collection of astonishing moments and brilliant games. His performance against Real Salt Lake in DC's 4-1 win at home has already gone down in club lore as one of the best individual showings in United history. De Ro also delivered a command performance in the bizarre 3-3 draw with Toronto FC, essentially functioning as United's offense all by himself on the night (his late PK miss is excusable in that context). There was also his goal at Red Bull Arena, which was as perfect a summation of the brilliance of the trade that brought him here as one could imagine.

For De Ro, this marks the third straight year he has found himself in the Best XI, and the sixth time in his incredible MLS career. However, it might not be the last trophy he has to put in his trophy case (or room, at this point). The 2011 MLS MVP will be announced on November 18th.

De Rosario was joined on the team by goalkeeper Kasey Keller; defenders Jamison Olave, Omar Gonzalez, and Todd Dunivant; midfielders Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Brad Davis, and Brek Shea; and forwards Thierry Henry and Chris Wondolowski.