Sebastian Giovinco may have missed out on the MLS MVP shortlist, but the Toronto FC star at least made a repeat appearance on the Best XI.
MLS unveiled its all-league squad Monday, with Giovinco joined up top by 2016 MVP finalists Bradley Wright-Phillips of the New York Red Bulls and David Villa of New York City FC.
The third finalist, Red Bulls playmaker Sacha Kljestan, made the cut in midfield alongside Giovani dos Santos, Mauro Diaz and Ignacio Piatti. FC Dallas' Matt Hedges, the MLS Defender of the Year, anchors a back line that also features Axel Sjoberg and Jelle Van Damme, with Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake between the posts.
Hedges, Kljestan, Giovinco and Wright-Phillips earned their second Best XI honors, with every other player a first-time selection.
Here is the MLS Best XI in full:
Goalkeeper: Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union)
Defenders: Matt Hedges (FC Dallas), Axel Sjoberg (Colorado Rapids), Jelle Van Damme (LA Galaxy)
Midfielders: Giovani dos Santos (LA Galaxy), Sacha Kljestan (New York Red Bulls), Mauro Diaz (FC Dallas), Ignacio Piatti (Montreal Impact)
Forwards: Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC), Bradley Wright-Phillips (New York Red Bulls), David Villa (New York City FC)