Combined XI: Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders
The MLS Cup final is fast approaching and Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders will take to the pitch at BMO Field to duke it out for one final game of the 2016 season.
Both teams have enjoyed the production of their big-money Designated Player stars as well as the solidity of a core of veterans, making this quite an even match-up from top to bottom.
What would a combined XI between these two teams look like? Here's what we've got, in a standard 4-2-3-1:
Stefan Frei was an easy choice to make in a combined XI, partially because he is the superior goalkeeper when compared to Clint Irwin, and partially because the Swiss shot-stopper started his career with Toronto before joining Seattle.
In a battle between Tyrone Mears and Steven Beitashour, the English right full-back has the slight edge due to the consistency of his performances for the Sounders. Beitashour has looked suspect at times this season.
The rock of Toronto FC's sterling back line, Drew Moor immediately made his team significantly stronger in defense and has enjoyed a stellar season as a result. There are few defenders as reliable as he in the entire league.
Three-time MLS Defender of the Year Chad Marshall earns his spot with ease having established himself as the veteran presence in the Sounders' back four. He once again enjoyed a full season and managed to score four times, too.
Justin Morrow is the best left full-back in Major League Soccer, bar none; his five goals and five assists this season speaks to his quality in spades. Frankly, Morrow deserves a call-up to the U.S. men's national team.
As far as defensive midfield options go, few players are more battle-hardened and reliable as Ozzie Alonso. His tireless coverage and spot-on tackling skill makes him an easy pick over Armando Cooper or Will Johnson.
Toronto's fearless captain, Michael Bradley, doesn't get enough credit for the work he puts in on the field; his long-range passing creates chances, his defensive awareness burns out plays, and he nicks a goal here and there, too.
No Toronto FC attacking midfielder holds a candle to Nicolas Lodeiro. The Uruguay international is largely responsible for the Sounders' mid-season turnaround and he has an incredible eight goals and eight assists in 18 games.
What's left to be said of Sebastian Giovinco? He's the first name on this combined team sheet, and probably the fantasy squad of every MLS fan.
Opposite Giovinco on the right wing is rookie sensation Jordan Morris, who proved his doubters wrong all season long by living up to the massive amount of hype surrounding him; his 14 goals in 39 games makes him an easy choice.
What a season it has been for Jozy Altidore. His 15 goals in 28 games is made further impressive with the fact that the U.S. striker has netted in each of Toronto's five playoff games thus far. Even if Clint Dempsey were healthy, Altidore would take this spot with little fuss.