The Americans: How U.S. internationals fared in MLS this season

Over the course of the last few seasons, Major League Soccer has become the hunting ground for many of the top international players from the United States' national team. Whether it's leaders in the locker room or new members wearing the stars and stripes, here's how the prominent USMNT players performed in 2015:

Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore

Toronto FC and U.S. national team captain Michael Bradley made a statement to the rest of the league this year, guiding his club to a first-ever playoff appearance with his smart positioning and leadership in midfield.

Jozy Altidore also won Toronto FC supporters' hearts after scoring 12 goals in 20 games, one more goal than Jermain Defoe scored for the club last season. These two friends and teammates have combined a number of times and were even featured as comic book heroes by the club as "The General" and "The Beast."

Clint Dempsey and Brad Evans

Seattle Sounders ace Clint Dempsey continued dominating in the Western Conference, scoring eight goals and recording nine assists, often in combination with his strike partner Obafemi Martins.

Brad Evans remains a valuable member of the Sounders' back line, establishing himself as both a central defender and midfielder and filling in when Seattle's back four was depleted due to injuries.

Matt Besler and Graham Zusi

Sporting Kansas City duo Matt Besler and Graham Zusi earned big-money contracts after a strong 2014 FIFA World Cup, but the two have work to do on Decision Day as their club fights for one of three available playoff spots.

Zusi recorded two goals and five assists this season while Besler has helped to secure seven clean-sheet wins for Sporting KC this season.

Jermaine Jones and Lee Nguyen

The New England Revolution boast a midfield pair with incredible talent in Lee Nguyen and Jermaine Jones. The two have combined well together all season, attacking and defending in tandem as they work to secure the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference on Decision Day.

Nguyen has six goals and 10 assists on the season while Jones is looking to turn his contributions into a contract extension at the end of the year.

Omar Gonzalez and Gyasi Zardes

LA Galaxy central defender Omar Gonzalez was once considered the club's hottest young prospect, and while he remains very much an integral part of Bruce Arena's team, that mantle has been claimed by another.

Gyasi Zardes enjoyed yet another respectable season at the StubHub Center, recording six goals and four assists; that's 10 less goals than last year, a mark he'll want to improve on after his sophomore year in the league.

Gonzalez's six clean-sheet wins this season ensures he remains one of, if not the top central defender in the league, though he does have some competition in Matt Miazga over at the New York Red Bulls.

Kyle Beckerman and Nick Rimando

Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando may be playing second (well, third) fiddle to Brad Guzan and Tim Howard for his club, but Rimando is an undisputed No. 1. Rimando conceded just 24 goals this season so far, making 66 saves in the process.

As for Kyle Beckerman, his club performances remained consistent this year as he became the highest-capped outfield player in MLS history, despite Real Salt Lake missing out on a playoff spot. Still, Beckerman established himself as a regular contributor at the national team level and will look to bounce back in 2016.