Best New MLS Players
Photo: Tony Quinn/Icon SMI
Carlos Valdes
Philadelphia center back
Two expansion clubs plus newly expanded rosters throughout the league created a rare double whammy in MLS personnel for 2011. The net out is a particularly intriguing crop of newcomers scattered throughout the league. It's quite a talented crop, but a lot to digest, even for the hardcore MLS follower. So here's a cheat sheet for you, the top 10 MLS new faces to know about:
The back line at PPL Park bears little resemblance to the disheveled, foul-prone group that kept things so painfully unpredictable in the 2010 expansion season. Valdes' experience is a big reason. His presence makes everyone around him better, more comfortable; Fellow center back Danny Califf looks like a different player this year thanks to his steadier pairing.
The back line at PPL Park bears little resemblance to the disheveled, foul-prone group that kept things so painfully unpredictable in the 2010 expansion season. Valdes' experience is a big reason. His presence makes everyone around him better, more comfortable; Fellow center back Danny Califf looks like a different player this year thanks to his steadier pairing.
