Rapids striker Conor Casey streaked his way toward the top of the MLS scoring table this season. For his effort, he was tabbed on Monday for the MLS all-pro team.
Casey became the sixth Rapids player in team history to be named to the MLS Best XI, after MLS commissioner Don Garber announced the awards in his annual state of the league address. The team is voted on by media and MLS players, coaches and general managers.
Casey finished the season with 16 goals in 24 games, a Rapids single-season record. He was joined on the all-pro front line by FC Dallas’ Jeff Cunningham, whose 17 goals this season edged Casey for the Golden Boot award as the league’s top scorer.
Casey is the first Rapids player on the MLS best-11 team since goalkeeper Joe Cannon earned the honor in 2004.
Also, U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley on Sunday named Casey to the 22-player roster for an international friendly against host Denmark on Wednesday. It will be the U.S. team’s 24th and final match of the year.
2009 MLS BEST XI:
Goalkeeper — Zach Thornton, Chivas USA.
Defenders — Geoff Cameron, Houston Dynamo; Wilman Conde, Chicago Fire; Chad Marshall, Columbus Crew.
Midfielders — Dwayne De Rosario, Toronto FC; Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy; Stuart Holden, Houston Dynamo; Shalrie Joseph, New England Revolution; Freddie Ljungberg, Seattle Sounders FC.
Forwards — Conor Casey, Colorado Rapids; Jeff Cunningham, FC Dallas.
