Goal USA's Thomas Floyd has offered his comprehensive analysis of the top 10 players at all 11 positions on the field during the 2016 MLS season.

Another year, another round of debate. As we look back on the 2016 MLS regular season, there are talking points aplenty.

How, exactly, did reigning MVP Sebastian Giovinco miss out on that award's shortlist this time around? Is Defender of the Year winner Matt Hedges the true anchor of FC Dallas' back line, or should it be Walker Zimmerman collecting the accolades? Which striker reigned over New York: the Red Bulls' Bradley Wright-Phillips or NYCFC's David Villa?

In the spirit of such end-of-year discussions, I've compiled a ranking of the top 10 players at all 11 positions on the field from the 2016 MLS regular season. While these rankings aren't exact science, here's a brief summation of the criteria that helped inform the selections:

— The rankings ultimately begin and end with the eye test. That evaluation involved absorbing countless matches live and pouring over highlights of all 340 games played this season. In short, a lot of soccer was watched.

— That said, statistics also influence these rankings. Although leaning on stats is a tricky proposition in such a fluid sport, the raw numbers are key to negating recency and highlighting teams that received less exposure. A journalist may be subjected to cognitive bias, but the stats are objective.

— As a snapshot of the entire regular season, this list is designed to reward durability. If a player missed substantial time because of injury or arrived midseason, he faces an uphill climb to a high ranking. There are, however, some notable exceptions for players whose contributions transcended their limited minutes.

GOALKEEPER

So how did your team's players fare? Find out below ...

1. JAKE GLEESON (POR): The Timbers' longest-tenured player finally got his shot at the No. 1 job, stepping in for injured starter Adam Kwarasey in April and never looking back. Bailing out a beleaguered back line to keep Portland in countless games, Gleeson topped MLS with 118 saves.

2. DAVID BINGHAM (SJ): Quietly consistent behind a patchwork defense, the 27-year-old finished in the league's top five in goals against average, shutouts, save percentage, keeper-sweepings, punches and catches.

3. LUIS ROBLES (NY): The reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year turned in another sturdy campaign, offering leadership to an injury-hit squad that didn't have a single defender start more than 21 games. Despite that lack of consistency, Robles still led MLS with 11 shutouts.

4. ANDRE BLAKE (PHI): Finally tabbed as the undisputed starter in Philadelphia, the top pick in the 2014 SuperDraft rewarded that faith with a slew of highlight-reel stops as the Union marked their return to the postseason.

5. TIM HOWARD (COL): The U.S. national team goalkeeper only started 17 matches after his midseason arrival from Everton but still managed to leave his mark — posting a 1.12 goals against average, making some stunning stops and denying three of seven penalty kicks faced.

6. BILL HAMID (DC): Limited to 20 matches following offseason knee surgery, the 25-year-old was an underrated factor in his club's late-season surge. As D.C. United committed more numbers to the attack, it was Hamid's saves that limited the defensive damage.

7. STEFAN FREI (SEA): It was another under-the-radar campaign for the Seattle Sounders goalkeeper, who provided a steady hand throughout a roller-coaster season. While he's not known for flashy saves, Frei did step up with some timely interventions.

8. CHRIS SEITZ (DAL): A career backup, the 10th-year professional seized the starting spot from Jesse Gonzalez and provided a tidy presence for the Supporters' Shield winners. His 1.04 goals against average was a league best among regular starters.

9. BRIAN ROWE (LA): A handful of errors put a damper on the 28-year-old's breakout season, but the statistics — including his 113 saves and 1.04 goals against average — still impressed.

10. NICK RIMANDO (RSL): Somewhat lost in the shuffle as other goalkeepers enjoyed career years, Rimando put together another reliable campaign for Real Salt Lake — including two more penalty saves.

RIGHT BACK

1. KEEGAN ROSENBERRY (PHI): The only field player to log every minute of the MLS campaign, the Philadelphia Union rookie gave his side a reliable defensive presence (committing just 13 fouls) and finished second among right backs with 28 scoring chances created.

2. SAAD ABDUL-SALAAM (SKC): It was a sophomore surge for the Sporting Kansas City man, who made the right back post his own thanks to dynamic two-way play. With six assists, he tied for the league lead among defenders.

3. ROBBIE ROGERS (LA): Injuries limited Rogers to 21 appearances but, when healthy, the winger-turned-left back enjoyed a seamless transition to right back. While his skill on the overlap is expected, the LA Galaxy veteran deserves more credit for his defensive prowess.

4. HARRISON AFFUL (CLB): The Ghana international emerged as a bright spot during a rough year for the Columbus Crew's defensive corps, topping right backs in goals (three), passes completed, dribbles completed and scoring chances created.

5. TYRONE MEARS (SEA): The 33-year-old Englishman continued to provide polished play on both sides of the ball for the Seattle Sounders, leading right backs with 82 percent passing accuracy and finishing second in chances created.

6. HASSOUN CAMARA (MTL): At 6 feet 2 inches, Camara brought physicality to his right back role. But the 30-year-old Frenchman, who chipped in two goals, also offered mobility after bouncing back from an injury-plagued 2015 season.

7. STEVEN BEITASHOUR (TOR): The offseason acquisition emerged as a key cog for a Toronto FC back line that tied as the league's second-stingiest unit, just one year after conceding a league-worst 58 goals.

8. JOHAN KAPPELHOF (CHI): Splitting his time between central defense and right back, the Dutchman did his best to hold together an under-fire Chicago defense. Kappelhof ultimately finished second in MLS with 112 interceptions.

9. ERIC MILLER (COL): He didn't truly lock down the starting job until June but finished the season with 23 starts for a Colorado Rapids back line that conceded just 32 goals.

10. ANDREW FARRELL (NE): The ill-advised experiment that saw Farrell deployed at center back finally came to a merciful end as the 24-year-old regained some comfort by shifting outside.

RIGHT CENTER BACK

1. STEVE BIRNBAUM (DC): The athletic 25-year-old made the jump from promising to elite in his third MLS season. In addition to leading the league with 105 aerial duels won, Birnbaum chipped in three goals and two assists while topping center backs in scoring chances created.

2. WALKER ZIMMERMAN (DAL): After an uncertain offseason, Zimmerman ultimately re-signed with FC Dallas and went on to enjoy a breakout year. Tying for the lead among center backs with four goals scored, the 23-year-old also finished second in MLS in aerial duels won and third in clearances.

3. AURELIEN COLLIN (NY): Collin joined the New York Red Bulls in late April, promptly bringing stability to a center back corps that lost Matt Miazga in the offseason and saw Gideon Baah, Ronald Zubar and Damien Perrinelle hindered by injury.

4. JUSTEN GLAD (RSL): The lightly built 19-year-old emerged as a cerebral cornerstone of the Real Salt Lake defense, reading the game well and offering clean distribution out of the back.

5. DANIEL STERES (LA): Moving up from LA Galaxy II to the first team, Steres secured the starting spot alongside Jelle Van Damme and justified Bruce Arena's faith with smart passing, disciplined defense and underrated tenacity.

6. ROMAN TORRES (SEA): Sidelined for nearly a year after suffering a torn ACL, the bruising Panama international returned late in the 2016 campaign and saw the Seattle Sounders concede just seven goals over his eight starts.

7. JARED WATTS (COL): The 24-year-old split time with Bobby Burling as Axel Sjoberg's partner in central defense, ultimately sewing up a starting spot in the Colorado Rapids' stingy back line down the stretch.

8. FREDERIC BRILLANT (NYC): It was an up-and-down first year in MLS for the French veteran, who was culpable for some of New York City FC's defensive struggles but also led MLS with 198 clearances while grinding through 31 starts.

9. VICTOR CABRERA (MTL): Making just 21 starts, the Argentine defender still managed to finish second in MLS (behind teammate Laurent Ciman) when it came to interceptions among center backs.

10. MICHAEL PARKHURST (CLB): The Columbus Crew captain led MLS defenders in passes completed while starting all 34 matches, though he also was at the center of the club's precipitous defensive decline.

LEFT CENTER BACK

1. MATT HEDGES (DAL): The FC Dallas captain was the glue that held together the Supporters' Shield-winning back line. Hedges' size, mobility and knack for reading opposing attacks made him a commanding defender in his own right and also put Walker Zimmerman in a position to succeed.

2. JELLE VAN DAMME (LA): Effortlessly filling Omar Gonzalez's shoes, Van Damme led an LA Galaxy back line that tied for the league's second-best defensive mark. Only Steve Birnbaum and Walker Zimmerman won more duels than the marauding Belgian, who contributed four assists.

3. AXEL SJOBERG (COL): It was a breakout year for the 6-foot-7 Swede, who anchored a league-best back line while dealing with a supporting cast that was constantly in flux. With 162 clearances, Sjoberg finished second in MLS.

4. DREW MOOR (TOR): No player was more pivotal to Toronto FC's defensive turnaround than Moor, who brought organization and stability to the unit. The free agent signing also led center backs with 86 percent passing accuracy.

5. LAURENT CIMAN (MTL): This season represented a slight step back for the 2015 Defender of the Year, as the Montreal Impact loosened up defensively. But the Belgium international still topped MLS with 119 interceptions, despite missing time for Euro 2016.

6. VICTOR BERNARDEZ (SJ): The Honduran logged 33 matches for a defense that overcame Clarence Goodson's back injury to finish tied as the league's fourth-best unit. Bernardez was particularly adept at last-gasp interventions, leading the league with 30 blocks.

7. CHAD MARSHALL (SEA): At 32 years old, Marshall doesn't win battles as often as he used to. But the Seattle Sounders veteran remains dependable in the back and capable of nodding home a set piece, to the tune of four goals this year.

8. MATT BESLER (SKC): Sporting Kansas City's captain had to battle for his position after returning from the Copa America Centenario and ended the year with just 17 starts. He was solid when called upon, though.

9. RICHIE MARQUEZ (PHI): The third-year professional emerged as the leader of the Philadelphia back line, starting 33 matches while watching Ken Tribbett and Joshua Yaro split time alongside him.

10. KENDALL WASTON (VAN): So dominant in 2015, the Costa Rica international remains an imposing force but gets docked for reckless play that led to his league-leading three red cards.

LEFT BACK

1. JUSTIN MORROW (TOR): The 29-year-old was the most prolific fullback MLS had to offer, leading all defenders with five goals and chipping in four assists. Morrow also got the job done defensively for a much-improved Toronto FC back line, committing just eight fouls all year.

2. ASHLEY COLE (LA): Quickly putting to bed fears that he'd treat MLS like a retirement league, the former England international consistently locked down his side of the field. With 25 starts at age 35, Cole also proved to be surprisingly durable.

3. MARC BURCH (COL): An 11-year professional, Burch made a career-high 27 starts as a quietly crucial piece of a Colorado Rapids squad that put together the best defensive mark since Sporting Kansas City in 2013.

4. RONALD MATARRITA (NYC): A constant threat on the overlap, the 22-year-old recorded five assists for New York City FC in his debut MLS season. Matarrita does remain raw defensively, but he's certainly not one to shy away from a challenge.

5. TAYLOR KEMP (DC): The D.C. United left back enjoyed an uptick in defensive consistency, topping all left backs with 88 clearances. With six assists — tying for the lead among defenders — Kemp showed that left foot is still lethal as well.

6. CHRIS TIERNEY (NE): A forward-thinking left back if there ever was one, the New England Revolution veteran won't win many tackles at this point in his career but led all defenders with 48 scoring chances created.

7. JOEVIN JONES (SEA): While there naturally were some defensive growing pains as the Trinidad and Tobago international adjusted to the left back role full time, Jones found himself becoming a more lively presence as the season wore on.

8. FABINHO (PHI): Leading left backs with 96 interceptions while contributing six assists, Fabinho made the position his own after spending his first three seasons in MLS largely battling for playing time.

9. JIMMY MEDRANDA (SKC): The 22-year-old Colombian staked his claim to the left back job in Kansas City with some bulldozing performances, pacing all defenders with 76 tackles won.

10. MAYNOR FIGUEROA (DAL): His attacking prowess left something to be desired, but the Honduran veteran was solid enough as a stay-at-home left back for Oscar Pareja's side.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER

1. OSVALDO ALONSO (SEA): The tenacious veteran led MLS in passing accuracy (91 percent), passes completed, duels won, tackles won and recoveries — pretty much every metric by which D-mids are judged. Simply put, his ability to win balls and distribute is what makes the Seattle Sounders' playmakers thrive.

2. MICHAEL BRADLEY (TOR): Limited to 24 matches by a midseason knee injury, the U.S. national team captain still finished third in MLS in passes completed and second in recoveries. Pulling the strings from a deep-lying role, Bradley also topped defensive midfielders with 35 scoring chances created.

3. DAX MCCARTY (NY): It was another impressive campaign for the New York Red Bulls' do-everything midfielder, who contributed three goals and five assists while setting the tempo, winning tackles and pouncing on loose balls.

4. CARLOS GRUEZO (DAL): The offseason signing added further class alongside Kellyn Acosta in central midfield, with Gruezo showing an affinity for spraying passes all over the field. Of the 26 matches he started, FC Dallas only lost four times.

5. WIL TRAPP (CLB): Although coach Gregg Berhalter would like to see more attacking contributions from Trapp, the 23-year-old delivered another promising campaign — circulating possession with 88 percent passing accuracy.

6. MARCELO SARVAS (DC): Now 35 years old, the Brazilian wholeheartedly embraced his shift from two-way central midfielder to deep-lying playmaker. While Sarvas topped MLS with 11 yellow cards, that feisty approach also saw him finish fifth in duels won.

7. MICHAEL AZIRA (COL): After two years as a bench player in Seattle, Azira moved to Colorado and partnered with Sam Cronin to forge an effective duo. The 29-year-old kept matters simple in possession and clogged passing lanes, leading all midfielders with 107 interceptions.

8. MATIAS LABA (VAN): It was a rough season for the Whitecaps, but Laba did his best to manage matches in central midfield for Carl Robinson's side. His 83 tackles won were second only to Osvaldo Alonso.

9. ANIBAL GODOY (SJ): A methodical presence on the ball, the Panama international completed passes at a 90 percent clip and provided a reliable shield for the San Jose Earthquakes' back line.

10. DIEGO CHARA (POR): The pesky midfielder remains a thorn in the side of opposing playmakers, though that same doggedness saw him lead MLS in fouls conceded.

CENTRAL MIDFIELDER

1. ANDREA PIRLO (NYC): Moved from his traditional deep-lying position to a more advanced role by coach Patrick Vieira, the Italy legend was a calming influence while compiling 11 assists. Pirlo also was more active than he's given credit for, leading two-way central midfielders with 180 recoveries.

2. FELIPE (NY): Riskier on the ball than most players at this position, Felipe contributed five goals and seven assists to the New York Red Bulls' attack. His proficient partnership with Dax McCarty once again set up Sacha Kljestan to succeed.

3. SAM CRONIN (COL): His club's heart and soul, Cronin was a big reason the Colorado Rapids were so difficult to play against in 2016. Battling through 33 starts, the veteran midfielder kept the ball moving, broke up attacks and knew when to pinch into the attack.

4. KELLYN ACOSTA (DAL): A versatile prospect, the 21-year-old was given increased freedom to roam by the signing of Carlos Gruezo. Although Acosta's best position remains a topic for debate, Oscar Pareja has to feel good about the U.S. international's development in central midfield.

5. ROGER ESPINOZA (SKC): The prototypical box-to-box midfielder, Espinoza remains a handful for opponents. The lively Honduran finished third in MLS in duels won, and he recorded a career-high five assists to boot.

6. STEVEN GERRARD (LA): It's safe to say the Liverpool legend never lived up to expectations with the LA Galaxy, as a lack of mobility proved problematic. Yet Gerrard still managed to rack up 11 assists in just 21 appearances, enjoying fine form before his late-season hamstring injury.

7. JONATHAN OSORIO (TOR): Former Canada coach Benito Floro didn't seem to notice, but Osorio's clever flourishes and 87 percent passing accuracy helped take a lot of pressure off the bigger stars in Toronto FC's attack.

8. CRISTIAN ROLDAN (SEA): A bit-part player as a rookie in Seattle, Roldan evolved into dependable starter during his sophomore campaign — and he sure has a knack for stepping up in big moments.

9. RICARDO CLARK (HOU): Not much went right for the Houston Dynamo in 2016, but the veteran midfielder did notch four goals and four assists en route to another solid season.

10. SUNDAY STEPHEN (RSL): A June facial fracture largely derailed the Nigerian midfielder's debut MLS campaign, but "Sunny" looked like a Newcomer of the Year contender over the season's opening months.

RIGHT WINGER

1. NICOLAS LODEIRO (SEA): Perhaps the most influential midseason signing in MLS history, the Uruguay international sparked the Sounders' surge from ninth place in the Western Conference to fourth. Lodeiro's flair and creativity resulted in four goals and eight assists for Seattle, which went 7-2-4 with him in the lineup.

2. KEVIN MOLINO (ORL): Bouncing back from a torn ACL, Molino produced 11 goals and eight assists in his first full MLS season. The 26-year-old's speed, audacity and toughness made him a difficult matchup for back lines across the league.

3. JUAN MANUEL MARTINEZ (RSL): A crafty playmaker on the flank, "Burrito" scored seven goals for Real Salt Lake while finishing among the league's top five players in dribbles completed, duels won and fouls won.

4. MICHAEL BARRIOS (DAL): The 5-foot-4 Colombian finished the season with nine goals and led right-sided midfielders with 54 chances created. Those numbers made him an effective secondary weapon for an attack that centered around Mauro Diaz and, until mid-July, Fabian Castillo.

5. DARLINGTON NAGBE (POR): Pushed to the flank after a successful run in central midfield last fall, Nagbe (one goal, five assists) had his least productive season since 2011. He remains slick on the ball, though, as evidenced by his 90 percent passing accuracy — the league's second-best mark.

6. KELYN ROWE (NE): The New England Revolution struggled to find an identity for much of 2016, but that didn't stop Rowe from putting together a five-goal, seven-assist campaign while leading all right wingers with 49 tackles won.

7. LLOYD SAM (DC): Traded from the New York Red Bulls to D.C. United midseason, Sam overcame that upheaval to enjoy another fruitful season. Hitting 10 assists for the first time, the Englishman was a pivotal part of United's rise up the standings.

8. ETHAN FINLAY (CLB): This year represented the first step back for Finlay, who enjoyed incremental improvements each of his first four MLS campaigns. That said, his output of six goals and nine assists was respectable.

9. JACK HARRISON (NYC): The No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 SuperDraft made just 17 starts following an offseason pelvic injury, but the flashes of raw skill and confidence definitely made Harrison one to watch.

10. CHRISTIAN BOLANOS (VAN): It was a sneaky good debut season in MLS for the Costa Rica international, who compiled five goals and eight assists in 27 appearances.

LEFT WINGER

1. IGNACIO PIATTI (MTL): Boasting world-class pace, creativity and control, the Argentine maestro scored 17 goals to lead all wingers and topped MLS with 83 dribbles completed. In a season dominated by Didier Drogba drama, it was Piatti who put the Montreal Impact on his back.

2. CHRIS PONTIUS (PHI): Hampered by injury in recent years, Pontius scored 12 goals in his debut season for the Philadelphia Union to get back on track. The slashing winger also drew three penalty kicks and led all midfielders in aerial duels won.

3. JOAO PLATA (RSL): The 5-foot-2 speedster showcased his instincts in the final third, recording nine goals and a career-high 12 assists. Between Plata and Juan Manuel Martinez, Real Salt Lake offered plenty of danger on the flanks.

4. SHKELZEN GASHI (COL): With nine goals — several of the spectacular variety — and four assists, Gashi served as the catalyst for a conservative Colorado Rapids attack. The Albanian also created 64 scoring chances to lead all wingers.

5. JUSTIN MERAM (CLB): While everyone else in Columbus seemed to regress, Meram actually enjoyed a career year. A wily presence out wide, the 27-year-old recorded five goals and 13 assists and only finished behind Ignacio Piatti in dribbles completed.

6. DAVID ACCAM (CHI): The Ghana international used his speed and skill to notch nine goals and five assists for the Chicago Fire, who didn't provide Accam with much of a supporting cast.

7. MIKE GRELLA (NY): A clever winger, Grella held off stiff competition to start 28 matches on the left flank. His seven goals and six assists helped ease the burden on the star duo of Sacha Kljestan and Bradley Wright-Phillips.

8. THOMAS MCNAMARA (NYC): Consistency is an issue, but on a good day McNamara can be one of the most fun players to watch in MLS. The 25-year-old ended the year with nine assists, and the majority of his five goals were highlight-reel material.

9. PATRICK NYARKO (DC): The skilled, quick-thinking winger overcame a pair of concussions to enjoy a career year, compiling four goals and eight assists over 26 appearances for D.C. United.

10. GYASI ZARDES (LA): A foot injury ended Zardes' season prematurely, but the U.S. international still managed to record six goals and five assists in 19 matches while filling a variety of attacking roles.

PLAYMAKER

1. SEBASTIAN GIOVINCO (TOR): An inexplicable snub from the MVP shortlist, the Italy international played a part in more goals than any other player in MLS — scoring 17 times and adding 15 assists. Electric on the dribble and a threat to score from anywhere inside 30 yards, Giovinco arguably is the toughest matchup in league history.

2. SACHA KLJESTAN (NY): In terms of a traditional No. 10, the New York Red Bulls playmaker stands above the crowd. Adept at finding pockets between the lines and picking out the killer through ball, Kljestan easily led MLS with 20 assists and 106 scoring chances created.

3. GIOVANI DOS SANTOS (LA): The LA Galaxy's star's production was somewhat erratic, but the final stats are hard to deny. With 14 goals and 12 assists, Dos Santos was the only player not named Sebastian Giovinco to hit double digits in both categories this season.

4. MAURO DIAZ (DAL): A dominating influence, Diaz seemingly always knows the perfect pass to pick apart a back line. His 13 assists tied for third in MLS, and the 25-year-old drew 81 fouls to lead the league. That long-term Achilles injury looms large for FC Dallas next season.

5. DIEGO VALERI (POR): The 30-year-old's 14 goals marked a career best as he showcased his precision in the final third. While his seven assists made for a modest number, Valeri finished second in MLS with 89 scoring chances created.

6. BENNY FEILHABER (SKC): It was another prolific season for Feilhaber, who scored seven goals (five penalties) to go along with his 13 assists. An ideal fit for Peter Vermes' high-pressing system, the 31-year-old led all playmakers in tackles won.

7. KAKA (ORL): The Brazil international logged just 24 matches this year because of injury, but Kaka's touch and ingenuity still make him a force to be reckoned with — as evidenced by his nine-goal, 12-assist total.

8. LEE NGUYEN (NE): It's a far cry from his 18-goal season in 2014, but Nguyen delivered a solid haul of six goals and 10 assists while finishing third in the league in scoring chances created.

9. FRANK LAMPARD (NYC): Limited by injury to 15 starts, Lampard rode a summer hot streak to 12 goals. Many, however, will remember the outgoing England star as a bust nonetheless.

10. LUCIANO ACOSTA (DC): Sparked by a midseason switch to a 4-1-4-1 formation, the swift 22-year-old compiled 11 assists and led playmakers in dribbles completed and recoveries.

STRIKER

1. BRADLEY WRIGHT-PHILLIPS (NY): The Englishman not only scored 24 goals to win his second Golden Boot — he did so without the benefit of a single penalty kick. For all of the praise you can heap on his goal-poaching prowess, Wright-Phillips also deserves credit for his hold-up play and defensive pressing.

2. DAVID VILLA (NYC): Finishing second in the Golden Boot race with 23 strikes, the Spain legend also served as New York City FC's emotional leader. Patrick Vieira's attack flowed through Villa, who led all strikers in scoring chances created and recoveries.

3. DOM DWYER (SKC): After 22 goals in 2014 and just 12 last season, Dwyer hit a happy medium with a 16-goal campaign in 2016. Only Bradley Wright-Phillips can say he's scored more goals in MLS over the past three years.

4. OLA KAMARA (CLB): Not earning his first MLS start until mid-May, the Norway international made Columbus Crew fans quickly forget about departed striker Kei Kamara by scoring 16 goals in just 20 starts.

5. FANENDO ADI (POR): The 6-foot-4 target forward managed a repeat of his 16-goal season from 2015, winning his fair share of battles for a Portland team that often had to resort to desperation soccer.

6. JOZY ALTIDORE (TOR): Held scoreless through eight games before suffering a hamstring strain, Altidore returned for the second half of the MLS campaign and proceeded to score 10 goals in 14 matches while providing exceptional hold-up play.

7. CYLE LARIN (ORL): There was certainly no sophomore slump for the 21-year-old Canada international, who followed up his 17-goal rookie season with 14 tallies this year.

8. JORDAN MORRIS (SEA): The speedy homegrown player largely lived up to the hype, scoring 12 goals during his rookie season and stepping up down the stretch with Clint Dempsey sidelined.

9. PATRICK MULLINS (DC): D.C. United's midseason turnaround coincided with the acquisition of Mullins, who managed to bag eight goals in just 14 starts for his new club.

10. CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI (SJ): The 33-year-old poacher finally seems to be slowing down, but his 12-goal campaign made it seven straight seasons with a double-digit haul.

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