But Adam Kwarasey is no slouch. He tied for the league lead in clean sheets with 13 and was one of the steadiest goalkeepers in MLS throughout the entire season. He also had some penalty shootout heroics of his own, saving a couple in Portland's Knockout Round win over Sporting Kansas City. In the end, you have to trust the experience Kwarasey brings in this big stage. – BEN BAER

On one end you have a goalkeeper who has played in a World Cup. On the other you have a 20-year-old who has played just 13 professional games. You'd think this would be an easy choice. Truly, it's not. Jesse Gonzalez has been a revelation for FC Dallas since his insertion into the lineup on Aug. 22. He had a goals against average of under 1, the best mark in MLS, and saved two of the four penalties he faced in FCD's shootout against the Sounders in the Conference Semifinals.

Don't go reading into that FC Dallas crest too much. This is basically a toss-up. Portland have plenty of experience up the gut in Nat Borchers and Liam Ridgewell, but Dallas have the league's longest-tenured centerback pairing in Matt Hedges and Zach Loyd. I'm giving the edge to the Texans because of the emergence of Ryan Hollingshead at left back, a move that's helped prevent teams from ganging up with numbers on Fabian Castillo, and the mystery box potential of Je-Vaughn Watson. Thing is, Alvas Powell is one of the best young right backs in CONCACAF, and Jorge Villafana is way past that Sueno moniker. Both attacks have their work cut out for them. – ANDREW WIEBE

Midfielders