Revolution's Joseph earns Best XI honors

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Nov. 22, 2008 (NE Revs) -- New England Revolution midfielder Shalrie Joseph was voted to the 2008 Major League Soccer Best XI team, the league announced on Saturday. The Best XI is voted on by the league's general managers, coaches, players and media, and represents the top players at each position for the season.

This is Joseph's third Best XI selection in his career as he was also honored in 2005 and 2007.

Joseph's imposing physical presence and ability to control the game both on the ground and in the air have made him a key component in the New England midfield. In 2008, he played 2,384 minutes in 27 MLS games while scoring one goal and adding one assist to earn his second consecutive Best XI honor.

In outside competitions, Joseph also anchored the Revolution's SuperLiga 2008 title, scoring three goals to tie for the lead in the international competition. His game-tying goal against Houston in the championship game set the stage for the team's championship in penalty kicks.

Joseph is joined on the MLS Best XI team by goalkeeper Jon Busch (Chicago Fire); defenders Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Bakary Soumare (Chicago Fire) and Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew); midfielders Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Chicago Fire), Guillermo Barros Scholotto (Columbus Crew), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew) and Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA); and forwards Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy) and Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas).

The MLS Best XI team will be honored at the league's annual Awards Gala, to be held later tonight.