MLS New York Red Bulls

Agoos and Meola Named to RadioShack All-Time Best XI

November 11, 2005 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York Red Bulls News Release


FRISCO, TX (Friday, November 11, 2005) - Major League Soccer announced today that MetroStars defender Jeff Agoos and Goalkeeper Tony Meola have been named to the RadioShack All-Time Best XI team. The complete squad was announced Friday during the 2005 MLS Cup Luncheon at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, site of MLS Cup 2005.

One of the most decorated athletes in MLS' 10-year history, the 37-year-old Agoos has won five MLS titles in his career. A ten-year MLS veteran, he anchored the D.C. United defense from 1996-2000, the San Jose Earthquakes backline from 2001-2004, and the MetroStars in 2005. The former U.S. National Team member won the MLS Cup with D.C. United in 1996, 1997, and 1999 and with San Jose in 2001 and 2003. Agoos has also been named to a league record nine all-star teams.

"I am humbly honored to be selected to the MLS all time best XI team," said Agoos. "I am thankful to all the people I have met along the way that have contributed to so many indelible memories that I will cherish for years to come. This truly is a honor for myself and my family."

A member of the league since its inception, the two-time World Cup participant won the MLS Defender of the Year Award in 2001 as a member of the San Jose Earthquakes and earned MLS Best XI honors three times.

"Goos has been the model of consistency, meaning he consistently wins," said MetroStars President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. "He is someone who has helped build this league and he sets a wonderful example for our young players to emulate."

Meola, who has been playing in MLS since its inception in 1996, is a five-time all-star and has consistently been one of the top goalkeepers in the league. He began his MLS career with the MetroStars before being traded to the Kansas City Wizards in 1999. As a member of the Wizards in 2000, Meola posted a 15-7-9 record (16 shutouts) with a 0.92 Goals Against Average which helped lead them to the 2000 MLS Cup championship. Meola was named playoff MVP during the 2000 postseason, as he posted a remarkable five shutouts in seven games.

"I am humble as I accept this award which is really symbolizes the epitome of my MLS career," said Meola. "To know that people think this highly of me is beyond any expectation that I could have had for my career. I want to thank all of my teammates, coaches and especially the fans for their support of the past ten years. My prayer for this league is that all of these fans are around in ten more years to vote on this award after 20 years of Major League Soccer."

Meola holds several all-time goalkeeping records in MLS as well. He currently ranks first in league annals in shutouts (57), saves (1,045), saves in a game (15), and games started in goal (230).

"Tony's a goalkeeper who can make a save with his sheer presence," said Lalas. "He commands and motivates the players around him and can single-handedly win you the game. When all is said and done, he'll go down as one of the best American soccer players in history."

Also named to the team were former MetroStars defenders Eddie Pope and Marcelo Balboa along with forward Jaime Moreno.

The winners were selected by a combination of voting that included online voting on the League's official website www.MLSnet.com (50 percent), media votes (25 percent), and current MLS coaches and general managers (25 percent). The RadioShack All-Time Best XI team was chosen from a pool of 78 player comprised of players who were previous Best XI selections or were named to at least three All-Star Games since the 1996 Inaugural Season.

RadioShack All-Time Best XI Roster

GOALKEEPER (1): Tony Meola (MET, KC)

DEFENDERS (3): Eddie Pope (DC, MET, RSL), Jeff Agoos (DC, SJ, MET), Marcelo Balboa (COL, MET)

MIDFIELDERS (5): Marco Etcheverry (DC), Landon Donovan (SJ, LA), Carlos Valderrama (TB, MIA, COL), Preki (KC, MIA), Peter Nowak (CHI)

FORWARDS (2): Jaime Moreno (DC, MET), Brian McBride (CLB)

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