MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Defender Wilman Conde Named To 2009 Major League Soccer Best XI Squad

November 16, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO, IL (Nov. 16, 2009) - Chicago Fire 2009 Defender of the Year, Wilman Conde, was today announced as one of the 2009 Major League Soccer Best XI honorees. MLS Commissioner Don Garber today announced the 2009 Best XI squad during his annual State of the League address. The Best XI recognizes the League's top 11 players at each position on the field - one goalkeeper, three defenders, five midfielders and two forwards. Six members of the 2009 Best XI are prior recipients of the honor, while five have been named to the squad for the first time.

The Best XI members received the most votes from the media, MLS players and MLS coaches and general managers.

Conde has been an imposing presence for Chicago since entering the League in 2007. Conde played 19 games for the Chicago Fire and was a key contributor to a team that finished second in the Eastern Conference. The 27-year-old Colombian defender was part of a defense that allowed just 34 goals in 30 games. A 2009 MLS All-Star First XI selection, Conde added two goals and two assists from his position in central defense this season. This is the first Best XI honor for Conde.

The Volkswagen MLS MVP will be awarded Thursday, Nov. 19. ESPNews will broadcast the award ceremony. Below is a breakdown of the MLS Best XI by position and in alphabetical order:

2009 MLS Best XI:

GOALKEEPER (1): Zach Thornton (Chivas USA)

DEFENDERS (3): Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Wilman Conde (Chicago Fire), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew)

MIDFIELDERS (5): 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 (2): Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas)

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Major League Soccer Stories from November 16, 2009


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