Keane makes MLS team of the year

Soccer: Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane joined former French international Thierry Henry in being selected for Major…

Soccer:Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane joined former French international Thierry Henry in being selected for Major League Soccer's Best XI for the 2012 season.

LA Galaxy’s Keane was named in the 11-man team for the first time while fellow striker Henry of the New York Red Bulls earned his second selection.

Keane has played a huge part in getting his side to the Saturday’s MLS decider against Houston, scoring 16 goals in 28 games since returning to California after the disappointment of the European Championships.

The Dubliner has scored five goals in the play-offs, including three over the two legs of LA’s semi-final victory over Seattle.

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Henry, meanwhile, was also among three players shortlisted for the MLS Most Valuable Player award, to be announced on Thursday.

The others, Kansas City midfielder Graham Zusi and San Jose forward Chris Wondolowski, also made the Best XI, which was announced by MLS Commissioner Don Garber on Monday.

Keane’s LA team-mate David Beckham, who will leave the MLS after Saturday's Cup final against Houston, did not make the team.

American international Landon Donovan made the team for the fifth time in a row and sixth overall.

MLS Best XI - Goalkeeper:

Jimmy Nielsen (Sporting Kansas City).

Defenders:

Victor Bernadez (San Jose Earthquakes), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Aurelien Collin (Sporting Kansas City).

Midfielders:

Osvaldo Alonso (Seattle Sounders), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Chris Pontius (DC United), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City).

Forwards:

Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes).