ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 13, 2020) - On Thursday, Major League Soccer announced the winners of the MLS is Back Tournament Best XI presented by BODYARMOR with three Lions named to the list following their run to the Final of the competition. Orlando City captain Nani, along with defenders João Moutinho and Ruan were named to the list, with the media vote counting for the entirety of the polling process.
Nani led the Lions in goal contributions throughout the competition, having his hand in seven of Orlando City’s 12 finishes in their run to Tuesday’s Final. The Portuguese international played every minute for the Club through its seven matches and accounted for two of the Club’s game-winners along their run against Inter Miami CF and Minnesota United.
Moutinho and Ruan were instrumental to an Orlando City backline that conceded just seven goals throughout the tournament, with Tuesday’s Final marking the only time the defense allowed more than one goal in a single contest. On the attacking side of the ball, both defenders recorded an assist in the competition, while Moutinho netted the 90th-minute tying goal against LAFC to force a penalty shootout eventually won by the Lions.
Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, defender Antonio Carlos, midfielder Mauricio Pereyra and forward Chris Mueller were also nominated for Best XI honors.
The full list of winners can be found below.
MLS is Back Tournament Best XI presented by BODYARMOR
Goalkeeper: Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union)
Defenders: Larrys Mabiala (Portland Timbers), Mark McKenzie (Philadelphia Union), João Moutinho (Orlando City SC), Ruan (Orlando City SC)
Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson (Philadelphia Union), Sebastián Blanco (Portland Timbers), Diego Chara (Portland Timbers)
Forwards: Jeremy Ebobisse (Portland Timbers), Nani (Orlando City SC), Diego Rossi (Los Angeles Football Club)
