Earthquakes' Wondolowski, Bernardez Named to MLS Best XI
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski and defender Victor Bernardez picked up league-wide recognition on Monday as the duo earned spots on the MLS Best XI. The selection is Wondolowski's third in as many years and Bernardez's first following his debut campaign in the league.
The Earthquakes were one of three teams with multiple representatives on the MLS Best XI. The last time San Jose placed two or more players on the list was in 2005 with Pat Onstad, Danny Califf and Dwayne De Rosario.
Wondolowski posted one of the best seasons by any player in league history, tying the league record for goals in a single season with 27 while also notching seven assists. The prolific scorer had 11 game winners in 2012, a league record. The Danville native also won Player of the Month honors a record four times during his memorable campaign and is a finalist for MLS MVP.
Bernardez keyed a San Jose defense that posted seven shutouts in 2012. The Honduran international started 24 games for the Supporters' Shield winners, scoring two goals and recording one assist in the process. Both of his goals came at opportune moments, the first sparking a comeback 4-3 win against the LA Galaxy on June 30 and the second a swerving free-kick winner against Chivas USA on Sept. 2. Bernardez is also a finalist for Newcomer of the Year and finished second in Defender of the Year voting to Sporting Kansas City's Matt Besler.
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