Possible First 11 for MLS Qualifying as finales near

The US Open Cup qualifying process for Major League Soccer comes to a close this week with four teams playing in the two finales of their respective brackets to claim the league’ two additional berths, joining the initial six given automatic entry based on last year’s league table. With MLS launching Team of the Week honors this year, we thought we would take a look at who the Best 11 are for MLS Open Cup qualifying.

Here is a quick look at who is on the radar heading into the final two matches Tuesday and Wednesday.


GOALKEEPERS:

Eric Kronberg (KC) - Made six saves in a 1-0 overtime win against Houston
Andrew Weber (SJ) – Excellent play in 1-0 overtime win against Portland
Jake Gleeson (POR) - Big saves in 2-0 win against Chivas USA

DEFENDERS:

Eric Brunner (POR) – Goal in 2-0 shutout against Chivas USA
Jalil Anibaba (CHI) – Game-winning goal in 2-1 victory against Colorado
Ike Opara (SJ) – Game-winning goal in 1-0 overtime win against Portland

MIDFIELDERS:

Brian Carroll (PHI) – Equalizer in overtime in 2-2 draw (pk loss) against DC
Jack Jewsbury (POR) – Game-winning goal in 2-0 victory against Chivas USA
Branko Boskovic (DC) – Two goals in 3-2 loss to New England
Ousmane Dabo (NE) – Outstanding play in 3-2 victory against DC

FORWARDS:

Josh Wolff (DC) – Goal in 2-2 draw (pk win) against Philadelphia
Carlos Ruiz (PHI) – Opening goal in 2-2 draw (pk loss) against DC
CJ Sapong (KC) – Game-winning goal in 1-0 overtime win against Houston
Teal Bunbury (KC) – Outstanding play in 1-0 overtime win against Houston
Andre Akpan (COL) – Goal in 2-1 loss to Chicago
Gaston Puerari (CHI) – Goal in 2-1 victory against Colorado
Diego Chaves (CHI) – Assist on opening goal of 2-1 win versus Colorado
Kheli Dube (NE) – Two goals in 3-2 victory against DC
Alan Koger (NE) – Goal, assist in 3-2 win versus DC

Got some suggestions on someone we missed or thoughts on those we have on the short list already?  Let us know who and why below (remember, it is for qualifying matches only). Need a refresher, here's the link to the MLS update page on TheCup.us.
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