For any player who’s picked five-a-side teams in practice, they know that balance is key in making a run for the championship. Or you could just go for star power and rest your chances on pure talent guiding the way.
It’s all about strategy, and MLS players are getting creative each Friday as their five-a-side picks are rolled out. Some of these squads would be pretty solid in the old "FIFA Street" video game, as they draw from accomplished careers here and overseas.
Nashville SC midfielder Dax McCarty, an MLS lifer, included a couple FC Dallas blasts from the past, two world-renowned stars and since-retired goalkeeper Nick Rimando.
Orlando City attacker Nani, drawing inspiration from his Manchester United and Portugal days, has a star-studded group that’s spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo.
As for LA Galaxy midfielder Jonathan dos Santos, he went with a Mexico national team-heavy group and made room for none other than Atlanta United star Josef Martinez at striker.
Alejandro Pozuelo’s team has plenty of Spanish influence, but he also made room for two of his Toronto FC teammates.
LAFC superstar and last year's Landon Donovan MLS MVP Carlos Vela submitted his picks, stacking his team with some of the best teammates he's played with throughout his career.
Another MVP also got in on the fun, as Atlanta United's Josef Martinez revealed his submissions, which saw him return the favor and (begrudgingly) include Jonathan dos Santos.
Real Salt Lake's Albert Rusnak revealed his picks, putting Newcastle's Martin Dubravka in goal and his Slovakian national teammate, Milan Skriniar of Inter Milan, on defense.
Chicago Fire FC's CJ Sapong made his out of MLS players, going with the popular choice of Rimando in goal, as well as the Philadelphia Union's Kai Wagner on defense.
Philly's Alejandro Bedoya went with a USMNT-heavy lineup, including Christian Pulisic and a pair of legends in Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard.
New Sporting KC striker Alan Pulido has made his submission, sticking with the theme of a couple previous rosters by stacking his with some of his best former teammates.
