We saw the NISA Best XI put out yesterday and it was a solid mix of names from across the league. The league did a fine job on most of its choices, however, we beg to differ on some of the picks and the wacky formation the league created. So here’s the league’s lineup and where we disagree (marked by an *), plus some of our logic.

Goal Keeper - Jean Antione - California United Strikers

Defender - Matt Constant - Michigan Stars FC

Defender - Garrett Hogbin - California United Strikers FC

*Defender - Davey Mason -Maryland Bobcats

The league chose Vasil Zhongo here, touting the goals scored (5), but for us, we went with Davey Mason (Maryland Bobcats) who anchored the Maryland backline, playing just under 1,500 minutes. He also had a goal and 5 assists if that does it for you.

* Defender - Harold Hanson - Albion San Diego

So two bits of information here. For some reason, the NISA Best XI only had three defenders on it (which is ridiculous). Secondarily, Hanson is listed as a midfielder on the NISA site, but he played as a defender in every match we watched. He’s the quintessential two-way player, getting into every Albion attack before sprinting back into position on defense. On top of that, Hanson is has a physical presence that intimidates attackers. He’s an absolute unit.

You’d be hard pressed to find a player who contributed more than Kwak for Syracuse.

Midfielder - Minjae Kwak - Syracuse Pulse

Midfielder - Alex McGrath - Chattanooga FC

*Midfielder - Steven Juncaj - Michigan Stars

So a note on NISA’s weird formation. Having FIVE forwards may be nice to get your favorite names on the list, but it’s not really realistic. We included a third midfielder because…that’s generally how midfields are constructed.

On our pick, we get it, Steven has the last name you love to hate; however, this year Juncaj really solidified his spot as one of the best midfielders in NISA. He’s a tenacious defender, but incredibly active on offense. He’s the server in the Stars’ dominant set-piece game. He belongs on any NISA Best XI.

Diakhate was the best newcomer to the league in 2022. Image courtesy of SDNews.com

Forward - Alioune Diakhate - Albion San Diego

Forward - Darwin Espinal - Maryland Bobcats FC

Forward - Markus Naglestad - Chattanooga FC

Naglestad had one of the best individual seasons in NISA history.

Taylor Gray and Omar Nuno were also on the league’s Best XI and Gray would be a great pick (we definitely disagree about Nuno, who had a disappointing 2022 season). However, we think having a more realistic lineup is a better approach to this list. Trust us, Dan V definitely wanted to find a way to get Albion attacker Mayele Malango into this list, but there simply wasn’t a spot.

- Knights