Kansas City Wizards defenders Jimmy Conrad and Jose Burciaga Jr. were named to the RadioShack "Best XI" team for the 2006 MLS season during the Gala Awards event on the eve of MLS Cup 2006. The Best XI recognizes the performances of the top players in Major League Soccer at their respective positions over the course of the entire season.
The 2006 season marked the third consecutive year that Conrad has earned a spot on the MLS Best XI. Named the league's defender of the year last season, the Temple City, California native was a finalist for the same award in 2004, as well as this season. Absent for nearly half of the season while playing for the United States at this past summer's FIFA World Cup in Germany and due to injury, Conrad appeared in his third consecutive MLS All-Star game this year, helping Major League Soccer's star defeat English Premier League Champions Chelsea FC in Chicago.
Burciaga Jr. was named to Major League Soccer's Best XI for the first time in his career after being recognized as a finalist for MLS Defender of the Year this season, also a first. The five-year Wizards veteran had a breakout season this year, pacing the league's defensive players with eight goals and eight assists. His goal total were the second most on the team and eight assists tied as the team lead. Burciaga Jr. finished third on the team with 2,590 minutes played, the most amongst the Wizards' defensive core.
