Didn't this used to be a column at BigSoccer.com?

Yes, the AAXI originally started on BigSoccer.com as a weekly review of the most notable performances by American players in Major League Soccer. That column will remain a weekly staple on this blog.

Who's eligible for inclusion in the All-American XI?

As before, anyone playing in Major League Soccer who's eligible for a call-up to the USMNT is eligible for inclusion in the weekly list.

How is the list decided?

The AAXI contributors watch the games and nominate players. These nominees are then voted upon by the AAXI contributors and the top eleven (sometimes with a bit of fudging to field a half-recognizable formation) make the list.

What criteria do you use to evaluate players?

There's no hard and fast nominating criteria but most of the time we're looking out for the best performances of the week. We also try to keep any eye out for notable, usually younger, up and coming players who are distinguishing themselves even if they're not the objective best players on the field.

How come you never include Ronnie O'Brien on the list? Do you hate him?

He's not eligible, you twit. Stop asking that stupid question.

What if nobody watches the game? What if it's only seen by one person? Can players in those games really make the list?

Somebody has to see the game to make the list. We have procedures set up to ensure that exceptional performances make the list even if only one contributor sees the game.

Can you vote for a player in a game if you don't see the game? If not then doesn't voting favor the games more people see?

You can't vote for a player unless you saw him play. We try to insure that multiple people see every game to insure a fair vote. Many of us watch every game televised.

Why the fascination with Justin Mapp? Don't you know he sucks?

You make the soccer gods angry by asking such things. Don't make them smite you.

You guys are idiots. How do I join the AAXI contributors?

We're always looking for suckers volunteers to help with the AAXI. To join you'll have to pass rigorous tests of strength and intellect. These include belching the alphabet backwards and whatever else is listed on this page.