Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez was one of the best players in Major League Soccer in 2023, striking fear into opposing defenses with his ability to score and set up teammates. He was rewarded for his performances on Tuesday when Hernandez was named to the 2023 MLS Best XI, recognizing the league’s top players, determined by MLS media, clubs and players.

After arriving in Columbus on a transfer from Watford, Hernandez has steadily made his presence known in MLS. In his first full year with the Crew, the Colombian forward guided the Crew to third place in the MLS Supporter Shield standings, the Black & Gold’s highest finish since 2009. Hernandez led Columbus with 16 goals and 11 assists, tying for the most on the team.

After the departure of playmaker and league MVP candidate Lucas Zelarayan in July, Hernandez went on a tear, recording 13 goals and four assists in the Leagues Cup and MLS regular season play.

2023 MLS Bext XI

Forwards: Dénis Bouanga (LAFC), Giorgos Giakoumakis (ATL), Cucho Hernández (CLB)

Midfielders: Luciano Acosta (CIN), Thiago Almada (ATL), Héctor Herrera (HOU), Hany Mukhtar (NSH)

Defenders: Matt Miazga (CIN), Tim Parker (STL), Walker Zimmerman (NSH)

Goalkeeper Roman Bürki (STL)

Hernandez became just the second player in franchise history to record 25 or more goal contributions in his first 30 matches. He was also the fifth to do so in one full season.

Hernandez, 24, also etched his name in the league record books by completing the second-fastest hat trick in MLS history. The forward notched three goals in 22 minutes against the Chicago Fire on Sept. 20. He then paced the league in shots on target (58), placed second in goals inside the 18 (15) and finished fourth in total goals (16) while starting all games in which appeared in.

So far in the postseason, Hernandez has four goals, tying him for the best in MLS, while recording one assist, helping the Crew advance to a crucial Eastern Conference Final against FC Cincinnati. His most recent goal came against Orlando City SC in the Eastern Conference semifinal, scoring from midfield in extra time to eliminate the Lions 2-0.

Earlier this month, Hernandez was also called into the Colombian national team camp for a pair of CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers fixtures, where he featured on the bench against Colombia’s win over Brazil.

Hernandez is just the 13th player in Crew history to be named to the MLS Best XI, the first since former defender Jonathan Mensah in 2020.

All-time Columbus Crew MLS Best XI selections

1997: Thomas Dooley, Brad Friedel

1998: Thomas Dooley, Stern John

2002: Jeff Cunningham

2004: Robin Fraser

2007: Guillermo Barros Schelotto

2008: Chad Marshall, Robbie Rogers, Guillermo Barros Schelotto

2009: Chad Marshall

2015: Ethan Finlay, Kei Kamara

2018: Zack Steffen

2020: Jonathan Mensah

2023: Cucho Hernandez

The Black & Gold continue their MLS Cup playoff rank when they take on FC Cincinnati in a postseason edition of the Hell Is Real Derby. Kickoff from TQL Stadium is set for Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. ET, and can be seen on MLS SeasonPass on Apple TV.