July 18, MLS released the gameday roster selected by MLS All-Star and New York Red Bulls coach Hans Backe for the 2011 All-Star game versus Manchester United at Red Bull Arena on July 27. Last year, 70,728 attended the 2010 MLS All-Star game against Manchester United, which resulted in a 5-2 victory for the EPL Champions.
Backe selected all eight of the original fan-voted All-Stars who are available to play. Seven of the MLS All-Star First XI, decided by popular vote online via MLSsoccer.com, twitter, and text message, were players of the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls, two teams with the strongest fan bases and most expensive players. The roster is highlighted by 11-time All-Star Donovan, former-Manchester United midfielder Beckham and World Cup Champion Henry.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber's two All-Star selections were Sporting Kansas City's designated player Omar Bravo and NYRB's first Homegrown player, Juan Agudelo.
Four of the official MLS All-Star First XI are unable to play due to injuries or commitments in the concurrent CONCACAF Champions League matches and will be replaced via player voting and announced on July 25. Goalkeeper Kasey Keller and FC Dallas forward Brek Shea are playing in CCL and NYRB defender Rafa Marquez and LA Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez are sidelined with injuries.
Click here for the Manchester United roster and here for Sir Alex Ferguson's thoughts on promotion and relegation in MLS.
The 2011 MLS All-Star Game vs. Manchester United kicks off on July 27 at 8:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN2, Galavision, and TSN.
2011 MLS All-Star Gameday Roster
Goalkeeper: Tally Hall (Houston Dynamo), Faryd Mondragón (Philadelphia Union)
Defenders: Corey Ashe (Houston Dynamo), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Bobby Convey (San Jose Earthquakes), Sean Franklin (LA Galaxy), Jamison Olave (Real Salt Lake), Heath Pearce (Chivas USA), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls).
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Jack Jewsbury (Portland Timbers), Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution), Nick LaBrocca (Chivas USA)
Forwards: Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), Omar Bravo (Sporting Kansas City), Omar Cummings (Colorado Rapids), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
The Official 2011 MLS All-Star First XI
Goalkeeper: Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounder FC)
Defenders: Sean Franklin (LA Galaxy), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Rafa Marquez (New York Red Bulls), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls).
Midfielders: David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Jack Jewsbury (Portland Timbers), Brek Shea (FC Dallas)
Forwards: Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
FOLLOW US SOCCER EXAMINER AND LE EISENMENGER ON TWITTER AND SUBSCRIBE TO EMAIL ALERTS.
Comments