Real Salt Lake: Kyle Beckerman, Javier Morales, Jamison Olave complete All-Star trifecta in 2010

Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman has one more reason to celebrate: he and teammates Jamison Olave and Javier Morales have been named to the MLS All-Star Game First XI. Photo/Real Salt Lake

For some, last year’s selection of Kyle Beckerman and Javier Morales seemed like it may have been a fluke, a coincidence due to the All-Star Game being held in Salt Lake.

Both were Commissioner’s Picks, a selection usually granted to players who are playing in their hometowns, or in situations warranting unusual circumstances.

This year, however, there was no doubt Beckerman and Morales belonged in the First XI. Not only that, defender Jamison Olave’s play also cemented his selection to the 2010 MLS All-Stars First XI, completing the trifecta.

It’s the first time RSL has had three players in one All-Star Game--and the only time in which the club has had any players in the First XI--so RSL fans will have much to cheer for in Houston on July 28 when Major League Soccer‘s best take on Manchester United.

All three RSL players were deserving of the honor, as Beckerman has scored two goals and two assists in limited action due to injury. Morales has had a stellar season with four goals and six assists in 13 games played.

A stalwart for RSL has been Olave, who started in all 15 games this season. The Colombian central defender was crucial--as were Beckerman and Morales--in bringing RSL its first MLS Cup title.

Being named to the First XI, however, doesn’t mean that the RSL trio will start. It does mean they’ll be named as All-Stars even if they cannot play due to injury or other unforeseen circumstances.

Of course, the CONCACAF Champions League being held at the same time may have made it possible for RSL to have three players on the First XI, but that’s an argument for another day.

The rest of the 23-man roster will be announced on Monday, July 19. An additional nine players will also be named as All-Stars per the Collective Bargaining Agreement but will not participate in Houston.

2010 MLS All-Star First XI

Goalkeeper
Donovan Ricketts (LA Galaxy)*

Defenders
Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy)*
Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew)
Jamison Olave (Real Salt Lake)*

Midfielders
Dwayne De Rosario (Toronto FC)
Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake)*
Marco Pappa (Chicago Fire)*
Javier Morales (Real Salt Lake)
Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew)

Forwards
Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy)
Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)
* Denotes first selection to the MLS All-Star Team