MLS Fans, We Have an All-Star Team

MLS fans, it’s time! Time to start thinking about the July 24 MLS All-Star game, where we can once again prove that our best-of-the-best can beat an off-season, mid-table European squad. After which we can say, for another year, “See? We can compete with Europe!”

Unless we lose, in which case we’ll say, “Umm… It’s hot. We’ve played a hard half-a-season. We’re tired. Some of our best players are injured. We’re playing in freakin’ Toronto, which is a long way from home! And West Ham was really playing out of their minds for this game, weren’t they? They are so underrated!”

Last week we got the names of the top vote-getters from the fan vote, which counted for 25% of team selection. Today we get the rest of the story — the team we get when we combine the fan vote with votes from managers, coaches, players and the press.

The really interesting part? In the reader vote, there were six Toronto players in the top fifteen.

In the First XI, though? None.

Toronto fans, I know I’ve poked some fun in the past, but I am offended on your behalf — particularly since the game is being played in your stadium. It’s as if MLS is saying, “TFC? We don’t like your players and don’t value your votes, but come to the stadium and spend lots of money anyway, okay?”

Here’s the official list of your All-Star First XI, in that ever-popular 3-5-2 formation. MLSnet points out that “First XI” does not necessarily mean “Starting XI.” “First XI” being a reflection of votes received, and not necessarily which players will perform best together. The decision on which players will actually take the field on July 24 will be up to coach Steve Nicol.

(And somebody please remind Cuauhtemoc Blanco he needs to check the jersey color before he starts head-butting and eye-gouging. Guys like David Beckham and Landon Donovan are now his teammates.)

2008 MLS All-Star First XI
Goalkeeper: Matt Reis (New England Revolution)

Defenders: Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution)

Midfielders: David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Chicago Fire), Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

Forwards: Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

For the list of “20 of the top vote-getters,” with percentages from each voting group, visit MLSnet.

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Category: World Football