Countdown to the MLS All-Star Game: First XI Announced

The MLS All-Star First XI has been announced and it should be no surprise to see both Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle of the LA Galaxy are on the team. Buddle leads the league in goals with 10 while Donovan leads the league in assists at 10 and both were members of the U.S. team that reached the second round of the World Cup. They will be joined by Galaxy teammates and first time All-Stars Defender Omar Gonzalez and Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts.

The defending champs Real Salt Lake have three players on the teams that include Midfielder Kyle Beckerman (1st All-Star appearance), Defender Jamison Olave (1st All-Star appearance), and Midfielder Javier Morales. Other members of the First XI include Defender Chard Marshall (Columbus Crew), Midfielder G. Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew), Midfielder Dwayne de Rosario (Toronto FC), and Midfielder Marco Pappa (Chicago Fire; 1st All-Star appearance).

They will be joined by 12 additional players that will be announced on Monday July 19. 10 of these players will be selected by the All-Star’s coach Bruce Arena. The other 2 will be Commissioner’s selections.

According to MLS.com it has been reported that more than 45,000 tickets have been sold for the All-Star Game, which will be held at Houston’s Reliant Stadium for the first time where they will be facing off against Manchester United. This will be Man U’s first trip to Houston.

While at Toyota Park in Chicago today (July 14) Manchester United held an hour long practice today. The fan base for Man U is an amazing site. Many were in attendance and letting their support for The Reds be heard with loud cheers during today’s practice.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was quoted on MLS.com as saying, “We have a fantastic fan base. I think it’s grown to the point that the success of the club is an expectation.”