MLS All-Star First XI Named

Unsurprisingly no one from the New England Revolution was named to the MLS All-Star First XI announced today. Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Galaxy and Eastern Conference-leading New York Red Bulls combined for seven of the players voted onto the All-Star First XI by the fans. The All-Stars will face off against Manchester United on Wednesday, July 27th at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.

The First XI is highlighted by four designated players. Highly paid stars Thierry Henry and Rafa Márquez of New York and Landon Donovan and David Beckham of Los Angeles are joined by seven other players in the First XI, including five first time selections. Donovan’s eleventh selection ties him with Eddie Pope for the most in league history.

San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski, last year’s Golden Boot winner, midfielders Brek Shea of FC Dallas and Jack Jewsbury of the Portland Timbers, and defenders Tim Ream of New York and Sean Franklin of Los Angeles were all put on their first All-Star game roster. Henry and Márquez are also on their first All-Star squad.

Seattle goalkeeper Kasey Keller and Los Angeles Defender Omar Gonzalez complete the First XI. Sporting Kansas City defender Matt Besler, while not a member of the First XI, is part of the All-Star squad after earning the most votes via text message.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber will add two selections to the roster on July 16th and the rest of the team will be announced July 18th. Red Bulls Head Coach Hans Backe will decide the actual starters of the All-Star game and make any injury replacements on the roster.

No Revolution players were in the First XI or the next group of top vote-getters.

MLS All-Star First XI

Goalkeeper: Kasey Keller (SEA)

Defenders: Omar Gonzalez (LA), Sean Franklin (LA), Rafa Márquez (NY), Tim Ream (NY)

Midfielders: David Beckham (LA), Jack Jewsbury (POR), Brek Shea (DAL)

Forwards: Landon Donovan (LA), Thierry Henry (NY), Chris Wondolowski (SJ)

AT&T Text Voting Winner:

Defender: Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City)