West Ham United Set to Play the MLS All-Stars

Major League Soccer’s All-Star squad will face off against Premiership club West Ham United on July 24th from Toronto, Canada. BMO Field is home to second-year franchise Toronto FC. The atmosphere will be electric as home fans and privileged ticket holders cheer on the best of MLS.

Below follows an in-depth look at some of the key players who should figure into the exhibition.

Goalkeeper Robert Green: The 28-year-old Englishman was voted as the 2008 Player of the Year by the club’s supporters. He routinely kept the outfit in several matches including saving a number of important penalty kicks. The club’s mid-table finish would have been more like a relegation battle had it not been for the heroics of Green.

Defender Lucas Neill: The 30-year-old Australian international captains the Hammers. He plays right-back, but can also move into the centre role if needed.

Defender Jonathan Spector: The 22-year-old American international has seen a solid amount of playing time since he joined the club in 2006. It will be interesting to watch him compete against the All-Stars from the league he snubbed upon graduation from the Bradenton Academy in 2003.

Winger Fredrik Ljungberg: The former Swedish international played his last match for country during the group stage of Euro 2008. His prime days are past, but the former Arsenal player still has the ability to impress. Due to his high rate of injury, he may not factor in the match.

Forward Dean Ashton: Long touted as the “next elite striker” coming out of England, Ashton battled back from a severe injury and finally made his international debut against Trinidad & Tobago this summer. Physically gifted, the 24-year-old could muscle his way onto the score sheet.