2010 MLS All-Star Roster: Players to Face Manchester United

The final All-Star selections to complete the 23-man MLS roster at the 2010 AT&T All-Star Game that will face English Premier League historic club Manchester United on July 28 in Houston, TX are set.

The First XI was selected based on online voting comprised of fans, media, players, and MLS coaches/GMs. Each party has a 25 percent stake in the total voting held during the first half of the season. The top vote-getters were announced via MLSsoccer.com on July 13, just two weeks before the event.

The “First XI” tag is not to be confused with the term “Starting XI”; they are only the top 11 chosen by the voters to represent the MLS at the All-Star Game and therefore are guaranteed a spot on the final roster.

The remaining 12 slots are a combination of picks made by the MLS All-Star Head Coach and MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena was named the MLS All-Star Head Coach, earning the honorable role based on his club holding the highest points-per-game in the Major League Soccer standings by the June 27 deadline. As MLS Coach, Arena gets to add 10 players of his choosing to the MLS roster to complement the First XI.

As part of an agreement with the MLS Players Union, MLS Commissioner Don Garber owns the final two selections. With the two roster spots, Garber is free to add any players not already called to the All-Star roster that he sees deserving of the honor based on his evaluation of their play.

The combination of all selections makes up the final 23-man roster. Arena and his coaching staff, which includes Houston Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear as Arena’s assistant coach, will have the freedom to determine the starting lineup on July 28 based on tactical considerations from the 23-man roster.

Donovan Ricketts (GK)

Club: Los Angeles Galaxy
Selection: First XI
All-Star Appearance: First

The 6'4" Jamaican goalkeeper was a key addition to the LA Galaxy's rebuilding season in 2009. The 33-year-old returned from a great stint in the English League Two with side Bradford City, where he established himself as the club's top goalkeeper.

Ricketts took over the reins at Galaxy after GK Joe Cannon left with former LA coach Frank Yallop to the reemerging San Jose Earthquakes. Ricketts' strong presence and imposing height in goal has made him one of MLS' top goalies and was vital for LA's 2009 playoff run that led them to the MLS Cup final.

This year Ricketts has continued his dominant form and has already accumulated nine shutouts in 2010 to match those he achieved last season. He holds an impressive 0.5 GAA (Goals Against Average) this season, and it’s no wonder the Galaxy hold the best record in Major League Soccer.

With his impressive form and his club coach managing the All-Stars, Ricketts should be a shoo-in for starter against the Red Devils.

Nick Rimando (GK)

Club: Real Salt Lake
Selection: Coach’s Pick
All-Star Appearance: Second

Rimando, a 10-year MLS veteran, only gets better with age. During the 2010 season, Rimando has posted seven shutouts so far and an equally impressive 0.81 GAA (Goals Against Average).

Rimando’s season performance has RSL contending for a playoff spot, as Salt Lake is currently second in the Western Conference.

As good a season as Rimando is enjoying, not much can compare to his 2009 campaign, when he led the sub-.500 record Real Salt Lake to secure the eighth and final spot in the MLS Playoffs. As the fifth team from the West, RSL was relocated as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference during the postseason.

RSL impressively dethroned the then defending MLS Champion Columbus Crew in the two-legged first round. RSL would go on to record a scoreless draw against the Chicago Fire, and Rimando withstood the Chicago strikers to advance Salt Lake to the MLS Cup final after winning the penalty shootout.

The 2009 MLS Cup would end up being decided in a penalty shootout as well, where Rimando once again stepped up for RSL, winning the MLS Cup trophy and earning MLS Cup MVP honors.

Rimando’s only other MLS Cup final was in 2004, where D.C. United became the only team in MLS history to complete an undefeated postseason and earn United’s fourth MLS Cup crown. That year he achieved a career-best and club record 1.00 GAA during the regular season.

Omar Gonzalez (D)

Club: Los Angeles Galaxy
Selection: First XI
All-Star Appearance: First

Omar Gonzalez debuted in his first MLS season in 2009, and it didn’t take long for the 6'5" now 21-year-old to make an impact in the league and on his club.

Gonzalez was the only LA player to not only play but also start all 30 regular season games, a rare occurrence for a rookie. He would prove vital in the back to fuel Galaxy into first place in the West and an MLS Cup final appearance. Gonzalez was named the 2009 MLS Rookie of the Year.

Gonzalez continues his good form and has only missed one game for the Galaxy this season.

Chad Marshall (D)

Club: Columbus Crew
Selection: First XI
All-Star Appearance: Second

Only 25 years old, Chad Marshall is considered one of the elite defenders in the league. Marshall’s MLS career has been highlighted by two great consecutive seasons. Marshall was named MLS Defender of the Year in 2008, when the Columbus Crew won their first and only MLS Cup Championship, and again in 2009. Both seasons, Marshall was named to the MLS Best XI list.

The Columbus Crew won the MLS Supporters Shield, the award given to the best team in the standings during the regular season, in 2008 and 2009 with Marshall in the back and are currently first place in the Eastern Conference.

Jamison Olave (D)

Club: Real Salt Lake
Selection: First XI
All-Star Appearance: First

The tall Colombian joined MLS in 2008 but has already earned himself a place in RSL folklore. Although a defender, Olave has eight career goals for Salt Lake, including the first goal ever scored at Rio Tinto Stadium.

Olave was part of the 2009 MLS Cup Championship-winning squad managed by Jason Kreis. Olave was named RSL's Defender of the Year for 2009.

Olave has been impeccable this season and continues to be in good form as RSL are contending in the Western Conference with the LA Galaxy.

Kevin Alston (D)

Club: New England Revolution
Selection: Coach’s Pick
All-Star Appearance: First

Alston made an impressive 26 starts for his club in his rookie season. This outside back has great defensive presence, excels in one-on-one situations, and can push up to attack with a fast pace if needed to.

Alston started in New England’s two playoff games against the Chicago Fire in 2009. His regular season performance earned him a finalist spot for the MLS Rookie of the Season award.

Heath Pearce (D)

Club: FC Dallas
Selection: Coach’s Pick
All-Star Appearance: First

The 25-year-old made his MLS debut in 2009 but was known to USA fans from his regular call-ups to the US Men’s National Team. In his career with FC Dallas he has already provided six assists.

Pearce previously played for Hansa Rostock of the Bundesliga, where he played a total of 30 games and scored two goals during his stint with the German side.

Wilman Conde (D)

Club: Chicago Fire
Selection: Coach’s Pick
All-Star Appearance: Second

The Chicago Fire signed Colombian international defender Wilman Conde late in the 2007 regular season, and he made an immediate impact for the Fire by starting and appearing in seven games during the second half of the Fire season.

In 2008, Conde continued to contribute, scoring a goal and an assist through his 22 games played as well as serving as an integral member of the league's stingiest defense. Conde received only two yellow cards all season while helping the team post 10 shutouts.

During the 2009 season, he continued to make his mark in MLS, as he became known to opposing teams as an imposing force in the Fire's defensive line on his way to being the Fire's representative in the MLS All-Star Game.

Moving forward from what can be described as an underachieving season for the Fire, Conde is one of the team's vital players that will help the Fire reignite.

Jonathan Bornstein (D) [Injured]

Club: Chivas USA
Selection: Coach’s Pick
All-Star Appearance: Fourth

Bornstein debuted in MLS during Chivas USA’s inaugural season in 2006. His great defensive skills earned him the 2006 MLS Rookie of the Year Award and a nod in the 2007 MLS Best XI. Bornstein is also a regular on the United States Men’s National Team, including being called up for the 2010 World Cup squad.

Bornstein’s defensive play isn’t the only threat to the opposition, as he has accumulated nine goals over the course of his career.

Bornstein will appear in his fourth consecutive All-Star game and has played for Chivas USA in international competitions like the CONCACAF Champions League and SuperLiga.

The Chivas USA captain suffered an injury in a SuperLiga match against the Houston Dynamo and is expected to sit out a minimum of two weeks of play, sidelining him from the All-Star Game.

This would have been Bornstein's last MLS All-Star Game, as he will join Tigres UANL of the Mexican First Division in January 2011.

Bobby Convey (M)

Club: San Jose Earthquakes
Selection: Coach's Pick (Injury Replacement)
All-Star Appearance: Third

Bobby Convey was named to the roster for the 2010 AT&T MLS All-Star Game by MLS All-Star head coach Bruce Arena. Convey will replace the injured Jonathan Bornstein on the roster.

Convey is no stranger to former US Men’s National team coach Bruce Arena. Convey was part of the USA roster for 2006 FIFA World Cup and participated in all three group stage matches. Convey has accumulated 46 caps for the national team.

Convey returned to MLS in 2009 from English club Reading FC. While at Reading FC, Convey was a member of the 2006 championship squad of the Football League Championship in England and helped the club reach promotion to the Premier League for the first time in team history.

Arriving late in 2009, Convey tried to rejuvenate the Earthquakes to no avail San Jose failed to make the playoffs. In 2010, Convey has started in all matches this season and is responsible for one goal and eight assists for the Quakes this season. San Jose is currently in contention to make the postseason.

Convey is the first member of the Earthquakes to be named an All-Star since the team returned to MLS in 2008.

Kyle Beckerman (M)

Club: Real Salt Lake
Selection: First XI
All-Star Appearance: Third

Beckerman, best known to MLS fans for his unique hairdo, has developed into a lethal midfielder. Originally a player for now defunct Miami Fusion FC, Beckerman was picked up by Colorado in the 2002 dispersal draft.

After his time with Colorado Rapids, his already rising career only escalated higher when he was traded to rival Real Salt Lake, where he is the current team captain. During his stint in Salt Lake he has led his side to the MLS Cup Championship run in 2009.

Dwayne De Rosario (M)

Club: Toronto FC
Selection: First XI
All-Star Appearance: Fifth

Undoubtedly one of Major League Soccer’s all-time best, De Rosario’s illustrious career always conquers new challenges.

A four-time MLS Cup Champion (twice with San Jose Earthquakes and twice for Houston Dynamo) and a two-time MLS Cup MVP, De Rosario controls the team from the midfield but is a striking threat at any time and lethal on set pieces. De Rosario can not only score but also provide beautiful shots, as proven by his two MLS Goal of the Year awards.

De Rosario also led San Jose to a Supporters Shield trophy in his last and championship season.

The move to TFC took place for De Rosario’s convenience to play at home. The Canadian international is a national hero. De Rosario has captained his national side, scored 15 international goals, and was part of Canada’s squad during the magical run to the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

While at Toronto, Captain De Rosario has brought two Nutrilite Canadian Championships and expects to provide the first playoff appearance for his hometown club.

De Rosario returns to Houston in 2010 for his fifth consecutive All-Star appearance. De Rosario is a former MLS All-Star MVP in 2006 when he scored the lone goal against another Premier League opponent and current EPL champions Chelsea FC.

Javier Morales (M)

Club: Real Salt Lake
Selection: First XI
All-Star Appearance: Second

Don’t let age fool you; 30-year-old Javier Morales is one of the biggest attacking threats in MLS. Arriving in 2007, Morales has already tallied 12 goals and 28 assists over his MLS stint and counting.

Although injured during the late part of the season, Morales was still a strong presence during RSL’s playoff run by drawing players' attention. His playmaking abilities were part of what led RSL to the MLS Cup in 2009.

Marco Pappa (M)

Club: Chicago Fire
Selection: First XI
All-Star Appearance: First

The Chicago Fire is barely holding up in the Eastern Conference but is staying afloat in regards to playoff positioning thanks to the Guatemalan international. The 22-year-old Pappa joined MLS last season and has been key to the Chicago midfield, especially after the departure of former DP Cuauhtémoc Blanco.

Currently, Pappa is the club’s season top goal scorer with six goals and has provided four assists for the Fire.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto

Club: Columbus Crew
Selection: First XI
All-Star Appearance: Third

The Argentinean Schelotto arrived in MLS in 2008 and made immediate impact as a Designated Player, leading the Crew to its first MLS Cup Championship and collecting MLS Cup MVP honors. Since then the Crew have also enjoyed two additional Supporters Shield titles. No offense to Brian McBride, but Schelotto may just be Columbus’ most illustrious player.

Columbus remains a threat in MLS and is currently first in the East with the leadership of the former Boca Juniors standout.

Sebastien Le Toux (M)

Club: Philadelphia Union
Selection: Coach’s Pick
All-Star Appearance: First

There’s a French guy taking the MLS by storm (no, not Thierry Henry, at least not yet). Le Toux arrived in MLS through the Seattle franchise. He was well known in second division for his top goal-scoring in the US Open Cup for the always competitive Seattle Sounders.

When Seattle moved to MLS, he wasn’t so quick to adjust to the league and was coming off the bench. After Seattle failed to protect him, Philadelphia got a steal in this year’s Expansion Draft and found the player that will lead the Union into the future.

His outstanding season so far has earned him a spot on the All-Star team, as Coach Arena has taken notice of his hard work.

David Ferreira (M)

Club: FC Dallas
Selection: Coach’s Pick
All-Star Appearance: First

FC Dallas has a knack for finding good Colombian players, and Ferreira is no exception. Arriving in late 2009, Ferreira provided the spark to start the Hoops’ late-season run that almost saw them make the playoffs after a horrendous start to the regular season. He brings experience and craftsmanship to the All-Star team.

Brad Davis (M)

Club: Houston Dynamo
Selection: Coach’s Pick
All-Star Appearance: Third

A vital part of the Houston Dynamo’s back-to-back MLS Cup Championships, Davis was also part of the double in San Jose Earthquakes that acquired the MLS Cup and Supporters Shield in the same season.

With the departures of De Rosario, Stuart Holden, Ricardo Clark, and the recent injury to Geoff Cameron, Davis has become vital to the Dynamo’s playoffs hopes now more than ever.

The 28-year-old has a lot to give on the field and off the field. Davis often promotes support for the US Military personnel, particularly the US Army, through his campaign known as Brad’s Brigade that raises money to bring veterans and their families to Dynamo games.

The All-Star Game in Houston will be a special one for Davis, and not only because he plays for the host city’s club. Growing up, Brad Davis always dreamt of playing for Manchester United, and on July 28 he will get to play on the same pitch against them.

“Manchester United—growing up, for me they were my childhood idol team,” Davis said. “It’s going to be an awesome experience, an excellent opportunity, and I’m very thankful for it.”

Davis was picked by Arena to join the MLS roster. Arena has worked with Davis before, calling him up to the US Men’s National Team that he led to the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup title.

Shalrie Joseph (M)

Club: New England Revolution
Selection: Coach’s Pick
All-Star Appearance: Seventh

Joseph’s résumé speaks for itself. A four-time selection for MLS' Best XI list and in consideration for the MLS MVP award every year, Joseph is considered MLS’ most complete player despite getting older.

Joseph is a threat at any part of the field, defense and offense. He was a main reason why the Revolution earned four consecutive Eastern Conference Championships and always gives New England a fighting chance during the regular season. Joseph led Revolution to the 2007 US Open Cup and 2008 SuperLiga Championships.

Whether starting or coming off the bench, expect the Grenadian to get playing time versus the Red Devils.

Jeff Larentowicz (M)

Club: Colorado Rapids
Selection: Coach’s Pick
All-Star Appearance: First

Larentowicz has earned his first All-Star nod and in many ways is getting the credit he deserves. Larentowicz has developed into one of the league’s premier midfielders and shows a great aerial presence.

During his time at the Revolution he achieved well over 100 caps and helped the team achieve the team's first trophy in the US Open Cup in 2007. New England also became the first MLS team to win SuperLiga.

Now with Colorado, Larentowicz will be helpful to the Rapids in their hopes to make the playoffs by contributing goals and assists.

Edson Buddle (F)

Club: Los Angeles Galaxy
Selection: First XI
All-Star Appearance: First

Buddle began to have a breakout season near the end of 2008, but he could never match it in 2009, and the LA Galaxy was held to a draw in the MLS Cup final that they eventually lost in a penalty shootout.

Buddle made up for a quiet 2009 season by beginning 2010 with full intensity. 2010 began on fire for Edson Buddle, which led to his selection to the US Men’s National Team for the 2010 World Cup.

One stat that stood out for USA coach Bob Bradley was Buddle’s domination of the score sheet. Before leaving for South Africa, Buddle had 11 goals in MLS play, and that stat still holds him as MLS top scorer this season.

With the number of votes received and his LA coach at the helm, Buddle would be an expectation to start against the Red Devils.

Landon Donovan (F)

Club: Los Angeles Galaxy
Selection: First XI
All-Star Appearance: 10th

The greatest soccer player in USA history, and he's only 28 years old. LA Galaxy has been rolling ahead, but when Donovan is in the lineup, it just makes them more lethal and dangerous, as if they weren't already.

In case you haven't heard, Donovan is a two-time MLS Cup Champion and last season was the league MVP.

Coming off a career year with a successful campaign at Everton and a World Cup campaign that every media giant is talking about, the 2010 All-Star Game just wouldn't feel right without Donovan, and if MLS has a chance of beating Man U, they're going to need him.

Donovan is USA’s all-time leading goal scorer, and for US National Team and the LA Galaxy, Arena has coached Donovan and knows how to exploit his talents with ease.

Juan Pablo Angel (F)

Club: New York Red Bulls
Selection: Coach's Pick
All-Star Appearance: Third

Juan Pablo Angel arrived to MLS having already established himself as an exciting and explosive goal scorer, coming off successful stints at Aston Villa and River Plate.

Angel shattered the Red Bulls' all-time goals scored record with ease and is still an unstoppable force in Major League Soccer. Angel is always contending for the Golden Boot and in 2008 led the Red Bulls to their first MLS Cup final appearance.

Just think of the tag team him and Thierry Henry will turn out to be. Angel has been scoring less than usual, but that's because he's had no help up top. Soon that's about to change.

Jaime Moreno (F)

Club: D.C. United
Selection: Commissioner's Pick
All-Star Appearance: Eighth

Major League Soccer began in 1996 with DC United winning the inaugural MLS Cup led by coach Bruce Arena and club scorer Jaime Moreno. At the 2010 All-Star Game these now-legends will reunite once more against England's most renowned team.

Moreno is the only player left of those that started with the league, and he's spent all his years in the nation's capital. He's led United to multiple championships, domestic and international, and made them the most historic team in MLS.

Moreno is the league's all-time top scorer and the only player to accumulate over 100 goals and 100 assists in a career.

Commissioner Garber saw it deserving that in the league’s shining moment, a man that has been there since the beginning and stuck with MLS through good and bad should be there to represent the league and its success.

Brian Ching (F)

Club: Houston Dynamo
Selection: Commissioner's Pick
All-Star Appearance: Fourth

What would the MLS All-Star game be without one of the host club’s biggest stars? Brian Ching is the Dynamo’s all-time top scorer and MLS Cup MVP in 2006; he helped Houston collect two consecutive MLS Cup Championships in the club’s initial years in the Bayou City.

The City of Houston embraced the Dynamo when they needed a home, and the Dynamo rewarded them on the field. The MLS All-Star Game will not only be a great matchup but also a celebration of soccer for a global city that has showed an undying support for the world’s game.

Ching has enjoyed an illustrious career for both club and country. Although Bradley didn’t add Ching to the 2010 World Cup squad because of recent injuries, Brian’s presence up top was greatly missed and was a reason why the USA fell short.

As a tribute to Brian Ching’s strong season and brilliant career, MLS Commissioner Don Garber has picked the Dynamo icon as one of his two exclusive picks for the 2010 AT&T All-Star Game.

“It’s so well deserved,” Garber said in an exclusive interview with the Houston Chronicle. “As part of our agreement with the union, I have two picks. Boy, it took me about five seconds to come to the decision that Brian Ching would be the first one.”

In much the same way Roger Clemens embraced the role of Houston ambassador in July 2004 during MLB’s All-Star Game at Minute Maid Park and the festivities surrounding the Midsummer Classic, Ching is leading the charge to promote MLS and the All-Star Game in his adopted hometown.