MLS Red Bull New York

Gaven, Guevara, Pope Named Starters on Eastern Conference All-Star Team

Published on July 9, 2004 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Red Bull New York News Release


SECAUCUS, NJ (Friday, July 9, 2004) – MetroStars Eddie Gaven, Amado Guevara and Eddie Pope were named as starters for the July 31 Sierra Mist MLS All-star Game at Washington D.C.'s RFK Stadium. While Pope is an All-Star veteran, being named in eight consecutive midseason classics, Gaven is the youngest player in history to be voted in as an All-Star starter and will become the second youngest player to appear in the history of the event should he play.

The 17-year-old's naming as an All-Star starter is another step in Gaven's rise in becoming one of the best teenagers in America. Playing each of the MetroStars' 15 games, the starlet has contributed four goals and five assists this year. Because of his success, Gaven also earned a call-up to the senior U.S. National Team for their international friendly against Poland on Sunday. If Gaven appears for Bruce Arena's squad against their European rivals, the Hamilton, NJ native will become the fourth youngest player in U.S. history to earn a senior cap.

Gaven's teammate in the midfield, Amado Guevara, will be appearing in his second consecutive All-Star game. The Honduran National Team captain and midfield lynchpin has scored five goals and added six assists which makes him tied for second place among Budweiser Scoring Leaders. Guevara, who was also named MLS Player of the Week for the week ending June 27 (Week 13), is also tied for the league lead in assists.

Pope, one of the most accomplished defenders in U.S. soccer history, is now in his second season with the MetroStars. A two-time World Cup player and the captain of the "Red and Black," Pope was named MLS Defender of the Year in 1997 and is a three-time MLS Best XI selection. His steady defending and consistent play made the 30-year-old the top vote getter among players and was tied with San Jose Earthquakes star Landon Donovan among coaches and GM ballots.

Eight of ten MLS teams are represented in the starting lineups for the Eastern and Western Conference with the Chicago Fire and San Jose Earthquakes leading each conference with five representatives each. Six reserve players as well as two Commissioner's picks will be announced on Monday and the rosters for the MLS Reunion Match featuring players from the 1994 World Cup in a U.S. vs. the World format will follow on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.

The 22 starters were elected through voting by fans, media, players and coaches and general managers with each group representing 25 percent of the final tally. L.A. Galaxy manager Sigi Schmid and D.C. United manager Peter Nowak will coach the West and East respectively.

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Major League Soccer Stories from July 9, 2004


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