MLS Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer Unveils League's First XI for 2009 MLS All-Star Game at Rio Tinto Stadium

Published on July 13, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


SANDY, Utah (Monday, July 13, 2009) - Reigning Volkswagen Most Valuable Player and this season's leading scorer, Columbus Crew midfielder Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan, a nine-time All-Star, were among those unveiled as the MLS All-Star First XI this afternoon on MLSnet.com's ExtraTime. The 2009 MLS All-Star Game will be played on Wednesday, July 29, at Rio Tinto Stadium - home of Real Salt Lake - in Sandy, Utah, where the MLS All-Stars will take on Everton FC of the English Premier League. The game will be televised live on ESPN2 and Galavision at 7:30 p.m. MT.

Tickets to the 2009 MLS All-Star Game at Rio Tinto Stadium remain on sale, with prices starting at $35 (North Goal, South Goal and Upper Deck), and continuing at $45 (Corner Flag), $60 (Lower Sidelines), $105 (Front Row and Midfield) and $200 (Club Seats). To purchase tickets for the MLS All-Star Game's first visit to Utah, please visit www.RioTintoStadium.com, call 1-800-838-3380, or visit the Rio Tinto Stadium Box Office, open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. MT.

The First XI - consisting of one goalkeeper, three defenders, five midfielders and two forwards - received the most votes at their respective positions from four groups - fans, players, media, and coaches/general managers. Schelotto led all players in combined voting, followed by Donovan and Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids). Seven first-time All-Stars are included in the 11-player list and seven different nations are represented within the First XI.

Donovan (LA Galaxy), Dwayne De Rosario (Toronto FC) and Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution) return as All-Stars, while Schelotto (Columbus Crew) is scheduled to appear in his first All-Star Game, after being selected for the inactive roster in 2008. Receiving the honor for the first time are two MLS Newcomers who are members of the expansion Seattle Sounders FC - goalkeeper Kasey Keller and midfielder Freddie Ljungberg. Houston Dynamo duo Geoff Cameron and Stuart Holden received their first nods as a defender and midfielder respectively, while defenders Wilman Conde (Chicago Fire) and Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew) round out the three-man back line with Cameron. Partnering with Donovan as the second forward is Casey, who ranks third in the Budweiser Golden Boot race with eight goals scored.

The First XI is reflective of Major League Soccer's diverse player pool, as seven nations are represented and the age range is from 23 years to 39 years. Holden, 23, is the youngest member of the First XI, 16 years younger than the First XI's most senior member, 39-year-old Keller. Five members of the First XI have played for the U.S. Men's National Team, while four others have represented their countries at the senior level -- Schelotto (Argentina), Ljungberg (Sweden), Joseph (Grenada) and De Rosario (Canada).

Next Monday, July 20, Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear and his staff's selections will be announced, while two Commissioner's selections will complete the 18-man game-day roster. Kinnear earned the honor of coaching the MLS side by leading his team to the highest points per game average in the League through games on June 28.

The First XI is not necessarily the starting lineup. Kinnear will select the starters based on player availability and tactical considerations. If First XI selections are unavailable due to injury, international duty or other commitments, Kinnear will select alternates for the game day roster, but all First XI players are All-Stars. The inactive, or alternate All-Star roster, will be announced at a later date.

The All-Star First XI selections are below:

2009 MLS All-Star First XI

Goalkeeper: Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders FC)*

Defenders: Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo)*, Wilman Conde (Chicago Fire)*, Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew)*

Midfielders: Dwayne De Rosario (Toronto FC), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo)*, Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution) Freddie Ljungberg (Seattle Sounders FC)*, Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew

Forwards: Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids)*, Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

* Denotes first selection to the MLS All-Star Team

Online fan balloting comprising 25 percent of the combined First XI vote, with MLS coaches and GMs (25 percent), media (25 percent), and players (25 percent) accounting for the remainder. Players and coaches/general managers could not register votes for players on their own teams. The chart below shows 20 of the top vote-getters, with the weighted percentage of total votes within each group that the players received.

2009 MLS All-Star First XI:

(Listed by position in a 3-5-2 formation)

Kasey Keller Goalkeeper Seattle Sounders FC Nationality: United States Born: November 29, 1969

In his first MLS season, Kasey Keller has shown why he is always in a discussion about the best goalkeeper ever produced by the United States. After spending most of his professional career playing in England, with stints in Germany and Spain, Keller signed with 2009 expansion team, Seattle Sounders FC, last August 2008. He started this season posting five shutouts and set the record for the longest shutout streak to start a season (457 minutes). Keller has started in 16 games and holds a record of 7-1-7. His one loss is the fewest among goalkeepers who have played 10 or more games this season. He ranks third in goals against average (0.85), third in shutouts (5) and is tied for third in wins (7). Keller has led Seattle Sounders FC to second place in the Western Conference as of July 13. This marks the first MLS All-Star selection for the Olympia, Wash. native, who is a candidate for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award.

Geoff Cameron Defender Houston Dynamo Nationality: United States Born: July 11, 1985

This 2008 MLS Rookie of the Year finalist has become a steady starter at central defender after playing primarily as a midfielder last season. He started and played every minute of the Dynamo's first 16 games this year, and has helped lead the two-time MLS Cup champs to the League's best record (9-4-4) as of July 13. Cameron has helped Houston record a League-high eight shutouts and a League-best 0.71 goals against average. He has one assist on the season, and scored twice in Houston's recent U.S. Open Cup victory over the Charleston Battery. His first professional goal, a game-tying blast on April 6, 2008, was among five finalists for 2008 MLS Goal of the Year. This is Cameron's first MLS All-Star Team selection.

Wilman Conde Defender Chicago Fire Nationality: Colombia Born: August 29, 1982

The 6-foot-2-inch defender is an imposing force who possesses a lethal combination of strength and skill. The Fire signed Conde in August 2007 from Millonarios in Colombia. During the 2008 regular season Conde played in 22 games and helped the Chicago defense earn 10 shutouts. Born in Cali, Conde has represented his country at the U-23, U-20, U-17 and U-15 levels. Conde is not only a defensive stalwart, but a threat to score on set plays as well. He has scored two goals this season. This is Conde's first MLS All-Star Team selection.

Chad Marshall Defender Columbus Crew Nationality: United States Born: August 22, 1984

The No. 2 overall SuperDraft pick in 2004 has spent his six-year career with the Columbus Crew. After battling some injuries early in his career, Marshall has stormed back and become one of the League's top players. He has helped lead the Crew this season to a 5-3-9 record with 24 points, where they sit tied for second on points in the Eastern Conference. Last year he was named the MLS Defender of the Year and was named to the MLS Best XI, while leading the Crew to their first MLS Cup championship. The 24 year-old Riverside, Calif., native has used his young career to catapult him onto the U.S. Men's National Team scene. He has recorded six caps for the U.S. and scored a goal in an international friendly versus Colombia on March 9, 2005. This is Marshall's first MLS All-Star team selection.

Dwayne De Rosario Midfielder Toronto FC Nationality: Canada Born: May 15, 1978

De Rosario has energized his club's offense this year and has made Toronto FC a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference. He is tied with Amado Guevara for the team-high in goals scored with five and has added three assists. De Rosario, the only two-time MLS Cup MVP, is being named to the First XI for the fourth consecutive season. He has recorded two game-winning goals in previous all-star games including a rocket shot from more than 20 yards in a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in 2006, and scoring a thunderous penalty kick that was the difference in the MLS All-Stars' 3-2 win against West Ham in 2008 in Toronto. He earned his first cap in 1998 with the Canadian Men's National Team and has since made 52 international appearances and scored 15 goals.

Stuart Holden Midfielder Houston Dynamo Nationality: United States Born: August 1, 1985

Now in his fourth MLS season, all with the Houston Dynamo, Holden is establishing himself as one of the League's most exciting young talents. He has started in 15 games this season and has notched four goals and three assists, only one goal and two assists shy of his career bests in 2007 when he played in 22 games, starting 10, throughout the entire regular season. His impressive performance in just three and a half seasons has led to his inclusion on the U.S. National Team. Holden is currently representing the U.S. in the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament. He scored his first international goal during the U.S.'s first round victory over Grenada and followed up with a 25-yard blast in injury time to tie Haiti in group play. In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Holden is very active in the community. In 2008, he was the Dynamo's recipient of the U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year award. This is Holden's first MLS All-Star team selection.

Shalrie Joseph Midfielder New England Revolution Nationality: Grenada Born: May 24, 1978

Widely regarded as the League's best defensive midfielder, Shalrie Joseph has added another dimension to his game in 2009 as he has started a few games at forward, leads the team with five goals, and is tied with Steve Ralston for the team lead in assists with four. He is one goal and one assist shy of equaling his previous career highs of six goals (2005) and five assists (2007 and 2005). Now in his seventh season in the League, all with the Revolution, this is Joseph's sixth consecutive MLS All-Star Team selection. The talented and imposing 6-foot-3-inch midfielder also represents his native country of Grenada. Joseph has appeared more than 20 times for the Grenada National Team, and in 2007 he was named the Caribbean Player of the Year. In 2003 Joseph was honored with Grenada's Footballer of the Year award.

Freddie Ljungberg Midfielder Seattle Sounders FC Nationality: Sweden Born: April 17, 1977

Joining teammate Kasey Keller as a first-time All-Star is Ljungberg, who was signed as Seattle Sounders FC's first Designated Player in late 2008. The Swedish midfielder has adapted quickly to his surroundings and has helped lead Sounders FC to an extraordinary 7-3-7 record with 28 points - good for second place in the Western Conference. Ljungberg has recorded two goals and five assists this season. The fiery, creative midfielder has been capped 75 times by Sweden and has recorded 14 goals throughout his international career. He appeared in the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup for Sweden and three European Championships (2000, 2004 and 2008). Ljungberg last played in the English Premier League for West Ham United, and prior to that starred for Arsenal FC.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto Midfielder Columbus Crew Nationality: Argentina Born: May 4, 1973

Schelotto, the League's reigning Volkswagen Most Valuable Player, is proving again why he is one of the most brilliant players to ever don the black and gold jersey. With 10 goals, he currently leads the Budweiser Golden Boot race. In his third MLS season, the Argentine attacker is the fulcrum of the Crew's offense and has put them near the top of the Eastern Conference standings after an inauspicious start to the season by the defending MLS Cup Champions. Schelotto has transformed his game from feeder to finisher after leading the League with 19 assists in 2008. He was tabbed as the Crew's first Designated Player prior to the 2008 season. Since joining the Crew in 2007, has scored 22 goals and recorded 33 assists. The only other MLS player with at least 20 goals and 20 assists during that time is Landon Donovan (34 goals, 26 assists). This is Schelotto's first selection to the MLS All-Star First XI team. He was named to the inactive roster in 2008.

Conor Casey Forward Colorado Rapids Nationality: United States Born: July 25, 1981

Casey earned his first MLS All-Star team selection by leading the Rapids with eight goals, which ranks third in the Budweiser Golden Boot race, one behind Seattle's Fredy Montero and two behind Guillermo Barros Schelotto. The Rapids sit in fourth place in the Western Conference thanks to Casey's resurgence as a dominant forward. He is enjoying a successful comeback on several levels. Toronto FC signed Casey in 2007, but he played only 58 minutes before being traded to Colorado. Casey suffered a knee injury upon his return, but has since fought back and scored 11 goals in 2008 to become the team's Golden Boot winner. Casey appeared in four games for the U.S. in their successful FIFA Confederations Cup run. He has appeared 14 times for the U.S. and scored one goal. In August, 2009 Casey scored a goal during a Rapids vs. Everton FC friendly, and will look to duplicate the feat at this year's MLS All-Star Game.

Landon Donovan Forward Los Angeles Galaxy Nationality: United States Born: March 4, 1982

Donovan, the 2008 Budweiser Golden Boot winner, has scored six goals and four assists in 12 games this season. This marks the ninth consecutive All-Star selection for Donovan dating back to 2001, his first season in the League. Donovan was named the MVP of the 2001 All-Star Game and helped lead the San Jose Earthquakes to their first MLS Cup title that same year. He again played a starring role in the Earthquakes' second MLS Cup championship in 2003, and with the Galaxy's Cup championship in 2005. With five goals scored, Donovan is tied with Brian McBride for the most goals scored in MLS All-Star Game history. Donovan, the Galaxy captain, has missed five of the Galaxy's 17 games this year while serving national team duty for the U.S. Men. He helped lead the U.S. to their most successful finish in a major FIFA tournament when they defeated European Champions Spain and finished second to Brazil at the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa.

ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. MLS features many stars from the U.S., Canada, and around the world. MLS kicked off its 14th season on March 19, and will feature 15 teams each playing 30 regular season matches. They include Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Chivas USA, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, New England Revolution, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Toronto FC and, in its inaugural season, Seattle Sounders FC. The Philadelphia Union will debut in 2010, while expansion teams in Vancouver and Portland will debut in 2011. For more information about MLS, log on to the League's official website at www.MLSnet.com.

ABOUT RIO TINTO STADIUM

Rio Tinto Stadium is a state-of-the-art, sports and entertainment facility in Utah, providing a stunning new home for world-class events, one with breathtaking views of both the Oquirrh and Wasatch Mountain ranges. Rio Tinto Stadium opened its doors for the first time on Thursday, October 9, 2008, with Real Salt Lake Major League Soccer action televised before an international audience. The venue's first-ever concert event featured legendary rockers the Eagles on May 9, 2009, while country music icon Kenny Chesney will bring his "Sun City Carnival" tour to the venue later this month on July 23.

The Stadium, host of the 2009 MLS All-Star Game on July 29, and a United States Men's National Team FIFA World Cup Qualifier in early September, is a new class of venue in the Intermountain West, attracting events that would not otherwise visit Utah, bolstering the state's reputation as an international sports and entertainment destination. The diversity of events attracted to Rio Tinto Stadium brings significant media attention, positively impacts tourism efforts and creates numerous job opportunities on both permanent and seasonal bases. In March, 2008, the Stadium was recognized by Forbes.com as one of "10 New Super-Stadiums" in development worldwide.

Located in Sandy, Utah, at the heart of the Wasatch Front, Rio Tinto Stadium is conveniently accessed from major transportation arteries Interstate-15 as well State Street, between 9000 South and 9400 South. The venue resides just 15 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City and 25 minutes from SLC International Airport. The venue seats 20,008 people for various sporting events, including Real Salt Lake games, with capacity rising to 25,000 for concerts and other events. Stadium amenities include 32 luxury suites, a 2,000-square foot Stadium Club, 1,000 club seats, five locker rooms, a 60-foot Video Board, and ribbon LED boards on both the east and west fascia.

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