MLS Major League Soccer

MLS Commissioner Don Garber Selects Real Salt Lake Stars Kyle Beckerman and Javier Morales for MLS A

Published on July 15, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


NEW YORK (Wednesday, July 15, 2009) - Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber selected the Real Salt Lake midfield duo of Kyle Beckerman and Javier Morales as his two "Commissioner's Picks" for the 2009 MLS All-Star Game. Beckerman and Morales join the First XI and one alternate who have already been announced by the League. The MLS All-Stars face English Premier League club Everton FC in the 14th annual midsummer showcase being played at Real Salt Lake's Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah on Wednesday, July 29 (ESPN2 and Galavision).

Beckerman, 27, is in his third season with Real Salt Lake after starting his career with the Miami Fusion in 2000, and spending five and a half seasons with the Colorado Rapids. The defensive midfielder from Crotton, Md., known for his tenacious play and flair, has two goals and one assist in 14 games this season. With his long dreadlocks and easy-going attitude off the field, the 10-year MLS veteran is among the more popular players in the League. This marks Beckerman's third All-Star selection, but will be his first appearance on the 18-man game-day roster. In 2007 and 2008 he was selected to the inactive roster. He is currently with the U.S. National Team as they prepare for the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. With several appearances in the Gold Cup, he now has six caps for the U.S. men.

Morales, a 29-year-old attacking midfielder from Buenos Aires, Argentina, is in his third season with Real Salt Lake after joining the club during the summer transfer period in August 2007. So far this season, Morales has one goal and four assists while conducting the RSL attack. Morales was the catalyst for Real Salt Lake's first playoff appearance in club history last fall. During the season he scored six goals and finished second in assists with 15, behind only the Leader and League MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto. This marks Morales' first selection to the MLS All-Star Team.

On Monday, July 20, MLS All-Star Team and Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear and his staff's selections will be announced to 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. The inactive, or alternate All-Star roster, will be announced at a later date.

Tickets to the 2009 MLS All-Star Game 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. local time.

2009 MLS All-Star Team

Goalkeeper: Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders FC)*

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

Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake)+, Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Chicago Fire)^, Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo)*, Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution) Freddie Ljungberg (Seattle Sounders FC)*, Javier Morales (Real Salt Lake)+, Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew

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

* Denotes first selection to the MLS All-Star Team

+ Denotes a Commissioner's Selection

^ Blanco replaced Dwayne De Rosario in the lineup, as De Rosario will be with Toronto FC for CONCACAF Champions League and Blanco was next highest vote getter in the midfield

2009 MLS All-Star Team:

Current list of 13 All-Stars scheduled to appear on the game-day roster (By position and in alphabetical order, based on 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.

Kyle Beckerman Midfielder Real Salt Lake Nationality: United States Born: April 23, 1982

Beckerman was acquired by Real Salt Lake in a trade for Mehdi Ballouchy in July 2007. The 10-year MLS veteran from Crofton, Md., is in his third season with Real Salt Lake. He has played in 207 games and started 182 in his career, scoring 18 goals and providing 20 assists from his defensive midfield role. As the captain of Real Salt Lake, he was integral in leading his club to their first playoff appearance in 2008. Beckerman is a member of the U.S. National Team and is currently serving international duty with the U.S. in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He has recorded six appearances for the U.S.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco Midfielder Chicago Fire Nationality: Mexico Born: January 17, 1973

Blanco, the unpredictable midfielder for the Chicago Fire, will be making his second consecutive appearance on the MLS All-Star Team. In 2008 he was named the game's Most Valuable Player after scoring a brilliant goal and providing an assist on a Christian Gomez goal in the MLS All-Stars 3-2 victory over West Ham United. Blanco, who received the next highest voting percentage in the midfield after Dwayne De Rosario, replaced the Toronto FC midfielder who is unavailable. He has three goals and six assists in 12 League games this year. Blanco became the Chicago Fire's first Designated Player in 2007. He scored the Goal of the Year in 2007 on a 30-yard left-footed volley versus Real Salt Lake in Week 20. Blanco represented Mexico at two FIFA World Cups (1998 and 2002), scoring in each tournament. In 1999, he led Mexico past Brazil for the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup title, setting the tournament record for goals with nine.

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.

Javier Morales Midfielder Real Salt Lake Nationality: Argentina Born: January 10, 1980

Morales is in his third season with Real Salt Lake, signing during the summer transfer window in August 2007. Morales recorded 15 assists in 2008 and six goals, helping lead Real Salt Lake to their first MLS Cup Playoffs appearance. He finished second in the League to countryman, Crew midfielder Guillermo Barros Schelotto, in assists on the season and ranked second on Real Salt Lake in goals scored. Real Salt Lake signed Morales to a four-year contract extension in 2008 that would see him in a Real Salt Lake uniform through the 2012 season. Morales started his career in the Argentine First Division with Lanús, and had stints with Newell's Old Boys, Arsenal de Sarandí and Instituto de Córdoba, before transferring to the Spanish second division club

UD Vesindario.

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.

Check out the Major League Soccer Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from July 15, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central