MLS D.C. United

Nelsen, Moreno Elected to Eastern Conference All-Star Starting XI

Published on July 9, 2004 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


WASHINGTON, DC (July 9, 2004) - Jaime Moreno and Ryan Nelsen were named Thursday to the starting XI of the Eastern Conference team for the 2004 Sierra Mist All-Star Game, to be held Saturday, July 31st, 2004 at RFK Stadium. This year, the All-Star Game returns to an East vs. West showdown for the first time since 2001. D.C. United Head Coach Peter Nowak will lead the Eastern Conference in an attempt to re-establish their dominance, as they hold a 3-1-1 edge in inter-conference matchups. The League's mid-summer showcase will again be televised live on ABC Sports, beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Nelsen, who will be playing in his second consecutive All-Star Game, scored his first goal of the season in the Black-and-Red's 6-2 victory over the MetroStars. He has started all nine of his appearances for United this season, missing a handful of matches as he led the New Zealand National team in qualifying for FIFA World Cup 2006. A versatile defensive player who provides an offensive threat, Nelsen continues as D.C. United's captain, providing strong leadership from the back line.

Moreno returned to United in the 2004 off-season after struggling to recover from a back injury that nearly forced his retirement. The Bolivian striker has also been a full-time starter, missing only two of D.C. United's 15 games to date with an ankle injury. He is currently tied for sixth among all scorers in Major League Soccer with 14 points (four goals and six assists), and he sits atop the assists table.

The starting lineups for both conferences were chosen by voting among fans, media, players and coaches/general managers, with each group's vote counting for 25 percent of the overall total. J. Patton Sports Marketing Inc. acted as independent arbiter for the voting, with ballots allowing for 22 selections – one goalkeeper, four defenders, four midfielders and two forwards per conference. San Jose Earthquakes F Landon Donovan was the most voted-for player, leading balloting among the fans and soccer media. Donovan also tied Eddie Pope among general managers and coaches.

Defending MLS Cup Champions San Jose and their MLS Cup 2003 opponents Chicago lead all teams with five starters each. The remaining seven players per team will be announced on Monday, July 12, with six reserves being named by the respective coaches and one Commissioner's Pick allocated to each conference.

Tickets for the 2004 Sierra Mist All-Star Game are still available, with individual ticket prices ranging from $25 to $60. For more information and group discount pricing, visit the newly-redesigned www.dcunited.com or call D.C. United at 202-587-5000. Tickets are also available through TicketMaster at www.ticketmaster.com, TicketMaster outlets, Charge by Phone and at the RFK Stadium box office.

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Major League Soccer Stories from July 9, 2004


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