MLS announces All-Stars starting XI

Galaxy stars headline Chelsea's opposition

By Scott Hill | 10th July 2012

On Sunday, MLS announced the first 11 players that will compile the MLS All-Stars roster for the midsummer showcase against Chelsea.

The most notable selection of the 11 being LA Galaxy ace Landon Donovan, who will be making a record-breaking 12th consecutive All-Star Game appearance.

Galaxy teammate David Beckham will join Donovan, along with Thierry Henry, Dwayne De Rosario, and Chris Wondolowski, to name a few.

The fans had the opportunity to vote in their favorite players using three different platforms – online, text voting, and via Twitter. Each player named to the First XI received the most votes at their respective position.

Although these eleven players have secured a spot on the roster, the starting XI will be determined by the coach of the All-Stars, DC United bench boss Ben Olsen.

One player who is very familiar with Olsen is United veteran Dwayne De Rosario, who is accepting the role of being one of the elder-statesmen on the team.

“To be considered one of the oldest guys on the team is not the best,” said De Rosario in an article on MLSsoccer.com.

He added: “You see these guys calling me ‘Grandpa’ and stuff like that. But we have a lot of mutual respect for each other. I try to share a lot of advice and experience with them. Things they can do better individually and things we can do better as a group.”

Although older, DeRo hasn’t lost a step, currently leading the league with 10 assists.

The remainder of the MLS All-Stars will be announced on July 15 during the halftime of the Red Bulls – Sounders match on ESPN.