SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Earthquakes forward and leading goal scorer Chris Wondolowski was named to the MLS All-Star First XI for the first time in his seven-year career on Sunday.
The Danville native will suit up for MLS on Wednesday, July 27 against defending English Premier League champions Manchester United at Red Bull Arena in the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star Game (live on ESPN2, Galavision and TSN at 5:30 p.m. PT).
Wondolowski won the 2010 MLS Budweiser Golden Boot with a league-high 18 goals, nine of which were game winners for an Earthquakes squad that reached the Eastern Conference Championship. The local product leads San Jose and is tied for No. 6 in MLS with six goals in 13 games. He also represented the United States in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in June.
MLS unveiled its list of 11 names selected by fans to represent the league in Harrison, N.J. during halftime of the Portland Timbers vs. Seattle Sounders FC match on Sunday. The First XI received the most votes at their respective positions from combined fan voting on three platforms – online at MLSsoccer.com, via text message, and via Twitter.
A 4-3-3 formation was selected for this year’s First XI because the third-ranked forward received more than twice as many votes as the fourth-place midfielder. Bios for the 12 All-Stars named today are at the bottom of this release.
The First XI is not necessarily the starting lineup. MLS All-Star coach Hans Backe 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, Backe will select alternates for the game day roster, but all First XI players are All-Stars.
Two selections by MLS Commissioner Don Garber will be announced July 16. The complete game day roster will be announced on Monday, July 18.
Under the CBA, a total of 32 players will be named All-Stars. After the game day roster, the remaining players receiving the All-Star honor will come from voting among MLS players and be announced July 25.
2011 MLS All-Star First XI
Goalkeeper: Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounder FC)
Defenders: Sean Franklin (LA Galaxy), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Rafa Marquez (New York Red Bulls), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls).
Midfielders: David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Jack Jewsbury (Portland Timbers), Brek Shea (FC Dallas)
Forwards: Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
