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The MLS All-Star team is set to take on Manchester United in a match-up that should be entertaining, but clearly won't be easy.
New York Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe will be tasked with selecting a lineup capable of keeping up with the English champions, something that will be a bit more difficult after LA Galaxy and U.S. national team star Landon Donovan bowed out of the match with an injury.
There is still plenty of firepower to build a good squad, and certainly enough star power to keep fans interested in this mid-season friendly.
So who will Backe turn to as starters against Manchester United? Here is the squad we can see him trotting out at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday:
No real surprises here. We could certainly see Hans Backe going with Omar Cummings or Omar Bravo up top instead of Wondolowski, but it remains unclear just how healthy Cummings is at the moment.
Think the Joseph-Beckerman tandem is a bit too defensive? Keep in mind that Joseph can definitely get forward if called on to do so.
As for the defense, a Ream-Olave combo works well because Olave's speed can cover for Ream's lack of speed while Ream can play the role of distributor out of the back. Heath Pearce is playing centerback for Chivas USA these days, but Hans Backe is well aware that Pearce can play left back, and would easily be one of the best left backs in MLS if he played there regularly.
We've put Faryd Mondragon in goal, and he's been outstanding, but Backe could be tempted to give Kasey Keller the nod given this is his final season before retirement. Either way, it seems a good bet that Keller gets on the field on Wednesday.
What do you think of this squad? Who would you replace? Who would you start that didn't make our cut?
Share your thoughts below.
Are U kidding? Keller will be there… received special permission from the Sounders.
Shea will not be there.
MLS All-Star game sold out Reliant Stadium in Houston last year… 78000+ attendance.
Futbol Cafe in South Arlington,also a new spot in DC on U street, “Touchdown” also a good spot ( DCU bar)
It’s MLS……..
Fun to note that the top two players on the team are Henry and Beckham, the two guys who are also using the MLS as a retirement league. And they are probably still the most talented players in the league skill-wise.
Sorry. I watch the MLS, I wish nothing but the best for the MLS, I hope MLS talent will help out by beloved USMT, but….the MLS drives me insane.
who really want,s this game, for certain MAN.U. don,t,they dread getting injured with so much at stake in the coming season, their out to collect another prem and reclaim the champ,league,but they will probably beat the MLS even in safe mode
his 8 goals this season (none are PKs) and his 2010 golden boot begs to differ
Will they have more than five minutes to practice together? Last year was a train wreck.
Beckerman is strong but Alonso is having the better season
Wondo sucks.
Can Keller and mon dragon play at the same time? That might be better than wondo
thanks for the suggestions!
honestly, the game will miss Donovan. but i think the replacement is good. Beckham at the flanks and Henry at attack will be very dangerous as Becks and feed-in through passes.. and woe be ties united if the should commit set-pieces deep in their half… it gonna be a great game,…
Lucky Bar in Dupont Circle will be completely packed. BlackFinn Saloon off K st has had good gatherings, but the DCU fanbase is anywhere off H St NE (The Pug). Four Courts in Arlington also has good crowds for any Euro games.
U obviously didn’t follow mlssoccer.com at all. Kasey Keller won’t be playing because of the fact they are having a CCL game this week. That’s why none of the FC Dallas players or Seattle sounders players weren’t on the list. If it weren’t for injuries and upcoming games, we would of had a solid roster with players like Omar Gonzalez, Landon Donovan and Brek Shea as well for Freddy Montero who many people are upset of the fact that he didn’t get named to the roster. I’m still surprised that Wondowloski got on the roster.
I know there are probably reasons for it, but it’s odd that Marquez is not in the All-Star team even though he was well enough to play for RBNY on Saturday against Dallas.
Completely off topic…but does anyone know any bars in DC where crowds will be gathering ahead of the ManU v Barca game this saturday?
Where in his post did he mention anything to indicate he’s a “euroswine”? The games he talking about were in the Gold Cup and was he wrong in saying United has a faster, stronger defense? Get a clue and don’t be ignorant…
I’m going to the All Star game and I hope the All Stars don’t get their butts kicked, 5-0 or worse. I really, really want MLS to win, but I know that’s probably not going to happen.
where in the crap is Hassli?
BeX-men: “My Adamantium cleats will chew you up…”
Beware, Joseph might get red carded for sticking his finger in Beckerman’s ear.
where is Chavez of FCD???
I was referring to Backe’s own comment that as a European he doesnt care about winning the MLS cup, he wants the supporters sheild.
where are Ferreira and Morales???? Thank you MLS hacks
euroswine
You are way off base…ASG’s are a great thing about American sports. As the league continues to create/bring in household names…East Vs West will be back
bummer that 2 marquee names wont be there
Did Bob Bradley make this lis lineup???
I’d rather see Tally Hall starting
Backe is coaching because the RedBulls are the host team,
It’s about being entertained, and is why the NBA all star game draws a large viewing audience
its a REAL shame that Marquez and Donovan aren’t healthy, they would’ve made a HUUUUUUUGE difference.
Oh man, you’re 2 for 2! Nicely done, haha
Bravo up front with Titi for sure.
Best scenario without Donovan would be to have Shea slot in for Becks and put Beckham in the middle with Joseph or Beckermann
I don’t really think its a european thing anymore. Americans don’t really care about All Star games either.
-Pro Bowl is a joke, they can’t even fill the stadium
-MLB has to have 80-90 all stars because no one shows up
-NBA is basically a Harlem Globetrotters showtime reel
-NHL, couldn’t tell you its been years since i’ve watched one
It seems that All Star games are meant for kids that want to see stars and not a competitive match…. I could be way off base though
Backe will put out the second string. Being European, he doesnt care about the All Star game. Why on earth does this man get to coach the MLS All Stars?
ha ha . . . gotta love that shot of Becks! looks like he just woke up!
A hair replacement? Landon would probably appreciate that.
haha, yea, but seeing as he’s probably replacing Donovan in midfield, just consider it a “like for like” replacement.
sub wondo out for… anyone else. I know he’s great in the MLS but if his recent USMNT play is any indication of his ability to play against faster, stronger defenses. That being said I’m not even sure if there’s a better alternative.
Bravo, sir. Bravo.
If there’s any game for these MLS guys to throw in some dangerous slide tackles, it’s this one. Take down a few of those Red Devils and there’s no Crew players to get any retribution tackles.
I kid.
As a skc supporter I hope he doesn’t play much, save dem legs. But not sure even SanJose fan will say Bravo isn’t better the Wondo. Between Thierry and Omar you have a just a bit of scoring experience
I just want to see Beckham and Davis whip in crosses all day.
No way Brad Davis has the hair for that midfield.
So you pick the two defensive mids over a five man midfield? Interesting choice, but I think Hans is going to pull something crazy.
I’d go with a similar starting lineup, just with Keller getting the start instead. Otherwise, classic lineup.
Bravo would be great in that lineup for sure.