Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By DAN KARELL
The U.S. Men’s National Team will be well represented in the 2014 All-Star Game against Bayern Munich in Portland, Ore.
Major League Soccer announced the results of the Fan XI on Wednesday evening, and the side features no less than eight members of the USMNT at the World Cup. The Fan XI includes USMNT captain Clint Dempsey and his Seattle Sounders teammate DeAndre Yedlin, Sporting KC pair Matt Besler and Graham Zusi, and forwards Thierry Henry, Obafemi Martins and Landon Donovan.
The players on the Fan XI accrued the most votes from the fans over two platforms, online through MLSSoccer.com and on Twitter.
Martins earned his place in the Fan XI through the “More than a vote” challenge, which saw fans score more than one million goals while playing as Martins on the FIFA 14 video game.
Players voted to the MLS Fan XI are not locks to be on the game roster. Portland Timbers coach Caleb Porter will select the roster based on availability and tactical considerations, but every member of the Fan XI is considered an All Star, for CBA purposes.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber will also make two picks to the game-day roster of 20 players.
Players who finished just outside the Fan XI include: Steven Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Júlio César (Toronto FC), Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls), Aurelien Collin (Sporting Kansas City), Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC) and Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City).
The MLS All Stars will take on German champions Bayern Munich on Aug. 6 from Providence Park in Portland, Ore.
Here’s a look at the 2014 All Star Game Fan XI:
GOALKEEPER: Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS: Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC)
MIDFIELDERS: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
FORWARDS: Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), Obafemi Martins (Seattle Sounders FC – AT&T/EA SPORTS “More than a Vote” Challenge winner)
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What do you think of this year’s Fan XI? Surprised that Defoe wasn’t voted in? Think that the eight USMNT players could start the All Star game?
Share your thoughts below.