Colombia is well-represented on the MLS All-Star First XI with a pair of countrymen -- New York Red Bulls striker Juan Pablo Angel and FC Dallas midfielder Juan Toja, who will face Scottish Premier League perennial powerhouse Celtic FC on July 19 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo.
Toja, who is in his first MLS season, has quickly emerged as a fan favorite for FCD. His long, flowing locks, love of classic rock and roll and incredible work rate and finishing skills have endeared him to the Hoops faithful.
He has started all 17 games so far in 2007 and has logged a team-high 1,503 minutes. Toja's four goals this year tie him for the most on FCD with currently-injured Kenny Cooper. Toja was signed from Argentinian side River Plate on Feb. 28, whom he played five games for in the 2006 Copa Libertadores tournament and netted one goal.
FCD head coach Steve Morrow was clearly pleased for his young midfielder.
"It's a great honor for him and the team as well," Morrow said. "He'll be the first to tell you that his teammates have helped him get there as well. In his first few months, for everyone to notice him and for him to be selected as one of the 11 best all-stars is a tremendous feat. He's had a very good season so far and hopefully will get better as the season goes on."
Toja is clearly pleased with his selection.
"For me, I'm new here and have only been here for four months," he said. "I am very happy to be an all-star and am looking forward to playing."
Getting to play alongside a fellow Colombian in Angel is something that just adds to the all-star experience for Toja.
"I know he's from there too," he said. "He's a good player. I don't know him personally but to have the opportunity to play with him is very nice."
Besides being pleased with Toja's selection, Morrow has also been impressed with Angel's play this season and there being two Colombians in the First XI.
"It happens sometimes," he said. "Angel is an experienced player who has played in England. He's a good fit for this league. That's the important thing -- recognizing when players can fit into this league and do a good job."
Toja's development on the field has been apparent to anyone who has watched him play this year. But what many might not see is his off-the-field growth. When he arrived in Frisco just four months ago, he spoke no English.
Now, the Colombian star's English has gotten much improved and he now attempts to do interviews entirely in English, usually with only minimal assistance from the FCD public relations staff.
The FCD midfielder has accomplished this through completely integrating himself into the locker room. He does interact with his fellow Latin players, but Toja spends an equal amount of time interacting with his non-Spanish speaking teammates both before and after training.
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
