The "First XI" for the MLS All-Star squad that will face English Premier League champions Chelsea FC at the 2006 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game will be unveiled tomorrow Wednesday, July 12 on www.MLSnet.com at 1 p.m. ET. The 2006 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game will take place Saturday, Aug. 5 in Bridgeview, Ill., at TOYOTA PARK the new home of the Chicago Fire. The game will be televised nationally live on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. ET.
The MLS First XI is determined by a four-tiered voting process. Four groups contributed to the selections: Fans (25 percent of the total vote, via online balloting), MLS coaches and GMs (25 percent), media members (25 percent) and MLS players (25 percent). Due to the competitive nature of the match, the First XI is not necessarily the starting lineup, as Head Coach Peter Nowak will determine the starters based on player availability and tactical considerations.
Fan balloting concluded on Friday, July 7 with fans voting on the League's official website, www.MLSnet.com. D.C. United Head Coach Peter Nowak earned the honor of coaching the MLS side by virtue of leading his team to the highest point total in the League through games on July 4 (Week 14). On Monday, July 17, the full, 18-man MLS All-Star roster will be announced. It will include two Commissioner's picks and the rest of the game-day roster as selected by Coach Nowak.
Tickets for the midsummer showcase range from $55-$125 and can be purchased at the TOYOTA PARK Box Office, located at 7000 S. Harlem Avenue, from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. CT Monday-Friday, by calling TicketMaster at 312-559-1212 or visiting www.MLSnet.com.
Media planning to cover the 2006 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game can apply for media credentials online at http://sum.iwebreg.com/apply.
