Fan balloting for the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star First XI closes at midnight on Tuesday, July 5, so there are still a few days to stuff the ballot with the names of your favorite players. The latest returns are tight, which means a spot on the announced First XI is still up for grabs.
CAST YOUR BALLOT NOW
So now you've cast those crucial votes, ever wonder what some of the players are thinking? Who are their All-Stars? We asked a handful around the league, and this is what they said:
VOTE: Keller or Mondragón?
"A bunch of our guys are very deserving. Danny Mwanga has done a great job up top, Faryd Mondragón has done a great job in goal, Carlos Valdés has done a great job next to me. There are a lot of guys I can name, so I guess I can’t just hone in on one person." — Sheanon Williams, Philadelphia Union
"It's hard for me just to point to one guy, but I think probably Faryd Mondragón has been one of the biggest keys to us doing as well this year as we’ve done, so I would probably say him." — Danny Califf, Philadelphia Union
“I've seen video of Eric Hassli and I've talked to his teammates. They've said he's unreal. And then when I saw that goal — the one where he [scored in Seattle] — I was like yeah, he should probably be [an All-Star].” — Stephen McCarthy, New England Revolution
“I would say Jair Benítez. I think he has helped keep Dallas' attacking flair in tact with the loss of David Ferreira. He poses threats to any team in the league with his pace and his technical ability. I think he takes things into his own hands and combines well with the other creative players on his team. He also plays fullback, which [makes him] even more difficult to defend.” — Pat Phelan, New England Revolution
VOTE: Donovan or Henry?
"Chad Marshall should be on it for sure. He’s a huge part why this team has been good not just this year but the last three or four years. I don’t know why he wouldn’t be on the team this year." — Eddie Gaven, Columbus Crew
"I definitely have to say Thierry Henry and Landon Donovan with the goals they've scored so far this year, they're deserving. … I think among the defenders, Omar Gonzalez deserves to be in the All-Star Game. He's so consistent and solid defensively and a hard worker. I got to know him from the national team and I think he's deserving to be in the game." — Tim Ream, New York Red Bulls
"[Jack Jewsbury]. ... He’s probably been one of the best signings in MLS, one of the best trades this year. He’s done ever so well. His set pieces have been excellent. His goals have been excellent. I’d be disappointed if he’s not near the top of the all-star ballot [voting]." — John Spencer, Portland Timbers
"Thinking of our team, I think it’s kind of a no-brainer that it’s Brad Davis. Looking at big stats categories, assists is what he's known for and it jumps out at you because he’s leading the league. On the field he’s the engine that’s driving our offense right now. He doesn’t lose the ball a lot and keeps the possession and tempo. He’s been a good leader for us and deserves the honor." — Tally Hall, Houston Dynamo
“A player I don’t think has gotten much recognition that has done a lot for his team is Brad Davis. I think he has something like 11 assists. He’s been very, very good this year and I think he deserves more recognition for what he’s been doing." — Chris Pontius, D.C. United
"Both Heath Pearce and Nick LaBrocca have been outstanding and have been the most consistent contributors in every game." — Dan Kennedy, Chivas USA
