who each captain their respective national teams -- as well as English internationals Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer, U.S. international defender Jonathan Spector and Luis Boa Morte. The Portuguese forward will actually be making his second MLS All-Star Game appearance after playing for Fulham in the 2005 match.
"It is an honor to be taking part in the MLS All-Star Game this July," West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said. "The club has a strong global fan base and we are working hard to increase our international exposure as well as help the game develop at grassroots level across North America. Our players are all looking forward to the challenge. It will be a great experience both for the established names in our squad and our talented youngsters. We are sure it will be a competitive and memorable occasion."
Added Upson: "It is a fantastic opportunity for us to take on the MLS All-Stars in Canada. Football is huge over there right now and it will be a really exciting match in front of a sell-out crowd where we will get to test ourselves against some of the best MLS players which will serve as great preparation for the new season."
It should be a particularly special occasion for Spector, who will get a rare chance to play for his club team in North America.
"For me it will be nice to play in the MLS All-Star Game," Spector said on West Ham's official web site. "It is a big game for them and they have played some big clubs. Chelsea have gone out there and some other really well known clubs. It is an honor that West Ham has been selected to participate in the game. I am certainly looking forward to it. ... It has taken a lot of time and will probably take a lot more time, but (MLS) continues to grow. They keep adding more and more teams and it is exciting to see that as an American."
Although just in its second year of existence, BMO Field has already proven to be one of the best venues in Major League Soccer, thanks to the club's knowledgeable and passionate fan base. Toronto FC will add to its MLS-record 15 consecutive sellouts this year with every match in the 2008 season already sold out.
BMO Field was also one of the sites for the FIFA Under-23 World Cup last summer.
"The 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game is a terrific showcase for Major League Soccer and its talented players," said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "Adding a historic football club like West Ham as this year's All-Star opponent gives more reasons for soccer fans to look forward to this exciting event."
Dylan Butler is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
