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Online fan ballots are now being accepted at Major League Soccer's official web site, www.MLSnet.com, for the 2007 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game, which will pit the best in MLS against perennial Scottish powerhouse Celtic FC on July 19 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo.
Fans can vote for the All-Star First XI by selecting one goalkeeper, three defenders, five midfielders and two forwards. Any fan can cast up to 10 votes per day until June 25. The online fan voting will consist of 25 percent of the total vote for the All-Star Game starters, with the coaches and general managers, players, and media comprising the balance.
On June 25, the MLS All-Star coach will be named. That coach will be the one in charge of the team with the most points through that date, with standard MLS tiebreakers to break a deadlock if necessary. Then, on July 5, the All-Star First XI will be unveiled. Five days later the MLS All-Star reserves will be announced. Five will be selected by the All-Star head coach and the final two will be selected by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
The 2007 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game marks the fourth of its kind, where the top MLS players will form one team to take on an international club. Last year the MLS All-Stars defeated England's Chelsea FC 1-0 at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. The All-Stars have also recorded wins over Fulham FC (2005) and CD Guadalajara (2003).
Celtic will be a formidable opponent in this year's midsummer classic, as the Glasgow club recently claimed its second consecutive and 41st overall Scottish Premier League championship. Last November the club qualified for the knockout round of the UEFA Champions League.
Aside from being one of the world's top clubs on the field, Celtic is also world renowned for being one of the most well-supported. Its traditional green and white "hoops" jerseys and shamrock crest are recognized everywhere, while its average attendance of more than 57,000 fans per game is among the greatest in the world.
Dick's Sporting Goods Park, the brand new home of the Colorado Rapids, will host the 2007 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game. The stadium also hosted the 2007 First Kick as the home team christened its new ground with a 2-1 victory against D.C. United in front of a national television audience on ABC Sports.
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
