Toronto FC announced Tuesday that defender and captain Jim Brennan has been included on the 18 man roster of the 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game as one of Head Coach Steve Nicol's selections. This is the first time that the All-Star game will be played outside of the United States, and will pit West Ham United of the English Premier League against the best of the MLS.
The First XI was announced last week, and was selected by a combination of votes from fans, players, media, coaches and General Managers. The All Star coach makes five selections, to round out the roster along with Commissioner Don Garber's two picks. Nicol earned the honour of coaching the MLS side by virtue of leading the New England Revolution to the highest points per game average in the League through games played on June 29.
This is Brennan's first selection in the 18 man roster in the league's showcase; in 2007 Brennan was selected to the All-Star inactive roster.
"It's an honour to be chosen to be part of the team by Steve Nicol," said Brennan. "I'm really looking forward to the All-Star game, especially since it's being played here in Toronto. Last year I was on the Inactive roster so didn't get a chance to really be a part of it. It's going to be something I'll always remember and having it here at home makes it that much more special."
Brennan has played 14 games this season, 13 of those as a starter logging 1202 minutes. He's contributed two assists this season and has no cautions.
The 31 year old joins other coach's selections: Pat Onstad (Houston Dynamo), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Christian Gomez (Colorado Rapids), Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls) as well as the Commissioner's two picks, Edson Buddle (Los Angeles Galaxy), and Dwayne De Rosario (Houston Dynamo). If players are unavailable due to injury, international duty or other commitments, Nicol will select alternates.
For the complete roster of the 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star squad please visit www.mlsnet.com.
