FC Dallas head coach Colin Clarke today announced five players as reserves for the MLS All-Star team that will face English Premier League club Fulham FC in the 2005 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game on July 30 in Crew Stadium (3:30 ET live on ABC Sports). Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber today also announced his two Commissioner's picks to complete the 18-man roster.
2005 MLS All-Star Reserves:
Goalkeeper Scott Garlick (FC Dallas)
Defender Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew)
Defender Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Midfielder Simo Valakari (FC Dallas)
Forward Pat Noonan (New England Revolution)
Commissioner's Picks:
Midfielder Christian Gomez (D.C. United)
Forward Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution)
The following are select highlights of the All-Star Reserves:
The 2005 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game offers four levels of ticket pricing, ranging from $25 to $45 for individuals. Tickets can be acquired at the Crew Stadium Box Office, at any area Ticketmaster outlet, via phone at 614-431-3600 or online at www.MLSnet.com and www.TheCrew.com. Group pricing is also available. For more information or to purchase group tickets call The Crew at 614-447-CREW.
Complete MLS All-Star Roster:
GOALKEEPER (2): Matt Reis (New England Revolution), Scott Garlick (FC Dallas)
DEFENDERS (5): Eddie Pope (Real Salt Lake), Greg Vanney (FC Dallas), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Clint Dempsey (New England Revolution), Ronnie O'Brien (FC Dallas), Amado Guevara (MetroStars), Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution), Christian Gomez (D.C. United), Simo Valakari (FC Dallas)
FORWARDS (4): Carlos Ruiz (FC Dallas), Eddie Johnson (FC Dallas), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution), Pat Noonan (New England Revolution)
Additional notes on the 18-player MLS All-Star roster:
Chris Albright (Defender - Los Angeles Galaxy)
Having switched from forward to fullback at the beginning of the 2004 season, Albright has continued to impress at his new position, making his second consecutive All-Star game appearance as a defender. Albright brings a different element to defending, keeping opposing teams at bay with his forward attacks and dangerous crosses from the flank.
Scott Garlick (Goalkeeper - FC Dallas)
After some tight competition in the Dallas nets during the preseason, Garlick won out the starting job and has made head coach Colin Clarke's decision look great with the numbers he's posted: Tied for the League lead with 10 wins, a 1.0 goals against average (2nd), and six shutouts (2nd).
Christian Gomez (Midfielder - D.C. United)
The Argentine midfielder helped solidify the United offense in 2004, and was instrumental in D.C.'s MLS Cup run. In 2005, Gomez is tied for third in the League with six goals and has added two assists. Though impressive, his numbers don't tell the entire truth of his contributions on the field, as opposing teams have to carefully watch him at all times as his vision has led to many United goals. This is Gomez's first All-Star appearance.
Frankie Hejduk (Defender - Columbus Crew)
Hejduk makes his third consecutive All-Star game (4th overall) as a defender since returning to MLS after a stint in Europe. Known as a player who appears to never tire, Hejduk has already scored twice this season, only one off his career high (1998). A regular on the U.S. National Team and two-time World Cup veteran, Hejduk is currently with the U.S. team participating in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Pat Noonan (Forward - New England Revolution)
Noonan returns for his second consecutive All-Star game, leading the League with eight goals scored in only 13 games played. Having scored in double digits in each of his first two seasons, the third-year player has been a consistent call-up for the U.S. national team and is currently on the CONCACAF Gold Cup roster.
Taylor Twellman (Forward - New England Revolution)
After scoring 23 and 15 goals in each of his first two seasons in MLS, Twellman was injured for a good part of 2004 but still managed to scored nine goals. His scoring touch has not left him as he's scored six times in 12 games so far this season, combining with teammates Clint Dempsey and Pat Noonan to form one of the most potent attacks in the League. This is Twellman's third selection to the All-Star team.
Simo Valakari (Midfielder -FC Dallas)
On a team filled with offense, it would be easy to overlook his defensive midfielder role. His teammates however, realize his value as they seem to always have the ball, mainly due to his recovery skills. The Finn does all the dirty work, winning balls in midfield and distributing timely passes to keep the Dallas attack always in motion. This is Valakari's first All-Star appearance.
