Being named to the Major League Soccer All-Star team never gets old.
At least, it doesn't for Real Salt Lake's star defender and World Cup veteran Eddie Pope. Pope was voted as one the league's "First XI" players that will take on English Premier League champions Chelsea FC on Aug. 5 in Bridgeview, Ill.
"Something like that never gets old," Pope said. "I don't think any of those players on the team would ever say it gets old."
Pope has now been named to the All-Star team nine consecutive times.
"It's always an honor," Pope said. "It's something the players work hard for and work towards."
The First XI is determined by a four-tiered voting process, giving fans, MLS coaches and general managers, media members and MLS players equal weight in the balloting.
Pope is one of three defenders named in the First XI; all three of the defenders recently returned from World Cup play with the United States national team in Germany. All three defenders -- Pope, Kansas City's Jimmy Conrad and L.A.'s Chris Albright -- have seen limited action in MLS play this year because of national team commitments.
Other players on the team that played in the World Cup in Germany include Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey. Chelsea, Pope said, should prove to be an interesting opponent.
"I'm pretty excited," Pope said. "With the signings they have made, it's incredible. Every player on that field is going to be excited just to be playing that team."
The First XI players may not be the starting 11 for MLS against Chelsea. Other players will be named to the All-Star team, and players' availability and the coaches' game day strategy will determine the official starting lineup.
Peter Richins is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
