NEW YORK – The league's best will be put to the ultimate test next week, and that list of players charged with representing MLS will soon be made public.
Major League Soccer will unveil coach Hans Backe’s selections for the 2011 AT&T All-Star Game today at 2 p.m. ET right here on MLSsoccer.com.
Then, at approximately 6 p.m. ET, Backe will discuss the 20-player roster on MLSsoccer.com's ExtraTime Radio.
The MLS All-Stars will face the reigning English Premier League champions Manchester United in the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star Game at Red Bull Arena, in Harrison, N.J., on Weds., July 27 (live on ESPN2, Galavision, and TSN at 8:30 p.m. ET). The All-Star team’s starting lineup will be released approximately one hour before kickoff.
Backe's game-day roster will comprise players who can actually play on July 27: That means no Seattle Sounders or FC Dallas players as they will be unavailable because of CONCACAF Champions League commitments. Also, injured players will not be considered for selection.
Major League Soccer selected Backe for competitive considerations: He does not have to travel to and from this summer’s showcase event, he is familiar with the facilities, and his team plays at home on July 23. These factors provide advantages to the MLS All-Stars as they prepare to face the English Premier League champions and prevent other MLS coaches from missing any training sessions with their clubs.
