To little surprise, no Sounders were selected for the MLS All-Star First XI announced Sunday.
Absent the retired GK Kasey Keller and a mediocre start from Fredy Montero, coupled with a franchise-worst slump (0-4-5) that finally ended Saturday night with 2-1 win over Colorado, the Sounders’ lack of star power has been apparent.
Osvaldo Alonso has had the most consistent season, but didn’t make the cut in fan voting after a media panel created a ballot that included the top six players from each team.
The First XI includes three from Sporting Kansas City and the usual Los Angeles Galaxy tandem of Landon Donovan (his record 12th selection) and David Beckham. Eight of the 11 are from the Western Conference:
GK Jimmy Nielsen (Sporting KC); D Steven Beitashour (San Jose), Jay DeMerit (Vancouver), Aurelien Collin (SKC), Heath Pearce (New York); M Dwayne De Rosario (DC United), Landon Donovan (LA), Graham Zusi (SKC), David Beckham (LA); F Thierry Henry (NY), Chris Wondolowski (SJ).
The MLS All-Stars will meet European champion Chelsea FC July 25 at PPL Park in Chester, PA., a week after Chelsea plays a friendly against the Sounders at CenturyLink Field.