What do you think of Bobby Rhine's All-Star XI?
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Locker room banter rates highly on my chart of fond memories from playing days. One topic that would always draw a charge was All-Star balloting. “Have you seen so-and-so play this season?” Or “why is this guy even on the ballot?” Both are very typical questions that would fly around the room this time of year. But because a rule exists prohibiting players from voting for their teammates when casting their MLS All-Star ballots, it was never a choice between the guys who stood on the field with you every day.
With that in mind, here are my picks for who I’d put on the MLS All-Star team to face off against Manchester United on July 27th at Red Bull Arena. Locker room voting rules apply!
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Goalkeeper:
Nick Rimando (RSL)
There are much taller goalkeepers that have a flair for the dramatic, but Rimando at 5’8” simply does his job while making crucial saves at critical moments of the game. In a recent outing at Pizza Hut Park, Rimando made a sprawling save on a George John attempt that preserved yet another shutout for Real Salt Lake. In his 12th season, Rimando is finding perhaps his best run of form en route to six shutouts through the first nine games played. The RSL backline has allowed a league low four goals.
Defenders:
Jamison Olave (RSL)
The MLS Defender of the Year in 2010 has continued his fine form in both CONCACAF Champions League and league play. At the heart of the top-rated backline statistically, Olave leads a group that has also allowed the fewest shots against in MLS. My broadcast partner for FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake said it appropriately: “Olave can chase down a jackrabbit.” He has that ability, but he has also found the necessary discipline at center back that makes him such a commodity. His simplicity in possession has steadily improved during his tenure in Utah.
Chad Marshall (CLB)
For a team that doesn’t score a whole lot of goals (third fewest in MLS) the defense is asked to do the heavy lifting. At first glance it should be noted that Columbus has surrendered 13 goals thru 11 games played. However, in the center of defense Marshall is asked to shoulder much of the load and has done so while leading a young back four with the second fewest shots allowed in MLS. In the midst of his eighth season in Columbus, Marshall gives the Crew a possibility to find results.
Nat Borchers (RSL)
Without concern for a call-up during the January U.S. Men’s National Team training camp, Borchers has gone about his business under the radar. Voted the Real Salt Lake Defender of the Year in 2010 speaks to the level of respect within the locker room. During both CCL and league play Borchers' tackling has been both effective and timely. His efficiency in possession has improved and made him an asset in building the tempo of RSL’s attack. Are World Cup qualifying games in the fall an opportunity that could come calling as the U.S. begins regional matches?
Midfielders:
Joel Lindpere (NYRB)
The 29-year-old Estonian National Team member is in his second season with the New York Red Bulls. If Dane Richards provides speed to the right side of the NYRB attack, Lindpere provides an unbalancing effect on the other flank. With a high soccer IQ, Lindpere works tirelessly to create width and space that unsettles most backlines. With effective possession in midfield, Lindpere becomes even more of a factor. The Estonian is the type of player that is needed in big games in order to unlock a compact defense.
Juninho (LA)
A fixture in the center of the Galaxy midfield, Juninho does the dirty work when most necessary. His two goals on the season show his willingness to drive forward to add another dimension to the Galaxy attack, and his ability to strike from distance has raised eyebrows. He has become a clubhouse favorite for good reason.
Landon Donovan (LA)
In his 11th season in MLS, there are high expectations for what Donovan should bring to the LA Galaxy. Given proper rest and recovery in the offseason, he took over a month to find his first goal of the season. Now the league leader in goals with eight, the USMNT fixture is showing his quality while leading a conservative Galaxy attack.
Brad Davis (HOU)
The Houston Dynamo are a team that is in search of an attacking identity. Davis has been a pillar from which the Dynamo can find strength. The league leader in assists does have the best left foot in MLS, but his ability to play the killer pass has become devastatingly accurate. Davis has had to shoulder the captaincy for a ship that has looked adrift. However, in the first leg of the Texas Derby it was Davis who provided the cutting edge in the final moments of the game to pull the home side level and salvage a point. It was his second assist on the night.
David Beckham (LA)
Often criticized for gallivanting around Europe for outside commitments, the former England captain has looked focused when necessary. Now in his fifth MLS season, Beckham has seven assists through 13 games played. His role in central midfield asks him to provide something he lacked for the majority of his professional career - wide service. His ability to maintain possession and pick out players who create width are examples of his changing role for this LA Galaxy team that sits on top of the table looking down at everyone else.
Forward:
Thierry Henry (NYRB)
In 2011, the Frenchman is doing what he was brought in to do when acquired by the New York Red Bulls in July of 2010. After stating in the preseason that he would like to be a player that didn’t necessarily have to score goals, Henry is on his best goal-scoring run since joining MLS. The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward has had a goal or assist in his last six games for the Red Bulls. His pace has always put opposing defenses on their heels, but his ability to bring teammates into the game has become what he spoke about before the season started. Henry leads a well-balanced attack, and his leadership will be needed if the Red Bulls are going to find their next gear.
Chris Wondolowski (SJ)
The 2010 Golden Boot winner led the league in goal-scoring with 18 last season. With six goals through 11 games, Wondo is on track to duplicate the success of 2010. With an immeasurable knack for finding dangerous spots inside the penalty area, the San Jose Earthquakes forward scored both goals in a 2-0 road win against FC Dallas back in March. Both strikes showed not only a nose for goal, but also the necessary technique required to take an opportunity with limited space. Wondo is a player that players root for.
VOTE for your FC Dallas
All-Stars now!