Donovan, Beckham Highlight MLS All-Star First XI

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MLS: Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Los Angeles Galaxy v. San Jose Earthquakes, April 2008 (ISI)

Landon Donovan, David Beckham and Cuauhtémoc Blanco headline the MLS All-Star First XI that was announced on Thursday in Toronto for the All-Star Game on July 24 at BMO Field against West Ham United.

The MLS-leading New England Revolution led the way with three players getting the nod, with centerback Michael Parkhurst, midfielder Shalrie Joseph and goalkeeper Matt Reis each having outstanding seasons thus far. The L.A. Galaxy and Columbus Crew each had two players make the team, while the Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, FC Dallas and Kansas City Wizards each had one player named.

Kansas City Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad and Columbus Crew defender Frankie Hejduk will join Parkhurst in a back three in front of Reis. Coincidentally enough, Conrad, Hejduk and Reis are all UCLA alums.

In addition to Beckham, Blanco and Joseph, the midfield will also have Chivas USA’s Sacha Kljestan and Columbus Crew’s Robbie Rogers.

Donovan, who leads MLS with 11 goals, will be joined up top by FC Dallas striker Kenny Cooper, whose eight goals rank fourth in MLS

Revolution head coach Steve Nicol and his staff will not only coach the side against West Ham, but they will also be responsible for selecting five additional players to join the roster. Commissioner Don Garber will once again add his own two selections to the team.

2008 MLS All-Star First XI

Goalkeeper: Matt Reis (New England Revolution)

Defenders: Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution)

Midfielders: David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Chicago Fire), Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

Forwards: Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

-- Goal.com USA