The final roster is in for the 2015 Major League Soccer All-Star Game on July 29 from Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado. The fans, commissioner, and coach Pablo Mastroeni have all had their say in selecting the 22 man roster that will face Tottenham Hotspur. Let’s take a look at how all 22 players got here.

Fan XI

Nick Rimando – Goalkeeper: Real Salt Lake

The first name on the list is an easy selection. Nick Rimando is one of the best goalkeepers to ever play in league is an easy choice as he is a fan favorite. This may be a bit of a sympathy vote as Rimando has yet to win Goalkeeper of the Year in MLS despite numerous stellar seasons.

DaMarcus Beasley – Defender: Houston Dynamo

DaMarcus Beasley is a well-known name for USMNT fans. His return to MLS in 2014 with the Houston Dynamo was the start of the final leg of his career. In his short time with Houston, he has become the team leader and a steady defender at left back. His success in MLS even prompted Jurgen Klinsmann to call him out of retirement for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Matt Besler – Defender: Sporting Kansas City

This All-Star veteran was an easy choice for fans. Matt Besler has been solid on defense while captaining Sporting Kansas City to being the best defensive team midway through the regular season. 

Omar Gonzalez – Defender: Los Angeles Galaxy

Omar Gonzalez is another All-Star vet with a long history of success. The leader of the defense for the LA Galaxy has become a fixture for this game over the last few seasons.

Michael Bradley – Midfielder: Toronto FC

Michael Bradley is making his second straight All-Star game appearance since joining Toronto FC in 2014. Bradley has been a major contributor for Toronto FC and is looking to lead the club to their first ever MLS Cup Playoff appearance.

Benny Feilhaber – Midfielder: Sporting Kansas City

Benny Feilhaber may have been left off every USMNT roster under Jurgen Klinsmann, but he was a no brainer for the All-Star Game. The Sporting midfielder is back in form and having his best season since joining MLS in 2011. Feilhaber is currently second in the league for assists on the season.

Ricardo Kaka – Midfielder: Orlando City SC

Kaka, a former World Player of the Year, has continued his always impressive play in MLS with Orlando City. He is the dream for the league when it comes to All-Star games with the triple threat: star power, skill, and flash. His experience overseas will be invaluable to this All-Star team. 9 goals in his opening season is also helpful.

Graham Zusi – Midfielder: Sporting Kansas City

Graham Zusi is the third Sporting Kansas City player to make the All-Star roster despite having a down year. A nagging injury to start the season and international duty have limited his minutes in 2015. Despite the lack of minutes, his absence from the team has been felt and his presence always lifts the level of play. 

Clint Dempsey – Forward: Seattle Sounders

Seattle Sounders’ superstar and former USMNT captain Clint Dempsey was an obvious choice for this year’s team. Dempsey is a proven player, one of the best in MLS, and always a competitor. Dempsey’s seven goals and six assists are nothing to shy away from considering the amount of time he has spent with the national team.

David Villa – Forward: New York City FC

Another MLS debutant, David Villa has been class for New York City FC in their inaugural season in MLS. The Spanish striker has carried his team despite the lackluster start of the season. The finishing abilities Villa possess are more than enough to earn his spot. Villa’s 10 goals so far see him in third place on the chart.

The commissioner gets two picks for the All-Star Team.

Steven Gerrard – Midfielder: Los Angeles Galaxy

Steven Gerrard is one of many European superstars to join MLS in 2015. His storied career with Liverpool will never be forgotten by the fans at Anfield and around the world. Commissioner Don Garber is well aware of the star power Gerrard is bring to MLS and has added him to the All-Star roster.

Frank Lampard – Midfielder: New York City FC

No single signing brought more fanfare in 2014 than Chelsea’s Frank Lampard. Lampard was the premier signing for New York City FC in August of 2014 as the club began assembling their first ever roster. No single signing has ever brought as much controversy either as the status of his contract and his move to NYCFC came under question. But he is in MLS, although injured at the moment, and Garber is eager to show off another of his superstars.

Coach’s Picks

David Ousted – Goalkeeper: Vancouver Whitecaps

David Ousted is having an excellent season and looks to be locked into a race with Tim Melia for goalkeeper of the year. His inclusion by Mastroeni is well deserved and, if he plays, he will be an excellent keeper when the time comes.

Tony Beltran – Defender: Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake’s defense has been excellent this year, especially on the road, and Beltran has been a huge part of that. Beltran is a hardworking defender that is willing to play as a team. 

Laurent Ciman – Defender: Montreal Impact

Laurent Ciman is the enforcer on this squad. Although Montreal has struggled throughout the season, Ciman has been stout on the defensive end and a viable target on set pieces.

Chad Marshall – Defender: Seattle Sounders

Seattle’s center back has been a huge part of one of the strongest defenses in MLS this year. The 2014 Defender of the Year can complement any of the other center backs on Mastroeni’s roster.

Drew Moor – Defender: Colorado Rapids

Mastroeni’s own, Drew Moor, is another capable defender, especially going forward. Colorado has done surprising well this season given the early projections and the defense has been a huge part of it.

Chris Tierney – Defender: New England Revolution

If there is one defender who you want taking set pieces, it’s Chris Tierney. Mastroeni has added not only another weapon to his squad, he has gotten a solid full back as well.

Fabian Castillo – Midfielder: FC Dallas

Castillo has shown brilliance with FC Dallas this season and is more than capable of making things happen on the pitch. Mastroeni has better midfielders on this squad, but it will be hard for any to match the raw speed Castillo brings to the table, but 7 goals and 6 assists are nothing to scoff at either.

Sebastian Giovinco – Forward: Toronto FC

There are several names that come to mind when talking about the MLS Newcomer of the year award, but no player has had such a flashing showing as Sebastian Giovinco. The crafty Italian was highly touted when he joined TFC and he has certainly lived up to the hype. With 12 goals and 9 assists, he has been the most productive player in MLS so far.

Kei Kamara – Forward: Columbus Crew SC

Kei Kamara is the leading goal scorer, 13 goals, in MLS so far this season and he doesn’t look to be stopping any time soon. The league record of 27 might even be in jeopardy at this point. The fact that Kamara is here because Mastroeni picked him and not by the fan vote is a shock. A striker as in form as Kamara has to be included.

Robbie Keane – Forward: Los Angeles Galaxy

The fact that Robbie Keane wasn’t a fan selection is largely due to his slow start and long absence due to injury. Once he took to the field, he took it by storm. Keane currently has 9 goals in 12 matches and leads all starters in goals per 90 minutes. Mastroeni had an easy pick for this one.

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About the author
Blayne Riffle
I am a KC native, living away from my true home. I do IT for a living. But I have always been an avid soccer fan and follow many other sports. Obviously there is some KC bias.