NEW YORK (Saturday, July 18, 2015) – Major League Soccer today revealed the star-studded 22-man MLS All-Star Gameday Roster that will take on Tottenham Hotspur in the 2015 AT&T MLS All-Star Game. Reigning MLS Most Valuable Player Robbie Keane, league-leading goalscorer Kei Kamara, and Italian superstar Sebastian Giovinco highlight the list of international and domestic standouts set to represent MLS in the midsummer showcase at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. on Wednesday, July 29 at 9 p.m. ET, live on FOX Sports 1, UniMás, TSN and RDS.
The 22-man roster is comprised of 20 players selected by All-Star Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni, taking into consideration the Fan XI and MLS player voting, as well as the two Commissioner’s Picks. The Gameday Roster, including representatives from 14 teams across MLS, is a mix of 12 AT&T MLS All-Star Game newcomers and 10 All-Star veterans.
The AT&T/EA SPORTS ‘More Than a Vote’ Tournament winner, Obafemi Martins (Seattle Sounders FC), was not named to the Gameday Roster due to injury but he is still considered a 2015 MLS All-Star.
Joining the Fan XI are 10 additional standout stars:
Forwards (3) NOTE
Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC) His combination of 12 goals and nine assists lead MLS
Kei Kamara (Columbus Crew SC) MLS Golden Boot leader with 13 goals
Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy) Reigning MLS MVP; received the ESPY for Best MLS Player
Midfielder (1)
Fabian Castillo (FC Dallas) Dynamic player has been named to the MLS Team of the Week seven times
Defenders (5)
Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake) Right back’s second All-Star selection in eight MLS seasons
Laurent Ciman (Montreal Impact) Center back was a key to Montreal’s CONCACAF Champions League run
Chad Marshall (Seattle Sounders FC) Three-time MLS Defender of the Year, including the 2014 season
Drew Moor (Colorado Rapids) First All-Star selection in 11 MLS seasons
Chris Tierney (New England Revolution) Left back’s first All-Star selection in eight MLS seasons
Goalkeeper (1)
David Ousted (Vancouver Whitecaps FC) Leads MLS with 10 wins and second with seven shutouts
Rounding out the roster are the two Commissioner’s Picks, Steven Gerrard (LA Galaxy) and Frank Lampard (NYCFC).
Two MLS All-Stars have extensive knowledge of this year’s opponent as Keane and Dempsey both have suited up for Tottenham Hotspur. Keane spent a total of eight seasons with the London-based team (2002-08, 2009-11) notching 91 goals in 238 appearances. Dempsey joined Spurs in 2012 after five seasons with their English Premier League foe Fulham. The Sounders FC forward recorded seven goals in 29 appearances for Tottenham before returning to MLS in 2013.
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2015 MLS All-Star Gameday Roster by Position
Goalkeeper: David Ousted (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders: DaMarcus Beasley (Houston Dynamo), Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Laurent Ciman (Montreal Impact), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Chad Marshall (Seattle Sounders FC), Drew Moor (Colorado Rapids), Chris Tierney (New England Revolution)
Midfielders: Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Fabian Castillo (FC Dallas), Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City), Steven Gerrard (LA Galaxy), Kaká (Orlando City SC), Frank Lampard (New York City FC), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
Forwards: Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC), Kei Kamara (Columbus Crew SC), Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), David Villa (New York City FC)
2015 MLS All-Star Gameday Roster by Team
Colorado Rapids (1) LA Galaxy (3) Real Salt Lake (2)
Drew Moor Steven Gerrard Tony Beltran
Omar Gonzalez Nick Rimando
Columbus Crew SC (1) Robbie Keane
Kei Kamara Seattle Sounders FC (2)
Montreal Impact (1) Clint Dempsey
FC Dallas (1) Laurent Ciman Chad Marshall
Fabian Castillo
New England Revolution (1) Toronto FC (2)
Houston Dynamo (1) Chris Tierney Michael Bradley
DaMarcus Beasley Sebastian Giovinco
Orlando City SC (1)
Sporting Kansas City (3) Kaká Vancouver Whitecaps FC (1)
Matt Besler David Ousted
Benny Feilhaber New York City FC (2)
Graham Zusi Frank Lampard
David Villa
Bios for 2015 MLS All-Star Gameday Roster:
DaMarcus Beasley Defender Houston Dynamo Nationality: USA Born: May 24, 1982
Beasley receives his fourth MLS All-Star selection (2001, 2002, 2003, 2015) after returning from playing abroad in Europe and Mexico. Beasley became the first U.S. player to play in four FIFA World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014) and started all four matches for the U.S. Men’s National Team in Brazil last summer. The veteran defender has started all 19 of the Dynamo’s matches this year and has logged more than 1600 minutes during that span.
Tony Beltran Defender Real Salt Lake Nationality: USA Born: October 11, 1987
An eight-year MLS veteran, Beltran earns his second career All-Star bid. The Real Salt Lake defender was also on the roster in 2013, when the MLS All-Stars faced AS Roma in Kansas City. Beltran has logged nearly 1,700 minutes in 19 league matches this season, which is 13th-most among field players. He has only missed one league match for RSL this season. The former third overall selection in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft also has an assist and three shots on the season.
Matt Besler Defender Sporting Kansas City Nationality: USA Born: February 11, 1987
The 2012 MLS Defender of the Year and two-time Best XI selection earns his fourth MLS All-Star selection (2011, 2013, 2014, 2015). Besler was at the heart of the Sporting Kansas City defense that helped the team win MLS Cup 2013. He was first player from the state of Kansas to play in the FIFA World Cup, starting all four matches for the U.S. national team which advanced to the Round of 16. Besler has 16 appearances for SKC so far this season, all of which are starts, recording two assists.
Michael Bradley Midfielder Toronto FC Nationality: USA Born: July 31, 1987
In his second season with Toronto FC, Bradley is partnering with fellow Designated Players Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco to form one of MLS’ most potent attacks. The newly-appointed captain of the U.S. Men’s National Team has played a full 90 minutes in all 13 Toronto FC games he has appeared in this season, tacking on two goals and three assists. This is Bradley’s second MLS All-Star selection, but third appearance after playing for AS Roma in the 2013 AT&T MLS All-Star Game.
Fabian Castillo Midfielder FC Dallas Nationality: Colombia Born: June 17, 1992
The youngest player on this year’s All-Star roster at age 23, Castillo has already recorded seven goals and six assists in 18 appearances for FC Dallas. Castillo’s electric speed and playmaking touch has FCD in the Supporters’ Shield conversation at the midway mark of the season. This marks the former Colombian youth international’s first All-Star bid in his fifth MLS season.
Laurent Ciman Defender Montreal Impact Nationality: Belgium Born: August 5, 1985
After joining the Impact from Belgium club Standard Liège, Ciman earns his first All-Star selection. He joined Montreal in the middle of their CONCACAF Champions League run and helped lead them to the final. The Belgium international has made 15 appearances for the Impact, all starts, recording one goal and one assist. His 4.7 interceptions per game rate is the second best clip in MLS and is averaging 6.9 clearances per game in addition to a 79.1 pass success percentage.
Clint Dempsey Forward Seattle Sounders FC Nationality: USA Born: March 9, 1983
Now in his third season in Seattle, Dempsey has Sounders FC poised to defend last year’s Supporters’ Shield title and make another run at MLS Cup. He is currently tied with fellow forward Obafemi Martins for most goals on Seattle with seven, and his six assists are fourth in MLS. Dempsey will be drawing on inside information for this year’s All-Star game, having played 29 matches with this year’s opponent, Tottenham Hotspur, between 2012 and 2013, contributing seven goals. This marks the U.S. international forward’s second consecutive AT&T MLS All-Star Game appearance.
Benny Feilhaber Midfielder Sporting Kansas City Nationality: USA Born: January 19, 1985
In his fifth MLS season and third with Sporting Kansas City, Feilhaber is on pace for the best season of his career. The midfielder has already surpassed his previous career-highs with five goals and nine assists this season. Feilhaber was voted Etihad Airways Player of the Month for April with two goals and three assists in the month. This nomination marks Feilhaber’s first MLS All-Star selection.
Steven Gerrard Midfielder LA Galaxy Nationality: England Born: May 30, 1980
Gerrard joined the LA Galaxy in July following 17 years with Liverpool. The Englishman made his MLS debut on July 17, and didn’t miss a beat, notching a goal and assist in the Galaxy’s 5-2 win over San Jose. Gerrard joined the Liverpool Academy at age nine and went on to score 120 goals in 504 Premier League appearances, helping the club to win 10 major trophies. In addition, he captained England’s national team – accruing 114 caps, 21 goals, and three FIFA World Cup appearances.
Sebastian Giovinco Forward Toronto FC Nationality: Italy Born: January 26, 1987
Joining Toronto FC in January after a nine-year stint with Juventus, Giovinco has taken MLS by storm in his debut season. The Italian newcomer has 12 goals and nine assists in 18 appearances with TFC, including the franchise’s first ever hat trick recorded on July 12 vs. New York City FC. Giovinco scored 14 goals in 93 career matches with Juventus, while racking up 21 caps with the Italian National Team.
Omar Gonzalez Defender LA Galaxy Nationality: USA Born: October 11, 1988
Gonzalez appeared in three matches in the 2014 FIFA World Cup for the U.S. Men’s National Team, starting the final game of the group stage against Germany. Since the LA Galaxy selected Gonzalez third overall in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, he has been named MLS Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year and to the MLS Best XI four times, while helping the Galaxy win three MLS Cups (2011, 2012, 2014) and two Supporters’ Shields (2010, 2011). Gonzalez has started 18 of 19 appearances in 2015, notching one goal and a career-high three assists.
Kaká Midfielder Orlando City SC Nationality: Brazil Born: April 22, 1982
The winner of the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or earns his first MLS All-Star selection in his first season with Orlando City SC. Kaká is one of the most decorated footballers in the world, having won the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil and the 2006-07 Champions League with AC Milan, along with a host of other awards. The Orlando captain has been invaluable this year as he is tied for fourth in MLS in goals with nine and has notched two assists in 18 appearances.
Kei Kamara Forward Columbus Crew SC Nationality: Sierra Leone Born: September 1, 1984
In his ninth MLS season, Columbus Crew SC forward Kei Kamara earns his first career Gameday Roster All-Star bid. The Sierra Leone native currently paces MLS with 13 goals, powering Columbus’ high-powered attack in his first year back with his original club where he made his MLS debut in 2006. Kamara has already surpassed his previous season-high in goals scored.
Robbie Keane Forward LA Galaxy Nationality: Ireland Born: July 8, 1980
One of two former Tottenham Hotspur players on the MLS All-Star roster, Keane is turning in another prolific MLS campaign. In 12 appearances for LA Galaxy this season, the forward has potted nine goals and distributed four assists. This marks Keane’s third consecutive All-Star selection. In two stints with Tottenham (2002-2008 and 2009-2011), Keane played 238 matches and scored 91 goals.
Frank Lampard Midfielder New York City FC Nationality: England Born: June 20, 1978
Chelsea’s all-time leading goal scorer joined New York City FC in July after playing more than 600 matches in the English Premier League. Lampard also earned more than 100 caps with the English National Team, participating in three FIFA World Cups and scoring 29 goals. Among Lampard’s accolades are UEFA Champions League and Europa League titles, multiple Premier League trophies, and several Player of the Year honors.
Chad Marshall Defender Seattle Sounders FC Nationality: USA Born: August 22, 1984
A veteran of 12 MLS seasons, Marshall earns his fourth appearance in the MLS All-Star Game (2009, 2010, 2014, 2015). The three-time MLS Defender of the Year (2008, 2009, 2014) is in his second season with Seattle after spending the first 10 with Columbus Crew SC and becoming the first player in club history to log 20,000 minutes played. Last season, Marshall helped the Sounders win the double: capturing the Supporters Shield and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Drew Moor Defender Colorado Rapids Nationality: USA Born: January 15, 1984
In his 11th MLS season and his seventh with Colorado, Moor earns his first MLS All-Star selection. Moor has started all 10 matches in which he’s appeared in this season. The veteran defender has played in over 290 MLS games and has logged over 25,000 minutes in his career split between the Rapids and FC Dallas.
David Ousted Goalkeeper Vancouver Whitecaps FC Nationality: Denmark Born: February 1, 1985
Ousted earns his first career MLS All-Star selection in his third season with Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The ‘Caps goalkeeper has started all 20 of his club’s matches this season, turning in a 10-8-2 record along with seven clean sheets and a 1.00 GAA. His 20 starts and 1800 minutes played are tied with Bobby Shuttleworth and Steve Clark for tops among all MLS goalkeepers this season. The Danish veteran was also named Etihad Airways Player of the Month for June after leading Whitecaps FC to three consecutive road victories.
Nick Rimando Goalkeeper Real Salt Lake Nationality: USA Born: June 17, 1979
In his 16th MLS season, Rimando earns his fifth All-Star selection (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015). He holds the MLS record for shutouts with 121 career clean sheets. A two-time MLS Cup Champion (2004, 2009), he was named MLS Cup MVP in 2009 with Real Salt Lake. After joining the U.S. for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Rimando continues to be a U.S. Men’s National Team mainstay, most recently joining the U.S. for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament.
Chris Tierney Defender New England Revolution Nationality: USA Born: January 9, 1986
New England’s longest-tenured player, Tierney earns his first career All-Star selection in his eighth MLS season. The defender has logged more than 1,500 minutes for the Revs in 2015, adding a goal and two assists along the way. Tierney was selected by New England in the second round of the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft.
David Villa Forward New York City FC Nationality: Spain Born: December 3, 1981
The first signing in New York City FC history, David Villa has lived up to his world-class billing in his debut MLS season. Villa leads NYCFC in scoring with 10 goals, also good for third in MLS. Before signing with NYCFC, Villa enjoyed hugely successful runs with Valencia, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid, in addition to a 2010 FIFA World Cup title with Spain.
Graham Zusi Midfielder Sporting Kansas City Nationality: USA Born: August 18, 1986
A seven-year MLS veteran, Zusi is making his third consecutive All-Star appearance. He was named to the U.S. Men’s National Team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and played in all four games in Brazil. Zusi has started 12 of 13 appearances in 2015, and has one goal and four assists.