by The First XI received the most votes at their respective positions from combined fan voting on three platforms – online at MLSsoccer.com, via text message and via Twitter. The ballot consisted of six players from each club, as chosen by a panel of media members.
Chris Wondolowski (Kiowa Tribe) was the top overall vote-getter across the three platforms.
The First XI will not necessarily be the starting lineup for the All-Stars when they take on Chelsea. D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen, who was given the All-Star head coaching job after original selection Peter Nowak parted ways with the Philadelphia Union earlier this season, will select the starters based on player availability and tactical considerations.
Two selections by MLS Commissioner Don Garber and the complete game day roster will be announced on July 15 on ESPN during halftime of the New York Red Bulls vs. Seattle Sounders game.
2012 MLS All-Star First XI
Goalkeeper: Jimmy Nielsen (Sporting Kansas City)
Defenders: Steven Beitashour (San Jose Earthquakes), Aurélien Collin (Sporting Kansas City), Jay DeMerit(Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Heath Pearce (New York Red Bulls)
Midfielders: David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy),Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
Forwards: Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
Bios for 2012 MLS All-Star First XI:
Chris Wondolowski Forward San Jose Earthquakes Nationality: USA Born: January 28, 1983
The eight-year MLS veteran has established himself as one of the league’s top goal-scorers with 48 regular-season tallies since the start of 2010, more than any other player. The American striker led the Earthquakes in scoring in 2011 with 16 goals (tied for most in MLS) and had three assists. He won the MLS Golden Boot in 2010 with 18 goals, and has started 2012 strong, leading the league in goals with 14 in 16 games as of July 6, putting him on pace to tie or break the all-time single-season goals record of 27 set by Roy Lassiter in 1006. In 2012, Wondolowski earned his first call-up to the US national team, and has since appeared in eight games. This is his second MLS All-Star team selection. Chris is also a member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma.
View all the All-Stars here @ http://www.mlssoccer.com/all-star/2012/news/article/2012/07/07/all-star-donovan-leads-mls-first-xi-record-12th-selection
