Major League Soccer today unveiled the fan ballot for the 2016 AT&T MLS All-Star Game, which features eight representatives from all 20 teams as nominated by media. The following Sporting Kansas City players are eligible for fan voting:
- Goalkeeper: Tim Melia
- Defenders (2): Matt Besler and Nuno Coelho
- Midfielders (4): Brad Davis, Roger Espinoza, Benny Feilhaber and Graham Zusi
- Forward: Dom Dwyer
MLS All-Star voting is now open through 2 p.m. CT on July 4 via SportingKC.com/vote and EA SPORTS FIFA 16. The 10 players with the highest combined votes will be named to the All-Star Fan XI, consisting of one goalkeeper, three defenders, four midfielders and three forwards.
One forward on the All-Star Fan XI will be determined by the AT&T/EA SPORTS “More Than a Vote” Challenge. Fans will have the opportunity to vote a forward into the All-Star Game by scoring goals in EA SPORTS FIFA 16 on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The forward with the most votes — one goal equals one vote — by July 4 will occupy the final forward spot on the All-Star Fan XI.
The 2016 MLS All-Stars will face English Premier League side Arsenal FC on July 28 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California. The match is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT with national television coverage on ESPN and UniMas in addition to broadcasts in more than 140 countries worldwide.
A total of 32 players (four goalkeepers, eight defenders, 13 midfielders and seven forwards) will receive All-Star recognition this year. Media, fans, players, the All-Star coach and MLS Commissioner Don Garber all contribute to the selection process.
All-Star coach Dominic Kinnear will select the gameday roster from the pool of eligible players, consisting of the Fan XI, MLS Commissioner Don Garber’s two selections and those selected through MLS player voting.
Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Tim Melia and defender Nuno Coelho are in contention to receive All-Star accolades for the first time. Melia ranks fourth in MLS in wins (five) and shutouts (three) and is a two-time MLS Save of the Week winner this season. Coelho has enjoyed a strong start to his debut MLS campaign, leading the league in minutes (1,260) and interceptions (50) while ranking fifth in successful passes (676), ninth in blocked shots (nine) and 15th in clearances (51).
Veteran Brad Davis is a six-time MLS All-Star, while Matt Besler and Graham Zusi have both been named All-Stars on four occasions. Roger Espinoza (2012), Dom Dwyer (2014) and Benny Feilhaber (2015) have also earned the honor during their respective careers.
