July 14, 2010

Former Maryland standout Omar Gonzalez has been named to the 2010 Major League Soccer All-Star First XI.

Gonzalez, who is only his second professional season, has helped guide the L.A. Galaxy to a league-best 16-11-2 record. He has missed only one game since he made his professional debut with the Galaxy in 2009. The defender, who was named MLS Rookie of the Year last season, is joined on the First XI by teammates Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle and Donovan Ricketts.

"This is a tremendous honor for Omar and we are so proud of him," Maryland head coach Sasho Cirovski said. "To be named to the First IX in only his second season speaks volumes about his work ethic and drive. We wish him continued success not only in this year's all-star game, but for the remainder of the MLS season."

The 2010 MLS All-Star First XI features those players who captured the most combined votes from media, fans, fellow players, and coaches and GMs. All-Star head coach Bruce Arena will make a further 10 selections, and league commissioner Don Garber will round out the roster with two more picks. Arena will then select his starting XI, which is slated to face Manchester United on July 28, from that full 23-man roster.