Last year a streaking D.C. United sat comfortably atop Major League Soccer at the All-Star break, boasting not only three selections on the MLS All-Star First XI, but also the team’s head coach, then-skipper Peter Nowak.
United, after its sluggish start to the season, is back on top of the Eastern Conference after Wednesday’s 1-0 win at Kansas City. However, thanks to that sluggish start, Christian Gomez was the only United name called during Thursday’s unveiling of this year’s first team that will face Scottish champions Celtic at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo., on July 19.
“This all-star nomination for Christian is well-deserved,” said United technical director Dave Kasper. “He is one of the most dangerous attacking players in the league and is well worth the price of admission to see.”
The selection is the third straight for Gomez, who arrived in D.C. during the summer of 2004. The 32-year-old playmaker has 33 goals and 24 assists in 83 games for United, including four goals and four assists this season.
Steve Nicol, this year’s MLS All-Star head coach, will make five additional picks along with two selections from MLS commissioner Don Garber to complete the 18-man roster. The First XI is not necessarily the starting 11, as Nicol will select the starters based on player availability and tactical considerations.
Under Nowak, a total eight D.C. players ultimately took part in last year’s historic 1-0 win over English Premier League champion Chelsea in Chicago.
