Colombian international Juan Pablo Angel has played only nine games for the New York Red Bulls, but he’s scored a lot of goals and made a big impression.
The former Aston Villa striker was the leading vote-getter in the selection process for the MLS All-Star team, which will play Scotland’s Celtic F.C. at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park July 19. Rapids fans will get to see him before then, because the Red Bulls play here Sunday.
Angel made his MLS debut May 13 against the Rapids in Giants Stadium. He didn’t score that day – the Rapids won, 1-0 – but he tallied nine times in his next six games, including three two-goal efforts.Angel played for River Plate (Argentina) and Nacional Medellin (Colombia) prior to his transfer to Aston Villa in 2001. He has 33 international caps for Colombia.
David Beckham will not play for the MLS in the All-Star game, but is expected to be in attendance as a guest of commissioner Dan Garber. He is expected to make his debut with the Galaxy against Chelsea July 21 in Los Angeles.
The first 11 players on the MLS All-Star squad were selected in voting by fans (online), media, players and coaches/general managers. The outcome of the voting was announced today.
Kansas City’s Eddie Johnson was the other forward to make the first 11. Midfielders included Ricardo Clark (Houston), Dwayne De Rosario (Houston), Christian Gomez (D.C. United) Shalrie Joseph (New England) and Juan Toja (Dallas). Defenders included Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City) and Michael Parkhurst (New England). The goalkeeper is Matt Reis (New England).
The “first 11” won’t necessarily be the starting line-up. Seven more players will be named to the team, and New England coach Steve Nicol will decide on the starters.
John Meyer can be reached at 303-954-1616 or jmeyer@denverpost.com.
