SEATTLE, WASH. – Major League Soccer today announced that Sounders FC midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro has been named to the 26-man roster that is taking on Atlético Madrid in the 2019 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target. Comprised of MLS All-Star Fan XI presented by Target, two Commissioner’s picks, and 13 selections by MLS All-Star Head Coach James O’Connor of Orlando City SC, this roster is facing the 10-time La Liga champions at Exploria Stadium in Orlando on Wednesday, July 31 (5:00 p.m. PT / FS1, UniMas, TSN and TVA Sports). This marks the first MLS All-Star selection for Lodeiro and the 24th all-time selection for Sounders FC since entering the league in 2009.
Lodeiro has started all 14 of his appearances this season and is currently tied for fourth in MLS with eight assists, to go along with two goals. His 56 fouls suffered and 85 corner kicks lead MLS for the 2019 season, while his 1,326 touches rank fourth and his 99 duels won rank 15th. Last season, Lodeiro established a new single-season club record with 16 assists, in addition to a career-high eight goals. His 44 career MLS assists are the most in club history and rank first in MLS since Lodeiro entered the league in July of 2016. Currently with Uruguay at the 2019 Copa América, Lodeiro has started both matches for La Celeste and scored the opening goal in a 4-0 win over Ecuador on June 16.
The roster featuring rising talents, dynamic competitors and highly accomplished superstars includes 12 previous MLS All-Stars and 14 debutants, including Lodeiro. On the international scene, 14 countries are represented by this roster – the second most in MLS All-Star history – with 11 FIFA World Cup participants and eight players currently on national team duty. Among teams contributing multiple players, Atlanta United leads all MLS clubs with five All-Stars, while LAFC comes in a close second with four.
This impressive collection of MLS stars will face Atlético Madrid, whose 10 La Liga championships rank among the top three in Spain. The iconic club has won 30 trophies across all competitions, including the UEFA Europa League in 2018, and finished second in La Liga in 2019. Tickets to the 2019 MLS All-Star Game are now on sale by visiting Ticketmaster.com.
2019 MLS ALL-STAR GAME ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS: Andre Blake* (Philadelphia Union), Brad Guzan^ (Atlanta United), Nick Rimando# (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS: Matt Hedges* (FC Dallas), Kemar Lawrence* (New York Red Bulls), Romain Métanire* (Minnesota United FC), Leandro González Pírez^ (Atlanta United), Bastian Schweinsteiger* (Chicago Fire), Walker Zimmerman^ (Los Angeles Football Club), Graham Zusi^ (Sporting Kansas City)
MIDFIELDERS: Ezequiel Barco^ (Atlanta United), Diego Chara* (Portland Timbers), Jonathan dos Santos^ (LA Galaxy), Mark-Anthony Kaye* (Los Angeles Football Club), Nicolás Lodeiro* (Seattle Sounders FC), Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez^ (Atlanta United), Maxi Moralez* (NYCFC), Nani^ (Orlando City SC), Paxton Pomykal# (FC Dallas), Alejandro Pozuelo* (Toronto FC), Diego Rossi* (Los Angeles Football Club)
FORWARDS: Zlatan Ibrahimović^ (LA Galaxy – EA SPORTS™ “More Than a Vote” Challenge), Josef Martínez* (Atlanta United), Wayne Rooney^ (D.C. United), Chris Wondolowski* (San Jose Earthquakes), Carlos Vela^ (Los Angeles Football Club)
^Fan XI selection
*James O’Connor selection
#Commissioner Don Garber selection
