The Vancouver Whitecaps, currently leading the Western Conference, have earned notable recognition as four of their players were selected for the 26-man MLS All-Star team announced on Wednesday. Forward Brian White, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, defender Tristan Blackmon, and goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka will proudly represent the team in the upcoming All-Star Game against top players from LIGA MX. This event is set to take place on July 23 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.
In addition to the Whitecaps’ representation, San Diego FC will also have significant presence, with forwards Anders Dreyer and Chucky Lozano, along with midfielder Jeppe Tverskov, securing their spots on the All-Star roster.
Among the standout players featured are Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, who holds the title of reigning MVP, and Philadelphia’s Tai Baribo, currently the league’s leading goal-scorer with 13 goals. Other prominent forwards include Patrick Agyemang from Charlotte FC, Denis Bouanga from LAFC, Diego Rossi from Columbus, and Brandon Vazquez from Austin FC.
The midfield lineup includes Berhalter alongside Tverskov, and notable players like David Da Costa from Portland, Evander from FC Cincinnati, Diego Luna from RSL, and Philip Zinckernagel from Chicago.
Defensively, Blackmon will be joined by formidable players such as Jordi Alba from Inter Miami, Max Arfsten from Columbus, Michael Boxall from Minnesota, Alex Freeman from Orlando City, Jakob Glesnes from Philadelphia, Andy Najar from Nashville, and Miles Robinson from FC Cincinnati.
In goal, Takaoka will share the duties with Minnesota’s Dayne St. Clair, who has achieved a league-high tie of eight clean sheets, and Austin’s Brad Stuver.
The All-Star squad was chosen with a combination of fan votes (12 players), selections by All-Star coach Nico Estevez of Austin FC (12 players), and two players designated by Commissioner Don Garber. Notably, fans elected Alba, Baribo, Berhalter, Blackmon, Bouanga, Boxall, Evander, Freeman, Luna, Messi, St. Clair, and White. Estevez’s selections included Arfsten, Da Costa, Dreyer, Glesnes, Najar, Robinson, Rossi, Stuver, Takaoka, Tverskov, Vazquez, and Zinckernagel, while Garber made picks for Agyemang and Lozano.
This recognition for the Vancouver Whitecaps and their players reflects their strong performance this season and showcases the talent within the MLS as they prepare for an exciting showdown against formidable opponents from LIGA MX. This could be a turning point for these players as they strive to further their careers while representing their club on a prestigious stage.