Major League Soccer today unveiled the fan ballot for the 2017 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target, which features eight representatives from each of the 22 teams as nominated by the media. The following MNUFC players are eligible for fan voting:
- Goalkeeper: Bobby Shuttleworth
- Defenders (2): Marc Burch, Francisco Calvo
- Midfielders (4): Sam Cronin, Miguel Ibarra, Kevin Molino, Johan Venegas
- Forwards (1): Christian Ramirez
Fan voting for the 2017 MLS All-Star Game Fan XI is now available through the free MLS app and the EA SPORTS™ "More Than a Vote" Challenge. Fans will be able to cast their vote on MNUFC.COM beginning in June and fan voting will run until June 30. Ten players — one goalkeeper, three defenders, four midfielders and two forwards — with the highest combined votes will be named to the 2017 MLS All-Star Game.
- VOTE NOW: Download the free MLS app to make your Fan XI picks
In addition, the 11th player on the Fan XI will be determined by the EA SPORTS™ “More Than a Vote” Challenge. Fans can vote one forward into the 2017 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target by scoring goals in EA SPORTS FIFA 17 on Xbox One, PlayStation®4, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system through June 30. The forward with the most votes — one goal equals one vote — on June 30 will occupy the final forward spot on the 2017 MLS All-Star Game Fan XI.
The MLS All-Stars will face Spanish La Liga champion and UEFA Champions League finalist Real Madrid at Soldier Field in Chicago on August 2 in the 2017 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target. The summer showcase will kick off at 8 p.m. CT on FS1 and UniMás.
The 24 players named 2017 MLS All-Stars include the Fan XI, 11 additional players selected by MLS All-Stars head coach Veljko Paunovic of the Chicago Fire, and two selections from MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
Minnesota United’s Bobby Shuttleworth has posted four wins and three clean sheets in 11 starts this season with 37 saves, appearing in the MLS Team of the Week twice. Since coming over from Colorado, left back Marc Burch and holding midfielder Sam Cronin have bolstered the Loons both on defense and moving forward, with Burch taking eight corners in his eight starts and Cronin providing a headed assist on a Christian Ramirez goal against LA Galaxy. Center back Francisco Calvo made his first appearance on the MLS Team of the Week following a win against Orlando City SC that highlighted his tenacity and leadership.
Midfielder Miguel Ibarra has come on strong recently with a match-winning header against Colorado and a pair of assists against Sporting KC. Midfielder Kevin Molino has been one of the team’s most versatile contributors with five goals (including two penalty kicks) and three assists. Midfielder Johan Venegas has notched two goals and three assists in eight starts.
Forward Christian Ramirez is tied for third in MLS with eight goals so far to go along with one assist and the longest consecutive appearance streak on the team with 13.
Minnesota United takes on the Portland Timbers on Wednesday, June 21 at 7:00 p.m. at TCF Bank Stadium. The 5-Match Flex Plan provides fans the chance to pick the matches they’re most interested in for the remainder of Minnesota United’s inaugural MLS season. Come see what all the buzz is about. 5-Match Flex Plan and other special ticket packages are available now at MNUFC.COM or by calling 763.4SOCCER.
