July 27, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Seattle Sounders FC News Release
SEATTLE, WASH. – MLS NEXT today announced the 45 players selected to the inaugural MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate, with Tacoma Defiance defender Stuart Hawkins and Sounders FC Academy forward Christopher Aquino both named to the West roster.
Two teams will compete in an East vs. West format at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota on Wednesday, August 10, the day of the MLS All-Star Game. 28 of the 29 MLS academies had at least one player selected to the inaugural rosters, with Inter Miami CF, Philadelphia Union and San Jose Earthquakes leading the way with three selections apiece. Five non-MLS academies are also represented in Blaine: Barca Residency Academy, De Anza Force, PDA, Strikers and the San Francisco Glens.
“When your best players are also your best people, then you have a unique athlete,” said Sounders FC Vice President of Player Development Henry Brauner. “And that’s what we have with Stuart and Christopher. Them being selected to the All-Star team reaffirms the resolute nature that the development side puts into the players every day. We surround the players with people who are selfless and have the best interest of the players in mind first and foremost and when we are able to do this, the players will have the success they strive for. Their selection confirms that we are on the right path.”
The 45 players were chosen by the MLS NEXT Player Selection Committee, which is made up of key MLS Player Development department personnel, following the conclusion of the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and Showcase. Players must have been U-18 (born in 2004 or earlier) and have competed in one of the MLS NEXT national showcase events this season, including MLS NEXT Fest, MLS NEXT Flex, Generation adidas Cup and MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and Showcase.
The MLS NEXT Player Selection Committee also advised on the selection of the coaching staff for both East and West clubs. The head coach of the East team is Javier Morales, who appeared in 255 MLS matches across his 11-year playing career and is currently an Inter Miami CF Academy coach. Leading the West squad is Jeremy Hall, who played 127 games for five MLS teams during his MLS playing career and is currently an Assistant Coach for MNUFC2 of MLS NEXT Pro.
The match is being streamed live, with further tune-in details available at a later date. Admission to the MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate at the…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at OurSports Central Major League Soccer MLS News…