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MLS All Star game format revisited ... the Eastern Conference

The spotlight during the MLS All Star game should be squarely directed on the best players who ply their trade on this side of the Atlantic and not on big stars from big Euro teams.

TFC's Giovinco leads the Eastern MLS All Star contingent
TFC's Giovinco leads the Eastern MLS All Star contingent
Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

In my previous article, I took a shot at creating a roster of all star players from the Western Conference. Now, here are the players they'd meet on the pitch from Eastern-based teams.

In goal: André Blake ... the young Union player is already in the MLS goalkeeping elite ... athletic and fearless ... bound for England at some point ... his backup: Evan Bush ... the Impact's mainstay who would be crucial to any long run in the MLS playoffs.

On defense: Laurent Ciman ... best defender in MLS again this season ... an injustice was corrected when Marc Wilmots called him up to the Diables Rouges for the Euro ... Keegan Rosenberry. the Union defender plays like a veteran despite being a rookie ... impressive for a defender in a very athletic league ... Steven Birnbaum: DC United's defender is among the very best at his position in MLS ... on the bench ready to come in and maintain a lead: Chris Tierney and Richie Marquez ... two very solid MLS defenders who bring stability.

Mids:

  • Ignacio Piatti ... IMFC's magician is among the contenders for league MVP this season ... skilled and creative
  • Kaka ... what can be said about Orlando's superstar? he still possesses silky smooth skills and great vision
  • Tranquillo Barnetta ... has revitalized the Union's attack ... does everything well ... a great addition to MLS
  • Christian Higuita: ...another DM ... among the best transition players in the league ... would bring a bit more speed than the three other mids I've selected.
  • on the bench: Lee Nguyen and Dax McCarthy ... need more backbone? bring in Dax ...need an offensive spark? bring on Nguyen ...

Forwards: Two MLS superstars really stand out in the East: Sebastian Giovinco and David Villa ... both equally at the very heart of their team's success, Class all around ... no matter what Mr. Conte thinks back in Italy ... and to bring on later in the game ... Cyle Larin ... the undisputed star of the young forwards in the league ... gets better every game with the Lions it seems ...and C.J. Sapong who's going through a renaissance with the Union.

All told, another pretty impressive lineup ...

What do you think?: East or West ?