CARSON, Calif. – Jelle Van Damme and Giovani dos Santos were all smiles about earning selections to the 2017 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target on Tuesday.
The two players were among 11 players selected by Chicago Fire head coach head coach Veljko Paunović to join the full 23-man squad for the clash with Spanish giants Real Madrid on Wednesday, Aug. 2 at Chicago’s Soldier Field. Both Galaxy stars will be making their second consecutive appearance at the league’s midseason showpiece match after appearing in last year’s game against English side Arsenal.
“I always feel very happy to be able to play these games. I’m really happy and excited,” Dos Santos, who famously played for Madrid’s archrival Barcelona, told LA Galaxy Insider. “I think that it’s great to be able to represent this league in marquee games.”
Dos Santos has been invaluable for Curt Onalfo’s Galaxy team this season with six goals and one assist in 12 matches. Meanwhile, Van Damme has anchored the Galaxy’s backline with 81 clearances and 30 blocks in 15 appearances, while also padding his offensive stats with a goal and an assist.
Both players expressed surprise that fellow deserving Galaxy teammates Ashley Cole and Romain Alessandrini were not included in the roster, but pledged to enjoy the experience next month.
“It’s always an honor and very fun. We’ll be able to play against one of the biggest teams in the world," Van Damme said. "It was a good group last year, so it’ll be very fun. It’s an honor.”
