PORTLAND — Liam Ridgewell has played three games in Major League Soccer. When the Portland Timbers defender learned on Monday that his fourth would be as a member of the MLS All-Star team, he was certainly surprised.
Caleb Porter selected his player to replace the injured Kyle Beckerman for the match against Bayern Munich at Providence Park. Reports indicate that Beckerman, a U.S. national team midfielder, suffered a minor foot injury last weekend.
Porter said he did not want to disrupt other MLS teams with a late callup.
“Liam will be a quality addition,” Porter said.
Ridgewell joins Timbers midfielders Diego Valeri and Will Johnson among the players who will suit up for the MLS All-Stars.
Ridgewell said he was hanging curtains in his new house when he got the call from Porter.
“I nearly fell off the ladder, so lucky I didn’t,” Ridgewell joked.
No. 14 for Donovan
This is the 14th consecutive MLS all-star game for Landon Donovan, but he is not taking it for granted — even if he is unlikely to play many minutes.
“I think I’m seeing it differently as I get older,” Donovan said. “These opportunities won’t come around too many more times, maybe never again. So I’m trying to make sure that I enjoy it, that I appreciate it.”
Two of Donovan’s L.A. Galaxy teammates were also selected, but are not in Portland. Because Los Angeles has plays Friday against San Jose, Robbie Keane and Omar Gonzalez chose to give up their spots on the roster. Donovan said that the schedule is a challenge, but that he is happy to be in Portland.
“I feel like I’m playing well and I’m enjoying it, so for me this is a fun game to play in. In the past it hasn’t always felt that way if the (league) games are piling up, but I feel good right now,” he said. “I’m excited. I want to play as much as I can. Hopefully the other guys feel the same.”
International flavor
This is the 11th time — and 10th year in a row — that MLS All-Star Game has featured an international opponent. The MLS is 6-4 in the matches, but has lost three of the last four (twice to Manchester United). Donovan said that there are enough deserving MLS players that a return to an East-against-West All-Star Game might be worth considering. But the international opponent makes this a unique event.
“I’m a big sports fan. I watch all of the other all-star games. Obviously I’m biased, but I think this all-star game is the most exciting to watch because of the way we play it and the competition we bring in,” Donovan said.
A chance to shine
The international audience provides a good stage for the players. Donovan — who spent the winter of 2008-09 on loan to Bayern Munich — noted that the 2009 All-Star Game against Everton led to the opportunity to join the English club on loan for the second half of the 2009-10 Premier League season.
“It’s not a game that you go crazy about and you’re flying into tackles and kicking people,” Donovan said. “But you want to take it seriously. You never know. There’s a lot of eyes watching, and you want to take advantage of that.”
Fake grass no worry
Playing on the artificial turf at Providence Park will be an unusual experience for Bayern Munich.
But it is not a concern, according to midfielder Javi Martinez.
“I think it’s good grass. It’s not like normal grass, but it’s going to be okay,” he said after training Tuesday at the stadium.
World Cup flavor
This MLS All-Star team showcases many members of the United States team that played in the World Cup.
Michael Bradley (Toronto) Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Clint Dempsey (Seattle), and DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle) all played for the United States in Brazil.
Tim Cahill (New York) scored one of the highlight goals of the World Cup for Australia. Goalkeeper Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake) was on the World Cup team but did not play.
Kyle Beckerman and Omar Gonzalez are named to the All-Star Game but are not playing.
Lineup challenges
With the MLS All-Star Game falling between two busy weekends of league play, coach Caleb Porter will need to limit the playing time for many of the all-stars. Donovan said Porter no doubt heard from other MLS coaches requesting that he limit minutes for their players. “I personally have a game Friday, so I can’t play as much as I normally would,” Donovan said.
Viewing party
Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland has been a hub of special events leading up to the game. The MLS Experience at Pioneer Courthouse Square opens at noon today. A 4:30 p.m. march to the park and a viewing party for those without tickets are among Wednesday’s activities.
