Fire winger Marco Pappa was rewarded for his outstanding start to 2010 on Tuesday afternoon when it was announced that he had been named to the MLS All-Star First XI.
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reveals MLS All-Star First XI
“I’m excited you know?” Pappa said. “It’s extra motivation to keep working, and I’m happy with the good news.”
Pappa, 22, has been the Fire’s best attacking player all season long. His six goals lead the team and his four assists put him second to only Patrick Nyarko among Fire players.
“I’m very happy with Marco,” Fire head coach Carlos de los Cobos said. “I think that this guy deserves to have this distinction because he’s playing well.”
Pappa, a first-time MLS All-Star, will be a part of the 23-man roster that will take on famed English club Manchester United at Houston’s Reliant Stadium on July 28.
“I can’t wait until July 28,” Pappa said. “Everybody knows about [Manchester United]. It’s a big team, and it’s a good opportunity. I’m excited to play with some [of the] biggest players in the world.”
Pappa credited his Fire teammates for his selection.
“Everybody’s proud—everybody said congratulations,” Pappa said. “But I think [I’m there] because my teammates are working hard.”
