When it came time for MLS All-Star Game coach Adrian Heath to select 12 players for his league's 26-man roster, he chose two of his own.
Heath chose Minnesota United's star midfielder Emanuel Reynoso and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to play against Mexico's LIGA MX all-stars next month at Allianz Field.
It's the first time the Loons have had two players selected for an MLS All-Star Game and the first time one of their players has been named an All Star more than once.
"It's nice to have a couple players in there and they're both worthy of the accolade," Heath said. "Certainly Dayne has been outstanding since he has come into the team and everybody knows my feelings about Rey. He's starting to put some end product to the game we know he has got. Certainly both deserved to be there."
Heath considered adding a third Loon to the 12 players he selected after coach, manager, fan and media voting chose the MLS team's first 12 players. Ultimately, he left attacker Robin Lod off a team heavy with strikers, attackers and designated players.
Lod has shown the last two games he can play central midfield, too, as he did because Kervin Arriaga is injured. "I think he was certainly worthy of the opportunity to be in there," Heath said.
He left open the possibility Lod could be an injury replacement if one of the 26 players chosen between voting, MLS commissioner Don Garber's two picks and his own selections gets hurt between now and the Aug. 10 game.
"Maybe, maybe," Heath said. "I've talked to coaches who have been here before and normally two or three players get injured before the game."
