Atlanta United’s Michael Parkhurst called being selected for his fifth MLS All-Star game a “fantastic honor.”
Parkhurst was named as one of manager Veljko Paunovic’s 11 selections. Parkhurst joins midfielder Miguel Almiron and fullback Greg Garza, who made the team based upon fan’s voting.
"The quality of the league is getting better every year,” Parkhurst said. “The quality of the players is getting better every year as well. Taking that into account, it’s a fantastic honor.
“I get to go out there and represent the club in its first all-star game and represent the league on a big stage as well.”
Parkhurst, 33, was selected to previous All-Star games in 2005, ’07, ’08 and ’14.
He said he has never before played Real Madrid, which the MLS All-Stars will play in Chicago at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 2.
"Though it’s a friendly game, both teams will want to win,” he said.
Parkhurst said he doesn’t know which of Real Madrid players he will try to swap jerseys with. He said it may depend upon when he plays and who is on the field.
He did say he won’t ask any of Real Madrid’s bigger names.
“I’ll be happy to get anybody’s jersey to commemorate the game,” he said.
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