Union's Farfan added to MLS All-Star roster

PHILADELPHIA (The Phanatic Magazine) – Union midfielder Michael Farfan has been added to the MLS All-Star gameday roster by Coach Ben Olsen, the League announced today.

Farfan, a 2011 MLS Rookie of the Year finalist, has played in 17 games, starting 16 for the Union this season, registering a goal and four assists.

"It is a great honor to be named to the MLS All Star Team,” said Farfan.  “I am humbled by this decision and grateful to be listed amongst such talented players.  This is something I will never forget.”

Union All-Star Michael Farfan

The crafty San Diego, Calif., product helps orchestrate Philadelphia’s attack and last year he scored this goal against Real Madrid on July 23 during the 2011 Herbalife World Football Challenge. Before being drafted 23rd overall by Philadelphia in the 2011 SuperDraft, Farfan starred at the University of North Carolina and represented the United States Under-17 national team at the 2005 FIFA Youth World Cup. For more about Farfan, click here.

“I’m very happy and proud of Michael Farfan,” said Philadelphia Union Interim Team Manager and MLS All Star Assistant Coach John Hackworth.  “I think over the last couple of months he has been one of the best attacking players in the League and he certainly deserves this recognition and opportunity."

Given the weather conditions and scheduling considerations, MLS yesterday accepted Chelsea FC’s request to increase the number of substitutions permitted during the AT&T MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday (8:30 p.m. ESPN2, TeleFutura, TSN2) from seven per team to 10. This necessitated the addition of another player to the All-Star roster.