CARSON -- Galaxy right back Sean Franklin called his first selection to a Major League Soccer All-Star team “an honor ... a great opportunity to represent the Galaxy and MLS.” He was voted to the First XI by fans, the league announced Sunday, joining teammates Landon Donovan, David Beckham and Omar Gonzalez on the list.
How'd the Palmdale product, MLS's 2008 Rookie of the Year after starring for West Valley Samba and at Highland High School and Cal State Northridge, become such a fan favorite?
“I had a few people on my campaign, I guess, promoting it and stuff like that,” he said. “You know, a lot of friends and family support.”
A little ballot-stuffing, perhaps.
“Not me. I didn't tell anyone to. I didn't say, 'You know what, get out there.' A lot of people just wanted me to be there, and I'm just thankful that they were all about putting me out there.”
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said playing against Manchester United in the July 27 All-Star Game in Harrison, N.J., would “be a fabulous experience for him,” and 11-time All-Star Donovan was pleased to see so many L.A. guys in the first group of players.
“It's always nice to see your teammates get selected,” Donovan said. “It's a little disappointing a few guys aren't on the ballot, but you can only put six on [the ballot, per team]. It's difficult in a team that's done well and deserves more, but we're all excited for our guys. It'll be a good experience for Sean, certainly.”
Franklin knows it. “It's not every day you get a chance to play a team like Manchester United and a high-caliber squad and to play with other guys in the league ...,” he said. “It's going to be a good even to be a part of.”
REAL NIGHTMARE: Saturday's friendly against Real Madrid is expected to draw a large crowd to the Coliseum -- 89,134 came out to see these teams last August at the Rose Bowl -- during “Carmageddon,” the prospective traffic torment scheduled this weekend when the San Diego Freeway is closed through the Sepulveda Pass, which links West L.A. to the San Fernando Valley.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/9542/galaxy-franklins-fans-speak-up
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