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Union's Rosenberry, Blake named MLS all-stars

Rookie defender Keegan Rosenberry and goalkeeper Andre Blake of the Union were named to the Major League Soccer All-Star Game on Saturday.

Rookie defender Keegan Rosenberry and goalkeeper Andre Blake of the Union were named to the Major League Soccer All-Star Game on Saturday.

The game will be played July 28 in San Jose, Calif., with the MLS stars facing Arsenal of the English Premier League.

It is the second time in the Union's seven-year history that they will have more than one player in the All-Star Game. In 2012, Carlos Valdes and Michael Farfan played in the game hosted by the Union.

"It's excellent. It's great because the Union badge will be on display against Arsenal," coach Jim Curtin said. "That's a special thing. I think Keegan and Andre getting rewarded are a product of a good team, though. ... Really happy for them."

Rosenberry and Blake are the first Union players to make the all-star team since Maurice Edu in 2014. Both were drafted by the club and Curtin acknowledged the team's development program.

The players chosen in the Fan XI vote won't necessarily be the starters. San Jose Earthquakes coach Dominic Kinnear will pick the starters, along with the rest of the roster, which will be announced July 17.

Rosenberry has played every minute this season for the Union after being selected third overall in this year's draft.

"It is exciting obviously. I am thrilled," Rosenberry said. "I would never have imagined it, coming into my first year, of course. The first thing I would say is to thank my team and coaches because if the team doesn't do well, you don't get the individual awards."

Blake has started 17 games and owns a 1.41 goals-against average, but he has made as many spectacular saves as any goalie in MLS. While he appreciated the recognition, he's prepping to continue making a difference, even if it's in an exhibition.

"It's not just making the All-Star Game, it's about going there and performing," Blake said. "I'll stay quiet for now and keep my head down and hopefully I can go there and be successful."