Mixed achievements for FC Dallas’ stars

The manner in which FC Dallas’ two Major League Soccer All-Stars found their way onto tonight’s roster brings a stark contrast, which epitomizes their respective seasons.

Forward Kenny Cooper earned his spot through a combination of votes from fans, media, players and the coaches/general managers, who selected the squad to face English Premier League club West Ham United tonight.

Midfielder Juan Toja was a late addition by coach Steve Nicol after three All-Stars were unavailable because of their appointment to the U.S. Olympic soccer team.

Cooper is fourth in MLS with nine goals while midway through the season FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman is devising practice drills specifically to work on Toja’s fitness.

A look at the FC Dallas All-Stars:

Tale of the tape

Category	Kenny Cooper	Juan Toja
Position	forward	midfielder
Age	23	23
Native country	U.S.	Colombia
National team appearances	2	0
MLS All-Star appearances	0	1
Years in MLS	3rd	2nd
Height	6-foot-3	6-foot-1
Weight	207	180
Goals 2008	9	2
Assists 2008	2	2
Starts	17	15
Appearances	17	16
Notable 2008 moments	Scored in 3 of 4 wins	Scored 2008’s first goal in season opener (21st minute)
Progress in 2008	Step forward	Step backward
Goals 2007	4	6
Assists 2007	2	1
Starts	12	27
Appearances	14	27
Notable 2007 moments	broken leg	Toja wig-night promotion
Haircut	high and tight	mullet
Current suitors	Rosenborg (Norway)	Steaua Bucharest (Romania)
Jersey No.	33	8
Notable former club	Manchester United (England)	River Plate (Argentina)
FC Dallas MVP	2006	2007

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