MLS All-Stars to play England's West Ham

This midseason showcase will continue the theme of "MLS Takes on the World." The MLS All-Star team is 4-0 in previous All-Star Games against international opponents Celtic, Chelsea, Fulham and CD Guadalajara.

"The ... MLS All-Star Game is a terrific showcase for Major League Soccer and its talented players," said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "Adding a historic football club like West Ham as this year's All-Star opponent gives more reasons for soccer fans to look forward to this exciting event."

Founded in 1895, West Ham boasts a roster full of international talent, led by the captains of Sweden (Freddie Ljungberg), Australia (Lucas Neill) and Wales (Craig Bellamy).

The club also has several England national team players, including Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer. American defender Jonathan Spector and Portugal forward Luis Boa Morte are also members of West Ham.

West Ham features one of soccer's most recognizable jerseys, with the claret body and sky blue sleeves. The team is known as the "Hammers," a reference to its origin as the company team for Thames Ironworks.

West Ham United currently sits in 10th place in the English Premier League with 44 points for the 2007-2008 season.

"It is an honor to be taking part in the MLS All-Star Game," West Ham CEO Scott Duxbury said.

Last year, the MLS All-Stars defeated Scottish Premier League power Celtic 2-0 on goals from New York Red Bulls striker Juan Pablo Angel and FC Dallas midfielder Juan Toja.

In 2006, the MLS defeated two-time defending Premier League Champions Chelsea 1-0 on a goal by Houston Dynamo midfielder Dwayne De Rosario.

The 2005 event saw the MLS All-Stars defeat English Premier League club Fulham 4-1 at Columbus Crew Stadium and in 2003, the MLS downed storied Mexican club CD Guadalajara 3-1 at The Home Depot Center with Carlos Ruiz winning MVP.

The 12 MLS All-Star games have offered fans a variety of formats. Six times, All-Stars squads from the Eastern Conference and Western Conference played. In 1998 the best players in MLS faced each other in a USA vs. World format, while in 2002 the MLS All-Stars defeated the U.S. national team 3-2 at RFK Stadium.