LA Galaxy pair deservedly named 2022 MLS All-Stars

Two LA Galaxy players have been named 2022 MLS All-Stars, with forward Chicharito and defender Julian Araujo earning spots for next month's All-Star match, according to MLSsoccer.com

This year is the second year in another change in format for the All-Star game, with it now being a match between MLS All-Stars and Liga MX All-Stars. MLS has tried to bring European clubs to face the MLS All-Stars in the past and have also done the normal "East vs. West" format. However, the league has now partnered with Liga MX for this format which began last season.

Chicharito continues to be one of the most dangerous forwards in MLS this season, as he has seven goals on the year. He has completed 75.1% of his passes, has made 13 key passes, and has played 11 accurate long balls as well. He's played 1,480 minutes this season through 18 appearances. Chicharito is one of 12 "coach's picks" for the All-Star game.

He is one of the most talented and most popular players in the league, so it's not surprising to know that he'll be representing the league in the All-Star game. He is one of eight forwards selected to the All-Star team.

Araujo has helped lead one of the best defenses in MLS this season. He has four assists on the season and is completing 83.4% of his passes. He's made 21 key passes and 19 accurate long balls. Defensively, he has made 27 interceptions on the season. He's played 1,430 minutes this year across 17 appearances.

As mentioned earlier, LA has one of the best defenses in the league as they are tied for sixth in the league in goals allowed with just 22 through 18 matches. The Galaxy have also pitched six clean sheets on the season. Araujo was one of 12 players voted into the All-Star game via the fan vote. He is one of eight defenders selected to the team.

Chicharito and Araujo have been two key pieces in the Galaxy's strong year so far through just over the first half of the MLS season. LA currently sits fifth in the Western Conference table with 27 points, but are just three points out of third place. It's been a strong season for the Galaxy, and Chicharito and Araujo are big reasons for it.

LA is one of eight teams to have multiple All-Stars. The Galaxy are one of six teams with two All-Stars, joining Seattle, Dallas, Nashville, Minnesota, and Philadelphia. LAFC and New York City FC lead the way with three selections apiece.

The All-Star match itself between MLS and Liga MX will be August 10th at 8:30 pm Eastern/5:30 pm Pacific. The match is being played in Minnesota, and will be aired on ESPN and Univision.