2025 MLS All-Star Game Preview: Berhalter, Blackmon, Takaoka, White Players to Watch
Four Vancouver Whitecaps FC players are gearing up to represent the team at the 2025 MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas this Wednesday. Goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka, defender Tristan Blackmon, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, and forward Brian White made the cut for this highly anticipated event where the MLS All-Stars will take on the LIGA MX All-Stars at Q2 Stadium, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. PT.
These standout players have each made significant contributions to the team since joining. White arrived in Vancouver in June 2021, followed by Blackmon in December 2021, Berhalter in February 2022, and Takaoka in February 2023. Impressively, all four players have amassed over 100 appearances for the club across various competitions.
Notably, this marks the first time that the Whitecaps FC will have multiple players at the MLS All-Star Game, with all four players being selected for this prestigious event for the first time. Previously, the team has seen six of its players receive the honor, including Jay DeMerit (2012), Camilo (2013), David Ousted (2015), Kendall Waston (2016), Alphonso Davies (2018), and Ryan Gauld (2024).
The 26-man roster for the All-Star Game was intricately selected through a combination of fan, player, and media voting, as well as designations by head coach Nico Estévez of host club Austin FC, and two selections made by MLS Commissioner Don Garber. Takaoka was specifically chosen by Estevez, making history as the first Japanese-born player to be included in the MLS All-Star Game, while Berhalter, Blackmon, and White earned their spots through voting.
Be sure to catch all the action as these talented Whitecaps FC players showcase their skills on the big stage.
