Benny Feilhaber rides career year, passionate Kansas City fanbase to "special" All-Star Fan XI selection

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Benny Feilhaber already has a career season going in goals and assists – and for the first time in that career, he can add “MLS All-Star” to his resume as well.

The 30-year-old playmaker was one of three Sporting Kansas City players – along with four-time honorees Matt Besler in central defense and Graham Zusi on the wing – named to the 2015 AT&T MLS All-Star Fan XI on Monday.

“It's special,” Feilhaber told reporters on Friday, after he learned of his selection but before it was officially announced. “Obviously, it's my first All-Star Game. I've heard a lot of fun things from the guys that have been able to experience that before, and it's an exciting time. I'm sure I'll have a lot of fun there.”

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At the midpoint of Sporting's season, Feilhaber has five goals and nine assists – 13 across all competitions – as Kansas City continues to close on the Western Conference leaders and have reached the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup.

“I think this is probably my best year as a professional, so it probably makes sense that it's my first [selection],” he said. “Like I said, I'll cherish it, but obviously, we have a lot of things to do here as well with Sporting, and if I'm lucky enough I can continue to repeat these kinds of performances and maybe I'll get other opportunities in the future.”

Sporting were the only club with three selections to the Fan XI for the July 29 game against Tottenham Hotspur in Commerce City, Colo. – continuing this summer's trend of Kansas City players racking up fan votes for All-Star competition.

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The Fan XI was announced a day ahead of Major League Baseball's All-Star Game, which saw four Royals players voted to starting spots with the American League.

“It's a great time to be a sports fan in Kansas City,” Feilhaber said. “We won the title two years ago. The Royals went to the World Series last year. They're in first place in the American League. We're not in first place, but I think we're in first place in points per game right now. It's an exciting time, and the fans here are very special.”

Steve Brisendine covers Sporting Kansas City for MLSsoccer.com.