Keller takes F-18 flight prior to all-star fete

SANDY — Kasey Keller has a newfound respect for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels pilots.

On Monday he was taken up in an F-18 jet whose pilot performed tricks in conjunction with the Seafair, a Seattle summer festival.

He missed Monday's extremely light MLS All-Star training session in Park City but recounted the experience following Tuesday's practice at Rio Tinto Stadium.

"Riding in an F-18, it felt like I just finished the hardest preseason workout I've ever had. I was crushed when I got off the thing, but I've never been queasy when I got out of preseason workout," said Keller. "It was kind of a combination of being exhausted and sick to my stomach, but worth every minute. You just don't get that opportunity too often."

Flying in a military jet is the first of two unique experiences for the Seattle Sounders keeper. Keller, who spent virtually all of his MLS career in Europe, is making his first all-star appearance at age 39.

"This is new to me, as well; this is my first All-Star Game, so I don't know how it all works out," said Keller. "Anytime you're selected for any kind of honor it's exactly that, it's an honor. I'm going to come here and represent the league. I'm proud to be an All-Star, so I'll do my best to keep Everton out of the goal."

European soccer leagues don't have all-star games, something Keller doesn't think would work anyway. The schedule for top-flight European teams is too busy to begin with, but then you also have the national team members playing upward of a dozen international games as well.

It's a big reason why Keller is happy to soak up Wednesday night's unique experience.

BEYOND FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Coach Dominic Kinnear has said all week he doesn't believe it's a coincidence that the MLS All-Stars are on a four-game winning streak against European teams in the current All-Star format.

"It's a collection of good players, I think guys take pride in representing their country; they take pride in going up against the best players and teams in the world," said Kinnear. "It's not about getting respect anymore it's about winning games. I think we've gone past the point now where we've got to show these guys we can play. You can't be too concerned about other people's opinions."

LIKELY STARTERS: Kinnear declined to discuss his starting lineup for tonight's game following Tuesday's practice, partly because Landon Donovan has been in Los Angeles getting treatment on his ankle all week. He arrives in Utah today, but his status is questionable.

If he isn't able to go, these are the 11 players who will likely start based on Kinnear's toying with defending set pieces at Tuesday's practice: Kasey Keller, Wilman Conde, Chad Marshall, Geoff Cameron, Kyle Beckerman, Freddie Ljungberg, Brad Davis, Stuart Holden, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Conor Casey and Freddy Montero.

What formation they'll play remains a mystery.

e-mail: jedward@desnews.com