Major League Soccer announced today that New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry and defender Heath Pearce were voted into the 2012 MLS All-Star First XI. On Wednesday, July 25 at PPL Park in Chester, PA, the MLS All-Stars will face European Champions Chelsea FC in the 2012 MLS All-Star Game.

Last year, Henry shined in his first full season with the Red Bulls, scoring 14 goals and adding four assists in 26 games. This season, the former World Cup, European Championship and UEFA Champions League winner has nine goals and five assists in 11 games. Henry's pro career began in 1990 with AS Monaco (France), and included successful stints at Juventus (Italy), Arsenal (England) and FC Barcelona (Spain) before he joined the Red Bulls midway through 2010. Henry has 123 caps for France, and is the all-time leading scorer with 51 goals. This is his second MLS All-Star Team selection.

Pearce, one of the elite defenders in MLS, is having a strong debut season with New York, starting in 16 matches in 2012 and notching one goal. Pearce first came to MLS in late 2009, signing with FC Dallas. He then spent the 2011 and the first part of 2012 with Chivas USA before being sent to New York May 17 in exchange for Juan Agudelo. His pro career began when he joined FC Nordsjaelland of Denmark, and then moved to German side Hansa Rostock. Pearce has represented the United States on 35 occasions. This is his third MLS All-Star team selection.