Jakob Glesnes added to MLS All-Star squad

Twice is nice.

Center back Jakob Glesnes was added to the MLS All-Star team, the Philadelphia Union announced Friday. Glesnes is a late addition to the group, after midfielder Jose Martinez was named to the group, along with the other MLS All-Stars, last week.

Our Norwegian Rocket Man is headed to DC 🚀 ️

For the second season in a row, Jakob Glesnes is an #MLSAllStar!#DOOP pic.twitter.com/iAiTBxZsYh

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 7, 2023

This is the second time that Glesnes has been named to the MLS All-Star team, after he earned a slot in the roster in 2022. Glesnes was also named the 2022 Defender of the Year, beating out the Union’s Jack Elliott and Kai Wagner for the award.

Since he arrived in MLS in 2020, Glesnes has proved to be a critical component to the Union’s roster. He’s registered five goals in that time, including three from distance that went viral in global soccer circles. Glesnes has also been a part of a Union backline this season that has allowed just 22 goals, and led the team in tackles (23), interceptions (33) and accurate long balls (121).

The MLS All-Stars will face Arsenal at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, in Washington D.C. The game will be streamed on Apple TV.