Soccer: Durante, Smeltz make all-star team

SYDNEY - Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante has been named in the A-League's All-Star soccer team for the 2009-10 season while All Whites striker Shane Smeltz is also included.

The team, chosen via a fans poll, was named before last night's A-League grand final, won by Sydney FC 4-2 on penalties over Melbourne Victory.

Defender Durante, who played every minute of the Phoenix's 30 games this season, was been selected in the back four in a 4-3-3 formation coached by Melbourne's Ernie Merrick.

Smeltz, who won the competition's golden boot for a second successive year is partnered up front by Melbourne's Archie Thompson and Alex Brosque of Sydney FC.

There was no room for the Phoenix's leading goalscorer Paul Ifill.

Fortunately the All-Star team does not actually play given captain and midfielder Steve Corica has already retired after being injured in Sydney's run to the title while Thompson was on crutches after last night's grand final.

A-League All-Star team
Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United), Andrew Durante (Wellington Phoenix) Simon Colosimo (Sydney FC), Kevin Muscat (Melbourne Victory) Dean Heffernan (Central Coast Mariners), Jason Culina (Gold Coast United), Carlos Hernandez(Melbourne Victory), Steve Corica (Sydney FC, captain), Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United), Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory), Alex Brosque (Sydney FC). Coach: Ernie Merrick (Melbourne Victory).

- NZPA