The Republic of the Bay could enter a World Cup championship with a formidable roster of players who have graced Northern California fields and stadiums throughout the decades.

As an exercise in fun with World Cup 2014 in Brazil drawing nearer, we decided to create our own hypothetical starting XI. But we also invite readers to build their own lineups to share with us and others.

The criterion is simple: Anyone who has been involved with Bay Area soccer, whether born here or passing through, is eligible for consideration.

Our lineup uses a 4-4-2 formation. Send your own lineups or comments about ours to ealmond@mercurynews.com.

Goalkeepers

Pat Onstad: Played for Quakes from 2003-2005, then moved with team to Houston. Was MLS goalkeeper of year in ’03.

Backups

Mirko Stojanovic: Croatian played for NPSL’s Oakland Clippers in 1967-68 and NASL Earthquakes in 1974.

Joe Cannon: Grew up in Los Altos, attended St. Francis High-Mountain View and Santa Clara. Played for Quakes from 1999-2002 and 2008-2010.

The rationale: Onstad became one of MLS’s best keepers from 2003-2010. The Canadian international played professionally for 25 years, and his consistency made difference.

The Defenders

Marcelo Balboa: Played with San Francisco Blackhawks from 1990-91. Was a right fullback who represented the United States in three World Cups.

Gabbo Gavric: Member of the original Earthquakes of NASL, was a left back with OFK Beograd of former Yugoslavia.

Clarence Goodson: Current Earthquakes star at center back made 2010 U.S. World Cup team and helped America qualify for World Cup in Brazil.

Alexi Lalas: Former controversial — perhaps despised is a better way of putting it — Earthquakes general manager in 2004-05 before the team split for Houston. Center back was one of the stars of the 1994 U.S. World Cup team.

Backups

Brandi Chastain: One of world’s most recognized female players, San Jose native scored winning PK as fullback in 1999 women’s World Cup.

Steven Beitashour: San Jose native attended Leland High and was Quakes’ ball boy before starring for team from 2011-13. Member of Iran’s World Cup team plays for Vancouver Whitecaps.

John Doyle: Current Quakes general manager was born in San Jose, attended Washington High-Fremont, USF and competed in 1988 Olympics and 1990 World Cup.

Troy Dayak: Walnut Creek native attended Livermore High and USF, then played with San Francisco Blackhawks, San Jose Hawks, San Jose Grizzlies, San Francisco Bay Seals, Clash and Earthquakes.

The rationale: Balboa and Garvic were easy choices as fullbacks, but Dayak and Doyle are legendary central defenders to Quakes fans. Goodson, though, has had huge impact on back line since joining team in August. Lalas was one of America’s top players in early 1990s.

The Midfielders

Landon Donovan, left wing: Three-time World Cup player is face of American soccer and MLS’s all-time leading scorer who played for Quakes in 2001-2004.

George Best, right wing: Played in San Jose from 1980-82. Former Manchester United star was one of soccer’s first celebrities.

Dwayne De Rosario, central mid: Scored 27 goals in 108 appearances for Earthquakes from 2001-05. Canada’s all-time leading scorer is in 14th MLS season.

Ricky Davis, central mid: Former Santa Clara University star was captain of U.S. team throughout 1980s. Played for New York Cosmos and was considered best American-born player in NASL. Member of National Soccer Hall of Fame.

The Backups

Ronnie Ekelund, central mid: Danish star played for Quakes from 2001-2004. Known for good ball control.

Jimmy Johnstone, right wing: Played for NASL Quakes in 1974 but best known for time with Celtic of Scotland. Helped Celtic win European Cup in 1967.

Francisco Lima, holding mid: Brazilian played only 14 games for Quakes from 2008-09 but showed what calming influence he had with ball after long career that included stops in Moscow, Rome and Zurich.

Preki, right wing: Serbian star played for San Jose Grizzlies from 1994-95, scoring 67 goals in 32 games. Former Kansas City Wizard also could play forward.

The rationale: Jurgen Klinsmann might see Donovan as a striker, but we like him on left flank where he can score and make everyone around him better. With Best on right, who can stop them? De Rosario would have to jell with Davis in center to provide linkage and defense.

The Forwards

Chris Wondolowski: Has been Quakes’ leading scorer since 2010 and tied MLS single-season record with 27 goals in 2012. Danville native is member of U.S. World Cup team.

Eric Wynalda: Played for Bay Blackhawks from 1990-92 and San Jose Clash from 1996-99. Had 34 goals in 107 appearances for U.S., competing in three World Cups.

The Backups

Paul Child: Englishman played for Quakes from 1974-79, scoring 61 goals in 149 games. Member of National Soccer Hall of Fame, Earthquakes hall of fame and San Jose Sports Hall of Fame.

The rationale: Keeping Child on bench speaks more for excellence of Wondolowski and Wynalda, a winning combination if there ever was one.

The Coach

Dominic Kinnear: Attended Kennedy High-Fremont and played for Bay Blackhawks, San Jose Hawks and Clash as defender. Earthquakes assistant 2001-03, coach from 2004-05 and still coaches Houston, the team that left San Jose over stadium issues. Led Quakes to Supporters’ Shield in ’05 and Houston to consecutive MLS Cups in 2006-07.

Assistants

Frank Yallop: Twice coach of Quakes, leading team to MLS Cup titles in 2001 and ’03. Returned in 2008 when Quakes re-entered MLS as expansion team. Now with Chicago Fire.

Laurie Calloway: English defender played for Quakes in 1970s, then coached WSL Quakes, Bay Blackhawks and was Clash’s first coach from 1996-97.

The rationale: Kinnear has proved over time to build quality teams capable of deep playoff runs. It gives him edge over his assistants who are a soccer brain trust.