PHILADELPHIA – While the 19 members of the MLS All-Star roster that will face Chelsea later today take care of their last-minute preparations, the league released its list of inactive all-stars, bringing the total to 33 players.
At least 32 all-star selections are mandated by the MLS collective bargaining agreement. While the team that will make up tonight’s roster was voted in by fans and sculpted with the help of D.C. United coach Ben Olsen and MLS commissioner Don Garber, this group was voted in by the players themselves. So it’s as much a popularity contest as it is a reflection of a great season.
The inactives: Jon Busch (San Jose Earthquakes), Marvin Chávez (San Jose Earthquakes), Kenny Cooper (New York Red Bulls), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Fabián Espíndola (Real Salt Lake), Roger Espinoza (Sporting Kansas City), Kei Kamara (Sporting Kansas City), Fredy Montero (Seattle Sounders FC), Jámison Olave (Real Salt Lake), Marco Pappa (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), Brek Shea (FC Dallas).
There are always snubs, too, such as New York midfielder Dax McCarty, Columbus goalkeeper Andy Gruenubaum and Houston forward Will Bruin.
While Dwayne De Rosario and Chris Pontius will play tonight, no D.C. United players made the cut for the inactive group.
