It happens every year. There are only so many spots to fill on the MLS All-Star team's matchday roster, and as a result, a number of players deserving of participating in the league's mid-summer classic miss out on the opportunity.
Players like Columbus Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum, New York Red Bulls forward Kenny Cooper and San Jose Earthquakes winger Marvin Chavez have all stepped into new roles this season and excelled, for example. Gruenebaum has stepped into goal for the Crew after a long-term injury to William Hesmer and has come up with six clean sheets while making specatcular saves to keep the Crew in the postseason hunt despite a rash of injuries and changes to the back line. Cooper, meanwhile, is second in the league in goals with 11, while Chavez is tied for second in assists with eight, with both players reaching those heights after offseason trades to their new teams.
They're not the only ones with strong cases to feel a little slighted, though, and while they all may very well end up earning All-Star distinction (14 more players will be voted on by their peers to round out a 32-man MLS All-Star group for contract bonus purposes and will be announced on July 25), they still won't get the chance to take to the field against UEFA Champions League winner Chelsea next Wednesday at PPL Park.
That being said, which MLS player that did not get selected is most deserving of playing in the All-Star Game? Cast your vote after the jump:
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How did you vote? Which player that did not get selected do you think has the biggest gripe? Anybody not on our list that you think deserves to take on Chelsea?
Share your thoughts below.