Columbus Crew shut out of MLS All-Star Game, including GK Andy Gruenebaum

Andy Gruenebaum won't be an All-Star after all.

AP File PhotoColumbus Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum, right, collides Toronto FC forward Ryan Johnson while making a save during first half MLS soccer action in Toronto on Saturday March 31, 2012.

Andy Gruenebaum won't be an All-Star after all.

Major League Soccer announced the final seven selections to the 2012 All-Star team, five players by DC United's Ben Olsen, who will lead the team against Chelsea FC, and two selections by Commissioner Don Garber. The Columbus Crew goalkeeper, who has filled in admirably for injured starter Will Hesmer, was not on the list.

Instead, Olsen chose Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy as the team's backup goalkeeper to Sporting Kansas City's Jimmy Nielsen.

Gruenebaum, the only consistency for one of the league's best defensive teams, had an outside shot at becoming the backup against the UEFA Champions League title holders, but Olsen chose to go with Kennedy.

Despite not getting the nod, Gruenebaum told Craig Merz of MLSSoccer.com that he doesn't feel snubbed.

“First of all, it’s an honor to even be mentioned in the same category, so that’s cool,” Gruenebaum said. “Dan Kennedy – look at his body of work over the years. I admire and respect his game. He’s an amazing goalkeeper. You can’t really go wrong there, can you?”

While Gruenebaum is putting on a smile, he is apparently in the minority. According to the article, his wife and mother (naturally) are pretty angry, as are his teammates.

“It’s a like a smack in the face to us,” Crew defender Josh Williams said of Gruenebaum’s non-selection. “We’re one of the best defenses in the league and he’s the biggest part of it. He’s definitely deserving of it.

“He’s such a good guy. He just laughs it off and says the other guy [Kennedy] deserves it just as much.”

Aside from Kennedy, Olsen also selected his own player in forward Chris Pontius, as well as Seattle Sounders players Osvaldo Alonso and Eddie Johnson and Kyle Beckerman of Real Salt Lake.

Commissioner Garber's contribution to the game was Philadelphia defender Carlos Valdes and the only remaining player who played in the league's inaugural season in 1996, Ramiro Corrales of the San Jose Earthquakes.

The All-Stars will take on Chelsea FC July 25 at PPL Park in Chester, Pa.
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MLS ALL-STARS ROSTER

Goalkeepers: Dan Kennedy (Chivas USA), Jimmy Nielsen (Sporting Kansas City)

Defenders: Steven Beitashour (San Jose Earthquakes), Aurelien Collin (Sporting Kansas City), Ramiro Corrales (San Jose Earthquakes), Jay DeMerit (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Heath Pearce (New York Red Bulls), Carlos Valdes (Philadelphia Union)

Midfielders: Osvaldo Alonso (Seattle Sounders FC), David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

Forwards: Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders FC), Chris Pontius (D.C. United), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/columbus-crew/index.ssf/2012/07/columbus_crew_shut_out_of_mls.html

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