During half time of today's Chicago Fire and Los Angeles Galaxy MLS announced the First XI for this year's all star game. Three Sporting KC players were named to the roster that will take on Chelsea. Jimmy Nielsen, Aurelien Collin, and Graham Zusi were all voted in by the fans for this year's game against the European Champions. The selection doesn't necessarily mean that Nielsen, Collin, and Zusi will be starting the game.
The 18 man roster for the team that will be coached by Ben Olsen, will be named on July 15th. So there is still a chance that none of KC's players start, let alone play against Chelsea. I'd expect at least two if not all three of them to make the 18 man roster though.
Now that the players are named as All Stars I honestly hope that they don't make the final 18. The all star game falls in the middle of their busy schedule between league games with New England and Columbus, as well as a friendly with Montpellier. All 3 of those games at Livestrong Sporting Park. The game is also about 2 weeks ahead of potentially the biggest game of the season for Sporting, the US Open Cup final. I appreciate the fact that Nielsen, Collin, and Zusi are being recognized for the season that they've had, but I'd much rather they be staying in KC during that stretch, not having to take a plane half way across the country for a friendly. While it's only the day after the Montpellier game, at least for that one KC isn't traveling anywhere.
Congrats to all 3 on the honor.
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