Michael Parkhurst added to MLS All-Star roster; Josef Martinez snubbed

In addition to the eleven players chosen by fans to play in the MLS All-Star game, both the coach (this year, the Chicago Fire’s Velkjo Paunovic) and the League Commissioner Don Garber get to select names to play in the game. Those selections were announced today. Paunovic picked an additional 11 names and Garber chose 2.

Among Paunovic’s selections is Atlanta United’s own Michael Parkhurst. United will now have 3 players among the total of 24. Since there are only 22 teams in the league, that’s yet another impressive milestone in this historic inaugural season.

One name was glaringly not on the list: Josef Martinez. Given that Paunovic was an eyewitness to what Josef is capable of back in week 3, this is quite a surprise. However, our crack Dirty South Soccer research staff has uncovered a copy of Real Madrid’s contract to play in the ASG, which specifically excludes him from playing on the grounds that they don’t want to be embarrassed.

The full ASG roster can be seen here.