The MLS All-Star roster is complete. And while Real Salt Lake is represented by midfielder Kyle Beckerman and defender Jamison Olave, there's one name that's not on the roster and it really baffles my mind. That would be goalkeeper Nick Rimando.
Seriously, how is he not an All-Star?
He continues to be one of the best goalies in Major League Soccer year in and year out. Rimando ranks second in the league with a 0.75 goals-against average, but I guess that's no big thing to Coach Hans Backe of the New York Red Bulls who picked the rest of the 22-man roster on Monday. The two guys Backe picked instead were Houston’s Tally Hall and Philadelphia’s Faryd Mondragon.
I guess Backe said in a radio podcast that while Rimando "was of course in my thoughts," he rated Hall as "one of the two, three best goalies in this league … so that was a very easy pick for me."
Listen, it's not the first time Rimando's been an all-star snub, and it probably won't be the last. I realize RSL isn't a sexy, big market team, but that doesn't mean you ignore the guys who continue to dominate the game. I mean, how is that possible?
On top of being amazing on the field, off the pitch he's just as great. From his charity work to his fan interaction on Twitter and after RSL games, it's a no-brainer Rimando's an all-star. He represents the league in the best way possible. No biggie, right Backe?
The MLS all-stars play Manchester United next Wednesday on July 27th. Beating the Red Devils won't be easy, especially without Rimando between the pipes.
