NO ORDINARY JOE(SPH) Revs midfielder MLS all-star replacement
Brooklyn resident and former St. John's All-American Shalrie Joseph was named one of four replacement players named for the Eastern Conference squad by team and D.C. United coach Peter Nowak for Saturday's MLS all-star at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
Joseph, who plays defensive midfielder for the New England Revolution joined Revs teammates and midfielder Steve Ralph, United midfielder Dema Kovalenko and Columbus Crew defender Robin Fraser on the team.
The four standouts replace two previously named East starters – United defender Ryan Nelsen and former Chicago Fire winger DaMarcus Beasley – as well as reserves Clint Dempsey (injured of the Revs) and former United midfielder Bobby Convey on what will be the 17-man roster.
Joseph, a Grenadan international, is a first-time All-Star selection having played in 11 of 18 games for the Revs as a defensive midfielder as well as on the defensive back line. One of the surprise success stories in MLS last season, Joseph possesses all the qualities necessary to shoulder the midfield "dirty work," while also possessing a cultured touch and the ability to pass the ball well over distance. Joseph has made a mark for himself as one of the league’s pre-eminent midfield ball-winners.
Western Conference coach Sigi Schmid will also be forced to field 17 players in the midsummer exhibition, as Colorado Rapids midfielder Pablo Mastroeni, announced as a West starter last month, will miss the next 4-6 weeks due to an injured left quadriceps.
The all-star game will be televised live on ABC Sports at 2:00PM ET, will be preceded by a celebration Game featuring MLS USA Legends against the MLS World Legends.
