SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Earthquakes defender Justin Morrow will join teammates Ramiro Corrales, Chris Wondolowski and Steven Beitashour in facing European Champion Chelsea in the 2012 MLS AT&T All-Star Game on July 25 at PPL Park (5:30 p.m. PT / ESPN2, TeleFutura) after the third-year left back was added to the gameday roster by coach Ben Olsen on Thursday.
San Jose’s four selections are the most from any team in MLS. The Earthquakes (13-4-4, 43 pts.) are seven points up in both the Western Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings after Wednesday’s 2-1 win against FC Dallas at Buck Shaw Stadium.
The selection is Morrow’s first career All-Star nod. He will replace injured New York Red Bulls defender Heath Pearce on the roster. Morrow drew praise for his defensive effort in San Jose’s most recent win against FC Dallas. He has been a mainstay on the back line this season, playing every minute of the club’s 21 games while splitting time between center and left back. Along with his defensive accomplishments, Morrow has also recorded one goal and two assists – both game winners.
Updated 2012 MLS All-Star Gameday Roster
Goalkeepers (2): Dan Kennedy (Chivas USA), Jimmy Nielsen (Sporting Kansas City)
Defenders (6):Steven Beitashour (San Jose Earthquakes), Aurélien Collin (Sporting Kansas City), Ramiro Corrales (San Jose Earthquakes), Jay DeMerit (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Justin Morrow (San Jose Earthquakes), Carlos Valdes (Philadelphia Union)
Midfielders (6): 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 (4): Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders FC), Chris Pontius (D.C. United), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
