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Before Monday night's Gold Cup match between the United States and Panama, the Fan XI, the 11 players voted on by the fans, was announced for the 2015 MLS All-Star game.
Your #MLSAllStar Fan XI: Rimando; Besler, Gonzalez, Beasley; Kaka, Bradley, Feilhaber, Zusi; Dempsey, Villa, Martins. pic.twitter.com/vvuaDxiROV
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 14, 2015
While undoubtably Columbus Crew SC fans were disappointed to see no members of the Black & Gold included in the lineup, it was not a major surprise. After all, this is a fan vote and it's not often those around the country see Crew SC play.
What did cause quite the stir around Columbus was the announcement of commissioner Don Garber's two selections.
MLS commissioner @thesoccerdon's All-Star selections are @LAGalaxy's Steven Gerrard and @NYCFC's Frank Lampard! #MLSAllStar
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 14, 2015
Obviously these are two major names in the soccer world, but they were picked for the All-Star team with a combined zero appearances in Major League Soccer.
What angered many around Crew SC Nation was the disrespect shown to two of its top players who also happen to be two of the league's top statistical players offensively. Kei Kamara, who leads MLS in goals, and Ethan Finlay, who leads the league in assists were both left off team.
... pic.twitter.com/v9yrWHYsXR
— KEI KAMARA (@keikamara) July 14, 2015
Fans took to Twitter to take their anger out on Garber's selection, but it was not just the fans that were disappointed. Crew SC captain Michael Parkhurst, who doesn't tweet often, used the social media outlet to voice his opinion as well.
hey Pablo, if you need Kei or Ethans contact info let me know
— Michael Parkhurst (@MFparkhurst) July 14, 2015
Lampard and Gerrard must not have All Star bonuses. #Saving$$
— Michael Parkhurst (@MFparkhurst) July 14, 2015
Parkhurst wasn't the only one to defend his teammates either. First-year Crew SC midfielder Kristinn Steindorsson let his confusion be known.
Yeah let's just leave out the top goal scorer and the top assist maker.. ☕️ #MLSAllStar
— KristinnSteindorsson (@kiddistein) July 14, 2015
Even Crew SC President of Business Andy Loughnane made some cracks.
In fairness #CrewSC supporters, Gerrard and Lampard have never lost a game in MLS.
— Andy Loughnane (@LockCrewSC) July 14, 2015
A former Columbus All-Star snub Donte Washington let Kamara and Finlay know that it happens to the best of them and had some words of encouragement.
Been there @keikamara and @EthanFinlay13 but keep doing your thing. #CrewSC #MLSAllStar
— Dante Washington (@DanteWashington) July 14, 2015
Of course the All-Star selections aren't done, as only 13 players have been selected.
The always-positive Ethan Finlay pointed this out with a little hint at what he hopes for when the remainder of the players are announced.
Still 10 names to be announced..... #MLS #AllStarGame
— Ethan Finlay (@EthanFinlay13) July 14, 2015
Black & Gold fans aren't the only ones who are upset. Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco, who has 11 goals and eight assists, was also left off the initial roster.
The MLS All-Stars will face Tottenham Hotspur of the English Premier League on Wednesday, July 29. Hopefully by then, Crew SC will have the players it deserves on the roster.