I Half Expect Our All-Star Team To Be Identical to Real Salt Lake

The MLS All-Star Ballot is out, and many of your DC United players are up for consideration. I am a firm believer that the ballot one fills out should reflect the performances you've seen so far in the season, and last year I struggled mightily to identify DCU players that I could cast a vote for with a clear conscience.

This year, I'm not so conflicted. Accordingly, I present the acceptable choices for DCU homers, All-Star Edition:

1. GK Troy Perkins - Look, I'm not voting for him, but he'd done acceptably in his starts this year that you might be able to put a positive case for him. Last year I went with Matt Reis, and this year I might throw a vote to Brad Guzan.
2. M Josh Gros - I can't really say anyone on the backline has been an all-star so far. Erpen is erratic, Boswell has been decent but not exceptional, Prideaux is much better than I expected... but Josh Gros has had fairly decent games all year moving from defensive play on the wings to running deep and sending a cross into the box.
3. M Brian Carroll and Ben Olsen - I'm casting a vote for one of these two, and probably both. In a defensive midfield role, both have been dependable and hard working, throwing others to a game plan that involves something other than taking the ball up through the middle.
4. F Alecko Eskandarian - Of DC's offensive weapons, only Alecko has really stood out as turning in strong performances, yes, all-star quality performances week after week. I expect Twellman or Ching to get their share of votes, but Alecko's form is excellent so far, and I am definately stuffing the ballot box for him.

Of course, if I see Carey Talley as a starter, I will know that something strange is afoot.