Currently ahead of All-Stars Chris Wondolowski, Robbie Keane and Thierry Henry in the scoring ranks this season, Crew forward/midfielder Dominic Oduro made a strong case for a selection to the MLS All-Star team with his team-leading eight goals so far in 2013. Although disappointed not to be headed to the MLS All-Star Game against AS Roma in Kansas City on July 31, the eight-year veteran respects the process of selecting the 20-man roster by a mixture of a fan vote, FIFA promotion, All-Star Game Head Coach Peter Vermes and two Commissioner's selections.
"I've been in this League awhile, and it is what it is," Oduro said of the process. "The League has its way of choosing All-Stars and you've got to respect it."
2013 marks the third-straight season a Crew player will not appear in the All-Star Game. Having played in two All-Star Games himself, Head Coach Robert Warzycha believes every club should be represented in the event.
"I think that it would be good for every team to be represented and be at the All-Star Game, but if it's not, what can you do?" the former Polish International said. "[The All-Star Game] is an experience. You're playing against AS Roma, who is a very good club. You can measure yourself against the best players."
Oduro won't let the snub affect him, however, as he is motivated for an even better second half of 2013. On-pace for a career-high in goals, the Ghanaian is focused on being more consistent in the Crew's remaining 15 matches.
"I have to keep focused," the speedster said. "I have to hunt for those goals. I need those goals. I don't need one, but I need more than one in a game. That will keep me going.
"I also don't like the fact that I'm scoring every other game or every other two games. I need that consistency. I'm not saying it's going to be easy, but I think I have to also look at the fact that I have to do my job right: that's scoring. I have to put myself in the right position. If I can't score, I have to try as much as possible to help my team win."
In seventh place and six points out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, the Crew is desperate to find a winning form. Oduro's pace up top and nose for goal will be a key ingredient in the Black & Gold's aim for success.
"With the second half starting, we have to focus," he said. "We have to win games, we're on the outside looking-in. We need every bit of points we can get right now."
Oduro and the Crew will get their chance to move up the Eastern Conference table when they host the sixth-place New England Revolution on Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET / FOX Sports Ohio), who currently sits one point ahead of the Black & Gold.
