KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Jimmy Conrad has come a long way in his 11-year professional soccer career. From being passed over in the 1998 MLS draft after his senior season at UCLA to playing in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and becoming "the face of Kansas City" as teammate Josh Wolff put it in regards to Conrad's prominent media presence at the league and local level, Conrad has been there.
Yet, he takes nothing for granted, even his fifth consecutive MLS All-Star selection announced last week.
"It's never routine. It was a welcome surprise. Anytime you have a chance to represent the league in a competition like that it's a nice honor," said Conrad. "To be voted in by your peers, coaches, the fans and media is fun as well. I'm excited to represent the Kansas City Wizards."
The right to represent Major League Soccer in the annual All-Star Game is earned by only 18 out of a league stocked with some 350-plus players. Clearly, the one-time A-Leaguer is not just another player.
"I've said from day one, I think Jimmy is the best central defender in Major League Soccer. He proves it on a daily basis, said Wizards' head coach Curt Onalfo. "I'm extremely pleased for him."
Conrad's selection also points to the pride he takes to the field each and every time he walks onto it. The All-Star Game at Toronto FC's BMO field on Thurs., July 24, comes at the end of a very packed schedule -- six games in 14 days -- and ahead of what will be an intense second half of the season as the Wizards scramble to make the playoffs.
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Add that the Temple City, Calif. native recently suffered a foot injury he has been playing through, and the tone of his approach to the match versus English Premiership side West Ham United is admirable.
"It's more of a fun thing. There's nothing on it, as much as just pride and trying to play well for the league," said Conrad. "I expect to play at least a half, if not more. It's fun. It will be a fun environment. You don't really get tired in those games because everybody's buzzing around."
As anyone who has watched the MLS stars defeat Mexico's Chivas de Guadalajara, Celtic FC and other Premiership teams in Fulham and Chelsea in the past, the All-Star Game will be a hard-fought contest. As Conrad plays with his usual intensity, skill, and wisdom, look closely. The only difference one might notice is that his joyous smile will only show more often.
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