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It's clear that if you're talking about MLS Homegrown players, the Chicago Fire's very own Harry Shipp comes very near the beginning of the conversation. Today, MLS Homegrown Team coach Landon Donovan named Shipp to the 22-man squad set to face Club America's U20 side on Tuesday, July 28 as a part of MLS All-Star festivities. The honor is Shipp's second in as many years.
The Lake Forest native has followed an All-American career at Notre Dame with a bravura start to life as a professional. In 52 league appearances as a pro, Shipp has collected 9 goals and 11 assists.
Hot (Time) take
It will be interesting to see how Lando envisions Shipp's game - one constant complaint throughout Yallop's tenure is that he's misusing a unique talent by forcing him to cover too much ground playing on the wing. Will Donovan put Shipp in his preferred role in the hole behind the strikers?
It's a bit concerning that Shipp is going to incur two extra days of travel and some game-time in the middle of a very crowded stretch of the Fire's schedule. If anything, Harry has looked for the last month like a guy who needs a couple days off - his immaculate first touch turning a bit pedestrian, the range of his ideas blunted by fatigue. Here's to hoping Shipp plays well in limited minutes, and comes home nice and healthy.