Ethan Finlay (Marshfield) had to wait a little longer than some observers thought he should have, but the Columbus Crew SC midfielder made the Major League Soccer All-Star Game roster for Wednesday night's match against Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in Commerce City, Colo.
The game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park kicks off at 8 p.m. on Fox Sports 1.
Finlay, who turns 25 next week, was one of five players named to the MLS roster on Tuesday in place of five who withdrew due to injury. He's believed to be the third Wisconsin native selected for an MLS All-Star team, following Jesse Marsch (Racine Case) in 2001 and Jay DeMerit (Green Bay/Bay Port) in 2012.
A fourth-year pro, Finlay is having a big season after a breakthrough 2014 campaign. He leads MLS with 12 assists and has seven goals in 22 appearances in 2015, and has 18 goals and 19 assists in his past 45 games dating to last season.
"It's an incredible honor. It's extremely humbling," Finlay said of being named an All-Star. "I was excited (when I found out) – I think I was speechless in the moment." (Watch interview)
Finlay had a goal and an assist, but the host Crew had to settle for a 3-3 draw against Toronto FC on Saturday. (Watch highlights below) His goal in the 47th minute gave Columbus a 3-0 lead, but the visitors stormed back to share the points.
On Twitter: @EthanFinlay13
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