Revolution striker Pat Noonan has bounced around like a pinball this season. Rising to prominence as a striker who couldn't miss at the tail end of last season, Noonan has found things tougher during his second season in MLS.
Noonan has fought through patches of rough form, the loss of fellow strikers Joe-Max Moore and Taylor Twellman for significant periods of time, and an ever changing role in the team to lead the Revolution with six goals (tied with Clint Dempsey) and fifteen points. Those numbers were enough ensure selection to the Eastern Conference All-Star team as a reserve.
"Without a doubt, it is a good feeling," said Noonan of his recognition as one of the premier players in the league.
The second-year forward was unsure of the particulars of his All-Star nod, but he notes that the honor of suiting up alongside a variety of internationals for the Eastern Conference is a huge honor.
"I couldn't tell you," said Noonan. "Maybe someone out there likes me and likes my style. I'm honored. There are plenty of great players on our team and in our league that did not make the All-Star Game."
Revolution manager Steve Nicol believes that Noonan has been affected by the Revolution's need to shift him around to fill the holes created through injuries.
"I think of all the players in our squad, Noonan has suffered the most," said Nicol. "We have asked him to player out of position so much, playing him wide-left, wide-right, in the middle and up top. When you are changing your position around so much, it is tough to find consistency. People forget that he's only in his second year in the league. We have asked a lot of him."
Noonan is even looking past the All-Star Game and towards the second half of the season. The former Indiana star notes that his side need to find a killer instinct in order to charge towards a playoff berth.
"We need to find our killer instinct," said Noonan. "In our last two games, we should have had six points. At this point, we have no choice but to start winning games if we want to make the playoffs. We have no excuse not to make the playoffs."
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
