Hans Backe told reporters earlier this week that Heath Pearce would likely be back for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Union, but reading between the lines on Dave Martinez's post about Pearce dropping out of the All-Star Game, it seems Pearce won't be ready this weekend.

Pearce's presence would've been nice, with the Saturday game the third act in the three-games-in-six days gauntlet before the all-star break. He, along with Rafael Marquez, could have spelled any of the players along the back line or even Dax McCarty in the holding midfield position.

But he won't be.

As for Pearce's replacement on the MLS squad that will face off against Chelsea FC next week?

MLS All-Star coach Ben Olsen replaced him with San Jose Earthquakes defender Justin Morrow on Thursday. Morrow has been a major part of the Earthquakes resurgence. A 2010 second round pick, he has quickly become a vital cog in San Jose's backline, helping the team secure the best record in the league (13-4-4).